About Our

History

Since 1916

Performances from over 100 years ago

Empire Dine And Dance has been located at 575 Congress Street for over 100 years. Yes there have been some breaks here and there however we have an amazing history

107 Years Later

We are back and ready

Portland has always been a place for entertainment and has always been where  Mainer go to see amazing local talented people. We are going to continue that with a hyper force on local creators, producers and many more!

Timeline

1916

The Empire Restaurant

The Empire’s menu offered select dishes from the country’s best American and Chinese restaurants. Lunch was served Monday through Saturday and a special Sunday Table d’Hote lunch until 3:00 p.m. Evening meals were offered a la carte until midnight.

1931

Eddie W. Park becomes owner

Eddie Park was the sole manager from 1921 to 1930 and by 1931 appears to have purchased The Empire, since he was listed in the City Directory as the proprietor from that date until 1953 when it closed its doors.

1953

The Empire Closes

2007

Empire dine and dance reopens

Bill Umbel reopens 575 Congress Street as Empire Dine and Dance and hosts live events almost nightly

2013

Empire becomes Chinese again!

Theresa Chan pruchases Empire Dine and Dance from Bill Umbel and begins serving her fathers tasty Cantonese cuisine

2019

Empire Comedy Club

With the rise in comedy Empire rebrands as a comedy club

Today

Empire Live

We are exited to introduce you to Empire Live!

Hosting An Event?

Whether you’re looking for a great place to have a nice dinner or you want to celebrate an event, we are the perfect place.