PORTLAND — As three of the city’s iconic restaurants, Brian Boru, Lolita and Silly’s, announced their impending closures this month, several others are working to open, expand or relocate, making for a busy time in the city’s food scene.

After more than 30 years, including more than 20 at 40 Washington Ave., Silly’s closed Sept. 1. Brian Boru Public House, a fixture on Center Street for more than 25 years, closed Aug. 26, and Lolita, a Mediterranean restaurant on Munjoy Hill, was shuttered on Sept. 2 after five years in business.

While Brian Boru’s, Lolita and Silly’s have wound down their operations, several restaurants are gearing up in new ways.

Happening Sunday at Bayside Bowl, Freshman Orientation features beers from 14 breweries in a speed-dating format.

Many new breweries have opened in remote corners of the state, some in small communities where there is not much opportunity to get to know fellow brewers or customers outside of their immediate area. And for craft beer lovers, it may be difficult to get to exposed to a newer brewery’s beer if it is not yet being distributed beyond its local area.