Westbrook’s landmark food truck, Don’s Lunch, welcomed back to town

The “Big One” is back on the menu in Westbrook following an almost yearlong hiatus.

The Don’s Lunch van reopened Friday, Dec. 4 on Main Street – this time with new ownership, new location and a slightly revamped menu.

Since purchasing the van in March, new owner Craig Bernier has completely restored the 1978 GMC van into driving condition, and has found a new location at 925 Main St., at the Friendly Discount & Gas lot – not far from the truck’s original location during the 1970s.

On Friday, nearly 100 people showed for an official ribbon-cutting ceremony to reopen the business, which is seen as a Westbrook landmark. Employees dressed as bottles of ketchup and mustard welcomed guests into the parking lot at Friendly Discount & Gas. Mayor Colleen Hilton and other Westbrook officials were on hand to show support for the local business, and many applauded Bernier’s work to save the business.

Bernier purchased the van in March from Bill and Nancy Bombard after state officials shut down the business in February for failing to pay state sales taxes. The van was owned by the Bombards, who had run it for a time but had leased it to Jim Richards, the son of original owners Don and Yvonne Richards, since 2012.

“We owe $4,400,” Justin Richards, son of Jim Richards, said after the closure, referring to state sales tax money owed on the day the state shut down the business. “We got behind, we take the blame for it.”

After the business closed, the truck reverted to the Bombards.

“I’m hoping we can live up to both the Richard and Bombard families, their excellent customer service and traditions,” Bernier said Friday.

The location formerly was Leclerc’s gas station, but last year, the Planning Board approved the lot to be used as a gas station and redemption center by the owners of Friendly Discount. The van is parked in the northeast corner of the lot.

The process in securing the space was complicated by a few complaints from neighbors about the potential for noise near the site. Don’s Lunch has historically been open until early morning hours on weekends, and will continue to be open until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

“This is a really impressive turnout for this local business,” said Hilton during the ceremony. “I think it speaks to the pride.”

Bernier’s son, Sam Bernier, who has developmental disabilities, cut the ribbon during the ceremony Friday. Bernier introduced his son and also pointed out the new menu item, the “Sammy Burger,” and cartoon likeness displayed on the van.

The event was organized by Westbrook resident Phil Spiller, the son of former Westbrook Mayor Phil Spiller Sr.

Spiller read a letter that was sent to Bernier from Gov. Paul LePage, and pulled some strings with his employer, JetBlue, to fly Bernier’s parents from Florida to the ribbon cutting, a surprise to Bernier.

“Strong local businesses like yours are essential to our communities and Maine’s economy,” said LePage in his letter. “There are countless loyal customers that are thrilled to see you bring back this landmark local business.”

Also speaking were Westbrook State Rep. Dillon Bates and City Councilor Mike Sanphy.

Surrounded by family and Westbrook city officials, Sam Bernier, the son of new Don’s Lunch owner Craig Bernier, cuts the ribbon on the revamped food truck Friday. About 100 people braved the cold to get a taste of the popular Westbrook van, closed for nearly a year. Phil Spiller Jr. leads the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Don’s Lunch Dec. 4, as employees dressed as bottles of ketchup and mustard look on. Under new ownership and with a restored van, Don’s Lunch is now operating from the parking lot of Friendly Gas & Redemption, at 925 Main St.

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