URGENT UPDATE: The beloved Burger Boy restaurant in Caribou, Maine, has officially been sold for $155,000 at a foreclosure auction this week, marking the end of a tumultuous chapter for this community staple. The auction, conducted by the Portland-based Keenan Auction Company, concluded on November 24 after months of financial distress for the diner, which has been a local favorite since 1968.
The future of Burger Boy came into question earlier this year when it defaulted on its mortgage with First National Bank of Damariscotta. This auction marks a significant turning point, as the restaurant faced mounting debts, including unpaid taxes totaling over $12,000 to the Maine Department of Labor and additional liens from the city of Caribou.
Owner Dustin Mancos, who purchased Burger Boy in 2020, attempted to rally community support through social media in hopes of saving the establishment. “My biggest fear isn’t just losing the building; it’s that Burger Boy could go to auction and be turned into something it’s not,” Mancos expressed, highlighting the restaurant’s deep-rooted place in the community.
Notably, Mancos’ company, J.F. Liquidating Corp., filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection earlier this year, a move that was dismissed just before the auction. This week’s sale follows months of uncertainty, with the restaurant striving to maintain its operations until the auction date.
The restaurant is famous for its classic sawtooth roof and vibrant Googie architecture, serving everything from chicken to seafood, but it is best known for its burgers, which were recognized by Down East magazine as some of the best in the state back in 2017.
As the community processes this significant change, the identity of the new owner remains undisclosed due to privacy concerns. The sale raises questions about the future of the iconic restaurant and its role within the Caribou community.
This developing story underscores the urgency of preserving local culture amid financial struggles. With the auction concluded, all eyes are now on how the new ownership will navigate the legacy of Burger Boy and what it will mean for the community moving forward. Updates are expected as the new owner steps into the spotlight, and the community awaits further developments on this beloved establishment.
