The Surprising New Life Of Cole Farms: What Happened To The Iconic Gray, Maine Restaurant After It Closed?
Few places in Maine hold the same nostalgic weight as Cole Farms. For nearly seven decades, this sprawling roadside diner in Gray served as an essential stop for travelers and a beloved gathering spot for generations of Mainers, known for its hearty comfort food and classic New England charm. The news of its permanent closure sent shockwaves through the community, marking the end of a significant era in Southern Maine’s dining landscape. As of today, December 23, 2025, the building’s story is far from over, having undergone a series of surprising transformations that few could have predicted.
The final curtain fell on the beloved institution on January 13, 2020, after 68 years of continuous operation at 64 Lewiston Road. While the closure was an emotional and difficult decision for the owners, the subsequent life of the property—from a brief stint as a house of worship to a popular brewpub and now a potential site for a cannabis storefront—is a fascinating study in local real estate and changing consumer trends.
The Legacy and Long History of a Maine Institution
The history of Cole Farms is a classic American success story, starting from humble beginnings and growing into a regional landmark. The restaurant was established in 1952 on a highly visible spot in Gray, Maine, quickly becoming a fixture on the busy Route 26.
It was co-founded by brothers, including Warren Cole, and was initially little more than a roadside hamburger stand before expanding into the large, multi-faceted establishment that Mainers came to know.
The business remained family-operated throughout its entire 68-year run. The final owner, Brad Pollard, grew up in the business, having been only 10 years old when his family first opened the doors.
The restaurant was a true institution, serving as a hub for locals, a convenient stop for tourists heading to the mountains or lakes, and a place where friends and neighbors could always count on a cup of coffee and a slice of pie.
The decision to close was described by Pollard as "tough and emotional." The primary reasons cited for the closure included the increasing challenges of the changing business climate, which made it difficult to sustain the large-scale operation while maintaining its traditional, value-conscious model.
The Essential Comfort Food: Cole Farms' Famous Menu Items
Cole Farms earned its reputation not through culinary innovation, but through consistency, value, and a deep commitment to traditional Maine favorites and home-cooked comfort food. The menu was a nostalgic trip for many patrons, filled with dishes that defined New England dining. These dishes are now a cherished memory for those who frequented the Gray landmark.
- American Chop Suey: This was arguably one of Cole Farms' most famous and beloved dishes. The regional staple, made with elbow macaroni, ground beef, and a savory tomato-based sauce, was a must-try for many first-time visitors and a weekly requirement for regulars.
- Boiled Dinner: Demonstrating its commitment to classic New England fare, the restaurant often featured a boiled dinner night, a traditional dish of corned beef, cabbage, and root vegetables.
- Baked Haddock: Reflecting its location in the Pine Tree State, the baked haddock was a consistent favorite, served fresh and simply prepared.
- Chicken Pot Pie: The homemade chicken pot pie was another item that epitomized the restaurant’s dedication to hearty, satisfying meals.
- Liver and Onions: Catering to its older, loyal customer base, classic dishes like liver and onions were also mainstays on the extensive menu, alongside newer additions like brick oven pizza.
The sheer variety of the menu, from breakfast staples to a full bakery and pub, solidified Cole Farms' role as a go-to eatery for any time of day and any member of the family.
The Surprising New Life of the Cole Farms Location (2020–2025 Update)
The physical building at 64 Lewiston Road, the former home of Cole Farms, has had a surprisingly dynamic life since the restaurant's closure in January 2020. This property, which was a dining destination for nearly 70 years, has become a revolving door for new businesses, reflecting the high potential of the location.
Following the closure, the expansive property was briefly occupied by a church, a quiet and temporary transition for the former bustling commercial space.
The first major commercial venture to take over the site was a popular local establishment named Trails 'N Ales. This family-owned business opened in the former Cole Farms building at the end of 2021. It successfully transformed the space into a restaurant and bar, serving delicious food and brews, offering a new kind of gathering place for the community.
However, the Trails 'N Ales chapter was also short-lived. The business eventually moved to a new location in North Windham, leaving the iconic building vacant once more.
The most recent and perhaps most surprising development for the property involves an application for a cannabis caregiver storefront. This proposal, which was expected to be heard by the local committee, signals a significant shift in the site's commercial use—from a classic family diner to a potential hub for the burgeoning cannabis industry in Maine.
This ongoing cycle of change underscores the legacy of Cole Farms. While the restaurant itself is gone, the highly desirable property in Gray continues to be a focal point for new investment and community development. For Mainers, the location will always be synonymous with the comforting smell of fried clams and the taste of homemade American Chop Suey, a poignant reminder of the decades of memories made at the iconic roadside stop.
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