According to the Portland Press Herald, the owner of Cole Farms, Brad Pollard, put out a press release saying that while it was not an easy decision, the iconic restaurant in Gray will be closing.

He said it was a tough call to make, but the last day will be January 13.

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Everyone knows Cole Farms. It started as a hamburger and ice cream stand back in 1952 and grew to seat as many as 300. Recently they did some renovations to downsize and change with the times.

They even added brick oven pizza along size the comfort food they are famous for, like liver and onions and baked haddock.

In the press release Pollard wrote,

Since its opening, Cole Farms has served millions of meals to customers just like you. You’ve come to Cole Farms to celebrate with family, discuss business with colleagues, and refuel after basketball games, Little League or dances.  …We’ve been part of your ups and downs, that’s what has made this place so special. We’ve also had the privilege of supporting school sports and civic activities, lending help when needed, not only in Gray, but in several neighboring towns. We’re honored that in return you’ve offered your patronage of Cole Farms for more than seven decades.

 

The restaurant even survived one of the co-founders, Warren Cole, pleading guilty to two counts of child sexual abuse for molesting a boy in 1987, according to the Press Herald. He was sentenced to 6 1/2 years in prison and eventually admitted to abusing more than 20 children, the newspaper reported. That was back in 1992.

He cut all all ties to the restaurant and has since passed away over 15 years ago, the Press Herald stated.

The restaurant was taken over by other family members and has been a place you could always count on for big portions of comfort food at affordable prices.

The newspaper stated that competition, older customers passing away and younger tastes changing played a big part in the decision to close.

Pollard is hoping that someone with 'vision and fresh ideas' can build a new restaurant that will be around for another 68 years, the Press Herald added.

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