Courtesy / Cole Farms
A 1956 photo shows Cole Farms restaurant when it was little more than a hamburger stand.
December 31, 2019
Cole Farms, a dining destination in Gray for nearly 70 years, to close
Courtesy / Cole Farms
Cole Farms, a casual restaurant in Gray that has been in business since 1952, will close Jan. 13.
By Staff
A landmark in Gray and a go-to eatery and gathering place for generations of Mainers, Cole Farms is closing after 68 years in business.
Jan. 13 will be the last day for the restaurant, pub and bakery at 64 Lewiston Road, according to the Cole Farms website.
“It’s been hard to weather recent changes and we can no longer operate Cole Farms like we have in the past,” owner Brad Pollard wrote in a letter on the site. “It’s with a heavy heart that I announce that it’s time to say goodbye.”
Pollard’s family opened Cole Farms in 1952 as a small roadside hamburger and ice cream stand. Over the years, it grew into a 300-seat establishment that includes banquet rooms and serves up lunch and dinner seven days a week, with breakfast on weekends.
The menu is filled with home-cooked comfort food: chicken wings, pizza, meatloaf, fried seafood and more.
Cole Farms has about 70 workers and has employed thousands of local residents. It’s also been an active supporter of civic groups and sports teams in Gray and neighboring towns.
“As one of Gray’s largest employers, Cole Farms has been a positive and vital economic influence on our community and surrounding area,” wrote Pollard, who said he began working for the family business at age 10, almost 50 years ago.
Although perhaps out of step with the growing number of trendy restaurants in the Portland area, Cole Farms continues to draw loyal patrons.
News of the closure generated dozens of comments on social media. Most were supportive and expressed fond memories, such as the Facebook post from Shipyard Brewing Co. founder and CEO Fred Forsley, who worked at Cole Farms for three years while growing up in Gray.
“So many great memories,” Forsley posted. “Cole Farms hit close to 70 years. They supported the community and built community. Many workers and patrons supported this effort. Thank you to the Cole family and Pollard family and all the employees for all you have done for the town of Gray.”
In his letter, Pollard didn’t say what will become of the restaurant site. “Cole Farms is a great property with a lot of potential,” he wrote. “Perhaps someone with vision and fresh ideas can transform it into something new that can serve the community for another 68 years.”
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