URGENT UPDATE: An iconic landmark in Aroostook County has officially changed hands. The beloved Burger Boy diner in Caribou, known for its rich history since 1968, was sold at a foreclosure auction on November 24, 2023, for $155,000, according to the Portland-based Keenan Auction Company. The identity of the new owner remains undisclosed due to privacy concerns.
This sale marks the end of a tumultuous chapter for Burger Boy, which has faced significant financial difficulties after defaulting on its mortgage with First National Bank of Damariscotta earlier this year. The diner, a staple in the community, has been a source of local pride and nostalgia, making this auction particularly impactful for residents.
The foreclosure auction was originally scheduled for October 7 but was postponed to November 24. Despite the impending sale, Burger Boy continued to serve customers throughout November, demonstrating its enduring place in the hearts of locals.
Owner Dustin Mancos and his operating company, J.F. Liquidating Corp., are reported to owe thousands in unpaid taxes to both the city of Caribou and the state of Maine. Records from the Southern Aroostook Registry of Deeds reveal that the Maine Department of Labor has filed multiple tax liens against Mancos’ company, with the latest lien dated October 27 for over $12,000 in unpaid unemployment taxes.
Furthermore, Mancos’ company has accrued $2,731.78 in unpaid sales and use taxes and at least $3,851.32 in property taxes, indicating a serious financial strain. In September, a judge at the Bangor District Court ordered Mancos to pay $21,291.94 in debts to Dennis Food Service, a wholesaler based in Hampden.
In a desperate attempt to save the restaurant, Mancos had taken to social media, asking for donations. “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,” he wrote. “This restaurant has soul. It’s a part of Caribou’s identity, and I want to keep it that way.”
Mancos, who bought Burger Boy in 2020 and revamped its interior, previously owned Winnie’s Restaurant in Presque Isle and opened B-52 Pizza in Limestone, both of which have since closed. His vision for Burger Boy was to maintain its nostalgic atmosphere while adding unique touches.
Known for its distinctive sawtooth roof and Googie architecture, Burger Boy has been a beacon of community spirit and culinary delight, particularly famous for its burgers, which were recognized as some of the best in Maine by Down East magazine in 2017.
As the community grapples with this change, the focus now shifts to the future of Burger Boy. Will the new owner maintain its legacy, or will this beloved establishment transform into something entirely different? Residents and former patrons are left to ponder the impact of this sale, which signifies not just a change of ownership, but a pivotal moment in the history of Caribou.
Stay tuned for further updates on the new direction for Burger Boy and its importance to the community.
