Our History
Our Story
The Golden Rooster has anchored Main Street in Saco, Maine since 1967. What began as a small fried chicken takeout grew into a family-owned, all-day breakfast and lunch institution known for made-from-scratch cooking, generous portions, and a Greek menu the Rizeakos family has served with pride since 1985.
From a cobbler shop to a Saco landmark
In 1967, Newman Bagley opened the Golden Rooster in a former cobbler shop on Main Street. He first ran it as a fried chicken takeout, and that is where the name was born. As regulars kept coming back, they convinced Mr. Bagley to set out a few tables and pour coffee and doughnuts. The Rooster kept growing, eventually taking over the neighboring barber shop, Romeo's, to make room for the crowd.
A family takes the helm
After Mr. Bagley retired, John Lally carried the Rooster forward, holding to the home-cooked food and easy, friendly service regulars counted on. Since 1985, the Golden Rooster has been owned and operated by the Rizeakos family, who brought the traditional Greek dishes and pastries the menu is loved for today, from spanakopita and gyros to avgolemono soup and baklava. In those years the Rooster was also known for its Greek Night, a beloved tradition that became part of the restaurant's history.
The year the Rooster went all in for the Patriots
In January 1997, with the Patriots headed to Super Bowl XXXI, owner Chris Rizeakos turned the Rooster into a Patriots shrine. Pom-poms hung like string lights, jerseys and banners covered the walls, and a Big Tuna sandwich led the specials board. Former Thornton Academy quarterback Lance McNabb even painted the Patriots emblem on the Main Street window. The Journal Tribune wrote it up under the headline, Rizeakos puts Super spirit in Saco eatery.
Good neighbors on Main Street
The Rooster has always been part of Saco, not just on it. The restaurant earned the Saco Spirit Award in June 2015 for its generosity and community kindness, and through Sweetser's 2000 Hour Club it gave students from Sweetser Children's Services real pre-vocational experience, more than 2,200 hours over eleven years.
Today
More than five decades in, the Golden Rooster is still family-run and still on Main Street, serving all-day breakfast and lunch, plus the Greek favorites that keep Saco coming back. Dinner is served on Thursday evenings.
From the Archive
From the Archive
A look back through the years.
Come be part of the story
Browse the full menu or order online for pickup. We would love to feed you.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is the Golden Rooster?
The Golden Rooster has served Main Street in Saco, Maine since 1967.
Who owns the Golden Rooster?
The Golden Rooster has been owned and operated by the Rizeakos family since 1985.
Is the Golden Rooster family owned?
Yes. The Golden Rooster is family-owned and has been run by the Rizeakos family since 1985.
Where is the Golden Rooster located?
The Golden Rooster is on Main Street in downtown Saco, Maine.
Does the Golden Rooster serve Greek food?
Yes. The Rizeakos family introduced traditional Greek dishes and pastries, including spanakopita, gyros, avgolemono soup, and baklava. Greek Night was part of the Rooster's history; today the restaurant welcomes guests on Thursday evenings.