About Us
Our Story
Proudly serving Saco since 1967. The Golden Rooster is a family-owned diner on Main Street in Saco, Maine, owned and operated by the Rizeakos family since 1985 — recognized 15 times as the Greater Saco/Biddeford area's Best Breakfast Restaurant.
For nearly six decades, The Golden Rooster has been a fixture on Main Street in Saco — serving quality, homemade food in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Three generations of ownership later, the mission is unchanged: exceptional service, delicious food, and the kind of hospitality that keeps neighbors coming back.
Best Breakfast in the Greater Saco/Biddeford area
Today, The Golden Rooster is proud to be recognized as the Greater Saco/Biddeford area's Best Breakfast Restaurant — an honor we've received 15 times. Guests return again and again for our famous homemade Corned Beef Hash, our extensive selection of Eggs Benedict, and our wide variety of made-to-order omelets.
Made the old-fashioned way
Beyond breakfast, we take pride in preparing our food the old-fashioned way. We serve fresh, hand-cut French fries, fresh chicken that is hand-cut and hand-breaded in-house, and fresh, never frozen burgers made by hand, along with homemade soups, daily specials, and traditional Greek favorites like our homemade Spinach Pie and Avgolemono Soup.
A local favorite for nearly six decades
The Golden Rooster has been a local favorite for nearly six decades. Whether you're visiting for the first time or have been dining with us for generations, we are grateful to welcome you and look forward to serving you for many years to come. We thank you for your continued support and invite you to relax, enjoy a great meal, and become part of The Golden Rooster tradition.
With sincere gratitude
The Rizeakos Family — Justin Quattrone, General Manager.
Our History
Over 50 years on Main Street
From a cobbler shop to a Saco landmark
Established in 1967 by Newman Bagley, The Golden Rooster began as a small cobbler shop on Main Street in Saco. It was later transformed into a fried chicken takeout restaurant, from which the name “Golden Rooster” was born. As the years passed, customers encouraged Mr. Bagley to add tables and expand his menu. The restaurant continued to grow when he acquired the neighboring business, a barber shop known as Romeo's.
A tradition carried forward
Upon Mr. Bagley's retirement, the restaurant was purchased by John Lally, who continued the tradition of serving quality home-cooked meals in a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.
The Rizeakos family, since 1985
Since 1985, The Golden Rooster has been proudly owned and operated by the Rizeakos family. For more than four decades, we have remained committed to providing exceptional service, delicious homemade food, and a warm, family-friendly dining experience built on tradition, quality, and hospitality.
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.
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, which is over 50 years of serving the community.
Is the Golden Rooster family owned?
Yes. The Golden Rooster is a small, family-owned diner, not a chain, and has been owned and operated by the Rizeakos family since 1985.
Where is the Golden Rooster located?
The Golden Rooster is on Main Street in downtown Saco, Maine. Look for the giant rooster sign.
What makes your food different?
We make food from scratch, including our own corned beef, and we serve generous portions at a fair price with fast, friendly service.
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 for dinner on Thursday and Friday evenings until 9 PM.
Which towns do you serve?
We proudly serve Saco, Biddeford, Old Orchard Beach, Scarborough, and Dayton, plus the many visitors who pass through in summer.