Don's Lunch Van, Est. 1976 by Don and Yvonne Richards of Westbrook
1976- Apple Computer Company was formed, gas cost 59 cents, and Don’s Lunch Van was born. It was the year that Don Richards decided to become his own boss after years of working as the Meat Manager at Shaw’s Supermarket. His wife, Yvonne had owned and operated Ann’s variety from 1974-1976 and had agreed that the time was right for a change of pace. Don had always had a dream of running a food business in which he could incorporate his prior experience as a butcher. After purchasing a box truck and converting it into a functioning kitchen on wheels, Don and Yvonne’s dreams were able to become reality. When the Muffler shop on Main Street in Westbrook, Maine closed up for the night, Yvonne pulled in and started serving up Big Ones and hot dogs until the early hours of the morning. In 1979, Don and Yvonne purchased a newer box truck that had already been converted into a food service vehicle. That lasted until 1986 when they bought the 1978 Winnebago that is still in use today. Updates to the vehicle may have occurred throughout the years, but the delicious food, great service, and friendly faces remained the same. However, retirement from the business was inevitable. After almost 25 years of serving customers, Don and Yvonne decided it was time to move on. They sold Don’s Lunch Van to their then employee, Bill Bombard. After letting go of the business Don enjoyed the following years until he passed away in January of 2004. Yvonne continues to work hard and recently relocated to Arizona.
Bill Bombard owned the business for twelve years until Don and Yvonne’s son Jim Richards decided that he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps and continue the legacy. When his parents were ready to sell Don’s Lunch in 2000, Jim was busy raising his three children and living the life of a family man. He felt that it was not the right time in his life to take on such responsibility. In 2012 however, with his son, Justin, off in college, his two daughters, Ashlee and Amber, well into high school, and his wife, Gerri, holding a secure job as a head teller at a bank, Jim felt that the time was right. On August 14, 2012 Don’s Lunch Van reopened under the management of the original family. Striving to further his mother and father’s dreams, Jim’s focus is to provide customers with the fast and friendly service that his parents were once granted the opportunity to provide. Even though Don and Yvonne may not be involved anymore, their vision remains. Jim envisions Don’s Lunch Van as a place to make lifelong memories, make lifelong friends, and get a delicious burger in the process.
