Allen 'Red' Gagnon; known for clam shack that drew travelers in Wiscasset, Maine; at 71

Flowers were placed on the serving counter of Red's Eats in Maine after the death of the owner, Allen "Red" Gagnon. (Pat Wellenbach/associated press)

WISCASSET, Maine - Allen "Red" Gagnon, whose informal coastal eatery "Red's Eats" was known far and wide, has died, but his business will go on.

Mr. Gagnon died at age 71 of respiratory failure at Central Maine Medical Center on June 13 in Lewiston. He was to be buried yesterday.

But his daughter, Debbie Cronk, said Red's Eats will continue in the shack that is a landmark to thousands of people who pass through town along US Route 1.

A former shipyard worker who also owned a trailer park and pizzeria, Mr. Gagnon bought a trailer-size shack in 1977 that became known for its lobster rolls. It has been featured on national television networks, including CNN and NBC, and in magazines, including National Geographic.

Mr. Gagnon, who had been hospitalized since February, was remembered as a regular guy who was friendly and enjoyed working around people.

"He was the first person to come by and welcome me my first day on the job," said Arthur Faucher, Wiscasset's town manager.

"My dad was the kind of guy who'd talk to anyone," said his daughter. "He was interested in people, so while they would wait in line, he'd ask them questions, start a conversation."

When Mr. Gagnon established Red's Eats, it was much like the many other clam shacks that dot Maine's coast.

But his outgoing demeanor and rolls bulging with lobster meat set his business apart from others.

Marked by a stack of lobster traps, an American flag, and a red-and-white awning, Red's Eats became so popular that lines often snaked around the walk-up shack and down Main Street.

People came for hamburgers, hot dogs, onion rings, and especially lobster rolls. Maine humorist Tim Sample told WCSH-TV that Red's Eats became so popular with people "from away" because of the good food, but also because it represents the kind of place so many remember from the past, "the kind of place that's becoming rare in the modern world."