The Don’s Lunch van has been sold to Westbrook resident Craig Bernier, who plans to restore the vehicle and reopen the business in the city.

The 1978 GMC van used for the past 14 years by Don’s Lunch had only been on the market since Friday, when owners Bill and Nancy Bombard listed it for $25,000.

The business was shut down in early February, owing $4,400 in state sales tax to Maine Revenue Services. According to Bombard, Jim Richards, the son of original owner Don Richards, used owner financing to buy the business from him in 2012, but after it was shut down, the van reverted to Bombard.

Bernier said he anticipated the sale of the van would be finalized Wednesday night. He plans to restore the vehicle to driving condition, but admitted the vehicle needs “a lot of work.”

He said he plans to work on the van during nights and weekends, which could take some time to complete.

“Even the frame is rusted,” he said, adding that he’ll sandblast it, do some welding work, and replace old parts like brakes. “I’m definitely taking a chance, but I do want to get it all in working order, and get it mobile again.”

Bernier, 44, said there are a few potential locations he’s looking at to house the business, including a Main Street lot, but said he’s still ironing out details. He said the added mobility could be useful if he has to rotate locations.

Bill Bombard said Wednesday that he and his wife are excited about the sale of the van, and for Bernier’s plans. Bombard said they decided on Bernier because he was a lifelong customer and a Westbrook resident.

“He’s a huge fan of Don’s Lunch and he said he had been coming there since he was in kindergarten,” Bombard said. “When he’s done, it will look like it just rolled off the assembly line in 1978.”

Don’s Lunch was first opened in 1976 by Richards and his wife, Yvonne, who owned it until the Bombards purchased the business in 2001, and used the van, which was formerly used by Rapid Ray’s in Saco.

When the van went up for sale Friday, Bombard said there was immediate interest.

“The phone hasn’t stopped ringing for three days now,” he said.

When he saw Don’s Lunch for sale, Bernier said, he “absolutely” thought the business should stay in Westbrook.

Since the business closed, Bombard moved the van into storage, and said he’s been cleaning up the building behind where the van was located. The building is owned by Direnzo Rentals LLC of Westbrook. According to Bombard, Bernie’s Auto Repair will be taking over the lot, moving from Rochester Street.

The former site of the Don’s Lunch van, at 517 Main St., was empty Wednesday, with only the sign remaining. The business was sold Wednesday to a Westbrook resident who plans to keep the business in town.