WISCASSET (AP) – Allen “Red” Gagnon, whose coastal eatery “Red’s Eats” was known far and wide, has died but his business will go on.

The 71-year-old Gagnon died of respiratory failure at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston June 13 and he was buried Friday. But his daughter, Debbie Cronk, said Red’s Eats will continue in the shack that’s a familiar landmark to people passing through town along U.S. Route 1.

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

Gagnon, who had been hospitalized since February, is 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,” Wiscasset Town Manager Arthur Faucher said. Faucher said Gagnon “left a legacy” to Wiscasset.

When he established Red’s Eats, it was much like the many other clam shacks dotted along Maine’s coast. But Gagnon’s outgoing demeanor and rolls bulging with lobster meat set his business apart from others.

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

Marked by a stack of lobster traps, American flag and 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 says they were also drawn by a sense of nostalgia for that special style of eatery.