Workers install siding Tuesday afternoon at Luiggi’s Pizzeria at 63 Sabattus St. in Lewiston. Zach and Keshia Pratt closed on the purchase of the building and business Monday. Until December 2023, the Pratts ran the restaurant boba on Lisbon Street. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

Zach and Keshia Pratt have saved Luiggi’s Pizzeria from extinction, closing on the deal to purchase the building and business this past Monday. Construction crews are already hard at work renovating the space at 63 Sabattus St., for what the Pratts are anticipating will be a December opening.

Until December 2023, the Pratts ran the restaurant boba on Lisbon Street in Lewiston.

The Buzz has been sworn to secrecy not to reveal any of the plans for the restaurant until just before it opens, but the Pratts say they will honor the traditional aspects of Luiggi’s — something that regulars have been anxious about. Luiggi’s classics like meatball subs, Fergies and pizza will not go away.

As part of the renovations, the Pratts are replacing much of the kitchen equipment and have donated three pieces to Kaydenz Kitchen Food Pantry, worth about $6,000, according to the Pratts.

Kaydenz Kitchen is a local, nonprofit organization fighting hunger in the community. The donated equipment will be used in the new emergency warming shelter.

Stay tuned to the Buzz for all the details on the new Luiggi’s in a few weeks for a story you will find only in the Sun Journal.

Workers from QA construction paint the exterior Tuesday afternoon of the former Walgreens at 61 Union St. in Auburn. The city has approved permits to renovate the property for a Dollar Tree store.  Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

Dollar Tree will replace former Walgreens on Union Street in Auburn

The city of Auburn has approved permits to renovate the former Walgreens pharmacy at 61 Union St., which will soon become a Dollar Tree store. Contractors are working at the site, vacated by Walgreens one year ago.

Dollar Tree lists stores in 32 cities and towns in Maine, with some having more than one location. Auburn has a Dollar Tree at 730 Center St. and Lewiston has one at 1035 Lisbon St.

In March, Dollar Tree announced it will close 600 of its Family Dollar locations this year. Dollar Tree acquired Family Dollar in 2015 and operates more than 15,000 stores in 48 states.

Owner of Station Grill buys Uncle Moe’s Diner in Sabattus.

Kathy Lebel stands in 2020 in Station Grill Restaurant, which she opened that year in the historic railroad depot at 103 Lincoln St. in Lewiston in 2020. She recently purchased Uncle Moe’s Diner at 61 Sabattus Road in Sabattus. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

Kathy Lebel has purchased Uncle Moe’s Diner at 61 Sabattus Road in Sabattus.

She is the owner of Station Grill Restaurant at 103 Lincoln St. in Lewiston and the former owner of Schemengees Bar & Grill Restaurant at 551 Lincoln St.

In an online video post on social media over the weekend, Lebel is seen with former diner owners Dan and Ann-Marie Dion in front of the restaurant waving. According to the post, Uncle Moe’s will become Kathy’s Place.

The Buzz offers quick hits about trending area business happenings. Have a Buzzable tip? Contact business writer Christopher Wheelock at 689-2817 or cwheelock@sunjournal.com