Bangor's Tesoro Pizzeria Sold; New Restaurant Coming In Its Place

In the last six years, Tesoro has been bought and sold at least a couple of times. The restaurant, which sits on Harlow Street, was a Bangor landmark for years. Then the long-time, family-run Italian eatery was sold as a turn-key restaurant.

The first buyer, local food and beverage veteran Johanna Harvey, purchased the place in 2018.

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In 2022, Brian Pelletier purchased Tesoro when Harvey sold it saying she needed the time to deal with some health issues.

This past weekend, on the Tesoro New Italian Restaurant Facebook Page, it was announced that the restaurant had been sold, yet again, but this time there are plans underway to change things up a bit, starting with its name.

"Some of you may have heard that Tesoro’s has changed ownership. In a few weeks, Tesoro’s will be closing and in its place will be Lavano’s. An Italian restaurant and lounge offering fresh pasta made in-house, daily. We will have daily specials as well as fun entertainment for the nightlife."

New owners Briar and Dan Jipson, from Stetson, have spent the last decade working in sales and marketing. But with one son in college and another just graduating high school, they were looking to make a change.

"...we now felt it was time for us to take on a new adventure. When we saw that Tesoro was up for sale it seemed like an opportunity to see if we could make the dream of owning a restaurant a reality. At home, we have a small 'farm' with chickens, ducks, and a cow named Mabel so there is never a dull moment. And now with the Lavano’s starting, we’re ready for some excitement and to bring my passion for cooking to the public."

They added that they are looking to hire more staff and that interested applicants can stop in after 3 PM to meet the new owner.

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The new owners say they will honor Tesoro's current treat coupons up until the business changes over.

They're hoping to have a grand opening of the new restaurant, Lavano's, within the next few weeks.

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So when your hungry out-of-state relatives or friends come to our great state, where do you take them for a mouth-watering lobster dinner?

The answer to that often asked question will be top of mind for a lot of Mainers this season, as thousands of tourists, relatives, and friends drive hundreds if not thousands of miles to take in the sights and eat what our state is most famous for, lobster.

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