LEWISTON – George Simones, whose restaurant became a regular stop for politicians, has died at age 85.

Simones died Saturday with his family at his side at St. Marguerite d’Youville Pavilion, a nursing home, family members said.

Over the years, several candidates kicked off congressional campaigns at Simones Hot Dog Stand. In November 2002, Gov.-elect John Baldacci was there mingling with patrons the morning after he was elected.

Simones, who served in the Air Force signal corps, returned to the family business after World War II and never left.

Simones was the restaurant’s host, working there with his son, James, and his grandchildren until shortly before his death.

“It became the place where you found the Everyman,” said the Rev. Theodore Toppses of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Lewiston.

A funeral will be held Tuesday morning at the church.