How an Ogunquit family’s roosters united neighbors and became a symbol for autism awareness

The town says the tin roosters are unauthorized advertising for the family’s Route 1 restaurant, The Omelette Factory — which the LeBlancs dispute. Now, in an act of solidarity, other business owners and residents across Maine are “fostering” Pyper’s roosters. And Pyper’s roosters are starting to become a wider symbol in support of autism awareness. Half a mile down from The Omelette Factory, a rooster peers over the white-fenced balcony of a seafood restaurant called Rose Cove. One of the LeBlanc family’s original roosters keeps watch over Main Street in Ogunquit on the deck of Rose Cove.