Story by Savannah Jones
CHEAT LAKE W.Va. –- Locals gathered at beloved family-owned restaurant Ruby and Ketchy’s Friday to celebrate its last day of service after a 66-year run in Cheat Lake.
The restaurant, which opened in 1958 across from the Morgantown Speedway, announced it would close its doors and reside under new management last week. Monongalia County Resources shared a photo of the owner’s announcement via Facebook.
“You, our customer family, have been the most loyal and supportive community. Our gratitude and sincere thanks to all of you. It has been a privilege to know all of you, your families and friends.” a sign outside the restaurant read.
The restaurant is known not only for its “‘old-fashioned food” but also for its friendly waitstaff, some of whom have worked at the restaurant for over 40 years.
Judy Kennison has served at Ruby and Ketchy’s for 46 years and she said the customers will always hold a special place in her heart.
She said she plans to stick around if the restaurant does reopen under new management but will always miss the original owners, Ruby and Wilbur “Ketchy” Nicholson.
“It’ll probably always be Ruby and Ketchy’s to us, even though they changed the name,” she said.
Cindy Redmond shared a bite to eat with a friend to commemorate the restaurant’s last day and said she too has fond memories of the restaurant’s owners.
“I remember seeing Ruby back there cooking and Ketchy chit-chatting with the folks at the bar, and just the nostalgia of the whole place. I’m gonna miss that,” she said.
Redmond said she has been coming to the restaurant since she was a child when the Morgantown speedway was across the street. She recommended the buckwheat cakes, saying they tasted just like her grandmother’s recipe.
Father-and-daughter duo Ray and Abby Sanders also came to share one last meal at Ruby and Ketchy’s. Both said they have been coming to the restaurant since childhood.
“I’ve been coming here since I was a child, probably 55 years maybe, and it’s never changed,” Ray Sanders said.
Abby Sanders said she would miss the food, but also the friendly waitstaff.
“The waitstaff is beyond nice, and I’ve known them since I can remember because I’ve been coming here since I can remember,” Abby Sanders said.
Ray Sanders said he is curious to see what the new ownership has in mind for the place and is willing to give it a try.
Jim Truman said he’s always enjoyed the restaurant, specifically their breakfast food. He said the restaurant reminds him of his younger days.
“[I] certainly love the place, and it carries so many memories of coming here when I was really young and then carrying that forward here,” he said. “I mean, you look around in here and you look at this wood paneling and the stories that are stuck back in there.”
The restaurant will close its doors Friday, and plans for reopening have not been announced.