An end of an era – Ross’ restaurant closes its doors

The kitchen is now closed at Ross’ restaurant.

Melissa Freidhof-Rodgers is saying goodbye to her family’s legacy. It was her grandfather, Harold Ross, who opened the iconic restaurant next to the I-74 bridge. “I feel like I’m just a ball of emotions,” Freidhof-Rodgers, Ross’ Restaurant employee, said. 

A few years back, Ross’ moved to its Falcon Avenue address to make way for the new bridge.

Last October, co-owners Ron and Cynthia Freidhof announced they were retiring and closing the restaurant. Sadly, Cynthia died just a month later. The Ross’ legacy ends with her daughter and with Harold’s granddaughter.

“I’m so grateful to have been a part of my grandfather’s legacy,” Freidhof-Rodgers said. “What an incredible thing he created. I hope that there is some way he could know how much this place has meant to people.”

Even though the restaurant’s closing was known and expected, it did not make saying goodbye any easier.

“I can’t tell you the number of customers that are not related to me that have been in tears leaving and some who are former employees. Some are not,” Freidhof-Rodgers said. “It’s wonderful to think about what this means to the community, and it really isn’t my family’s. It’s owned by the community. Its been supported by the community.”

Janice Bersluys, customer and former employee, said saying goodbye wasn’t easy when she retired more than ten years ago. Now, it’s even harder.

“I liked it so much that I retired, and I couldn’t handle it, so I went back; I think it was a year later,” Bersluys said. “I said, I can’t handle this. I miss people so much.”  

Ross has seen its fair share of celebrities over the years as well. The restaurant hosted President Barack Obama back in 2011. According to its website, they also had guests like Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Cash and Will Ferrell. The most important customers to the owners, though, were the local community.

“Those relationships that you have with people, I think, are the most important things in life,” Freidhof-Rodgers said. “It has been tough to be here and feel the sadness, but at the same time just to be able to thank people and share memories, those are the most precious things in life.”

“It’s been such a blessing for us to be a part of your family,” Freidhof-Rodgers added.  “We feel like your family and were so grateful and blessed to have known you all and to have all your support. We had a pleasure serving you.”

Owners say this isn’t goodbye; it’s more of a see you later. They hope to open a smaller Ross’ location within the next few years.