Rib Ranch BBQ Closes After 35 Years

MARIETTA, GA — After three and a half decades serving hungry customers in Marietta, Rib Ranch BBQ is no more.

The restaurant, at 2063 Canton Rd., closed its doors for the final time on Christmas Eve.

"Dinner tonight was one of mixed emotions. I had some of the very last Baby Back Ribs, Brunswick Stew, and Cole Slaw from the Rib Ranch kitchen," one customer wrote on the restaurant's Facebook page. "It is with a heavy heart that I say 'Goodbye', Thank you', and 'Well done' to Ed, Nancy, and the entire staff. It's been great fun! Best wishes for wherever life takes you!"

The Rib Ranch had announced that it would be closing for the last time at 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

"All Good Things...After 35 years, we are closing our business ...," read a Dec. 18 Facebook post. "Thank you so much for your support over the years. You will be truly missed."

Owner David Newman told the Marietta Daily Journal that the owner of the building where the Rib Ranch is located would not extend the restaurant's lease.

For the past several days, longtime customers and former employees had been streaming into the restaurant to have a last meal there, buy mementos and say goodbye.

"I want to thank all the servers, kitchen staff and managers," Barbara Folwell wrote on the Facebook page. "I hired most of you at one time or another or your moms or dads lol. We have had a good run — Great customers and made amazing friends over time. Thank you so much!! You all will always have a special place in my heart and in my family's hearts too."

Folwell, Newman's sister and one of the Rib Ranch's founders, has opened Keithsburg Cafe, a restaurant in Canton that serves some of the Rib Ranch's recipes.

Photo courtesy Rib Ranch BBQ