BETTENDORF, Iowa — Quad Cities institution Ross' Restaurant has closed its doors after nearly 85 years. Known for its late-night grub and breakfast, Ross' became synonymous with the 'Magic Mountain,' a layer of ground beef, piled high with fries or hash browns and topped with melted cheese.
"I've been involved in it for 50 years. I don't know a world that exists without Ross'," said Melissa Freidhof-Rodgers, a granddaughter of the original owner.
Open since 1938, Ross' served hundreds of thousands of customers including former President Barack Obama. Freidhof-Rodgers and her family then flew to New York City to be on the Rachel Maddow Show after that occurred.
Melissa's mother Cynthia passed away in November, a main reason for the restaurant closing. Ross' was forced to move to a new Bettendorf location in 2015 with the arrival of the new I-74 bridge.
"It felt very much like a home setting," said Maria Bribriesco, a customer of more than 40 years. "I remember taking my three sons when they were little, from right after Sunday mass, and we'd have that large cinnamon roll, and then I would order my favorite Bettendorf omelet."
Unbeknownst to diners until they received their check, every meal was on the house Monday.
'It's so touching to me to think about my grandfather's legacy," Freidhof-Rodgers said. "He was the American dream. He served in the war, came home, and started a restaurant that means so much to people."
The family hopes to open a smaller restaurant in a couple of years to continue serving some Ross staples to the community.
According to Ross' website, numerous celebrities and politicians made a stop at the restaurant over the years.
- President Barack Obama
- Jimi Hendrix
- Chuck Berry
- Johnny Cash
- Celebrity Chef Alton Brown
- Vice President Joe Biden
- Bette Midler
- Green Day
- Styx
- Will Ferrell
- Keith Urban
- Moody Blues
- Bill Murray
- QCTimes Columnist Bill Wundram
- Presidential Candidate Rand Paul
- Chad Pregracke
- American Picker Frank Fritz
- Former Presidential Candidate Newt Gingrich
- American Picker Frank Fritz
- Newscaster Rachel Maddow
- Presidential Candidate Ron Paul
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