Ridge Diner closes unexpectedly

Right around noon on Monday afternoon, when Roxborough’s Ridge Diner would normally be serving up turkey clubs and iced tea during its lunchtime rush, the 24-hour eatery was, instead, empty and locked shut with a sign posted on the back door: “Closed for renovations – sorry for the inconvenience.”

A few dull lights shined a faint light on the empty booths and tables inside. A black floor mat was curled up by the door and the soda machine sat, quiet and unused, behind the breakfast bar.

Calls to the Ridge Avenue establishment were disconnected after an automated message reported that the phone number was no longer in service.

Maura Kennedy, a spokeswoman for Philadelphia’s Licenses and Inspections department, said the diner was not closed under L&I’s authority.

The news came as a surprise to one customer who showed up to meet her sister for breakfast. She said she usually stops by the diner every month or so and had no warning of the closure.

Bernard Guet, executive director of the Roxborough Development Corporation, said he was not aware of the closure. He said the establishment has been there for about five years. 

NewsWorks will follow this story as more information becomes available.