Recipe for resurrection

Diner lovers mourned in December 2023, when Ruth’s Family Restaurant in Augusta, Georgia announced that after more than a half-century in business, it was closing for good. “Y’all come on in and get some grits while you still can and let us say goodbye,” bade their Facebook farewell post, which drew 356 comments and was shared by 780 people. Owners Pete and Dee Garland, who came on board in 2011 (The original Ruth Goodbread was gone by then), said they wanted to retire; and besides, it didn’t look like they were going to be able to renew the lease.

“Our salmon croquette restaurant is closing,” grieved one fan on social media.