News Summary
Ricky’s Drive-In West, a staple in Spartanburg since 1962, has announced its closure, with the last day of service set for June 19. The beloved restaurant, known for its plates, sandwiches, and famous soft serve ice cream, elicited heartfelt responses from patrons and employees alike. Current owner David Clayton emphasized the closure is not due to financial struggles but the pressures of changing industry dynamics. As the community prepares to say goodbye, customers are encouraged to visit one last time and enjoy the iconic chili, before the legacy ends.
Spartanburg – Ricky’s Drive-In West, a beloved local establishment operating since 1962, has announced its impending closure on social media. The restaurant, located at 497 E. Blackstock Road, will serve its final customers on Thursday, June 19, marking the end of 62 years of service to the Spartanburg community.
The announcement has elicited a significant emotional response from longtime patrons and employees, many of whom have enjoyed the restaurant’s offerings, such as plates, sandwiches, and the famous soft serve ice cream. The owners expressed heartfelt appreciation for the support received over the decades, referring to customers as part of the Ricky’s family during this farewell announcement.
Although the quick-service restaurant model has seen tumultuous changes, the current owner, David Clayton, stated that the reason for closing is not due to financial struggles, as the business has remained successful. Clayton has run the location for the past 24 years, following in the footsteps of the restaurant’s founders, the Clayton family, who initially opened “Ricky’s Tasty Freeze” on South Church Street before relocating to various sites.
As Ricky’s Drive-In West prepares to close its doors, patrons are encouraged to visit the restaurant one last time and enjoy their favorite meals. The restaurant has highlighted its chili, which is ideal for freezing and enjoying later, as a must-try item before they cease operations.
The closure comes amidst growing competition in the restaurant industry, particularly for small, family-owned businesses like Ricky’s. Employees, many of whom have been with the restaurant for decades, are feeling the impact of the impending closure. Renea Huggins, a staff member with 38 years of service, has shared the emotional difficulty of this transition for both employees and loyal customers.
Looking ahead, a new restaurant will open at the current location of Ricky’s, although details about the new establishment have not yet been released. Clayton has expressed his intention to retain some of the current employees for the incoming restaurant, providing continuity and job opportunities within the community.
The announcement of Ricky’s closure has surprised many community members who have shared lifelong memories of dining at the drive-in. Regular patrons, like Yogi Smith, a customer and former employee, have expressed their sadness regarding the closure, highlighting the special significance of the restaurant in their lives and reminiscing about the experiences associated with it.
Ricky’s Drive-In West has been more than just a restaurant; it is a nostalgic gathering place for families and friends in Spartanburg. As the community prepares to say goodbye to this cherished venue, many are left reflecting on the communal connections and memories forged over the years.
In a final bid to celebrate its legacy, the owners of Ricky’s invite customers to enjoy their meals one last time before the establishment closes on June 19. The end of an era for this iconic drive-in is approaching, prompting both tears and gratitude as the community remembers their time spent at Ricky’s Drive-In West.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Closure Announcement for Ricky’s Drive-In West in Spartanburg
Ricky’s Drive-In Closes After Long-Standing Service
Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina
- The Post and Courier
- WYFF 4
- Upstate Business Journal
- WSPA
- Wikipedia: Spartanburg, South Carolina
- Google Search: Ricky’s Drive-In
- Google Scholar: Ricky’s Drive-In
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Spartanburg
- Google News: Ricky’s Drive-In closure
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
