News Summary
Ricky’s Drive-In West, a cherished Spartanburg restaurant since 1962, has announced its closure effective June 19, 2025. Owner David Clayton, who has run the establishment for 24 years, will sell the property while a new restaurant is anticipated. The closure leaves behind a legacy of community and nostalgia as patrons remember their favorite meals and experiences. Longtime staff members express their sadness over the restaurant’s end, emphasizing the emotional connections built with regular customers throughout the years.
Spartanburg, SC – After serving the community for over six decades, Ricky’s Drive-In West has announced its closure, effective June 19, 2025. The beloved restaurant, a fixture in Spartanburg since its establishment in 1962, shared the news on social media, expressing gratitude to its loyal customers for their support throughout the years.
Owner David Clayton, who has operated the restaurant for the past 24 years, sold the property located at 497 E. Blackstock Road. While details remain unclear, a new restaurant is expected to take over the location, with plans for renovations underway. The specific identity of the new establishment has yet to be disclosed, leaving some customers with mixed feelings about the future of the site.
Ricky’s Drive-In West has served as more than just a restaurant; it has been a cherished gathering place for locals. The restaurant’s popularity stemmed from its classic offerings, including hot dogs, chicken strips, and onion rings. Its long-standing history includes previous locations on South Church Street and Union Street, before firmly establishing itself on East Blackstock Road.
Many patrons have fond memories of Ricky’s, including longtime customer Yogi Smith, who recalls the days when his mother worked at the restaurant following his birth. This connection to the establishment has fostered a strong sense of community and nostalgia among its customers. As record numbers of customers visit in recent days for what could be their last meal at Ricky’s, emotions are running high.
Many employees have also expressed sadness about the closure. Renea Huggins, who has worked at Ricky’s for 38 years, reflected on her experiences and noted that several of her fellow workers have served the restaurant for over 25 years. The staff has cherished the relationships built over the years with regular customers, further underlining the deep emotional ties that the restaurant has established within the Spartanburg community.
The announcement of the closure has come as a surprise to many, particularly considering that the business remained financially strong. Clayton emphasized that the decision to close was not due to economic factors but was made with careful consideration. His gratitude towards the community was evident as he acknowledged their loyalty and support throughout the restaurant’s history, indicating that the greatest loss for him will be his customers.
The closing of Ricky’s Drive-In West is reflective of the broader struggles faced by many small, family-owned businesses in today’s market. As competition has increased and consumer tastes have evolved, maintaining viability in a changing landscape has become a significant challenge. While many embrace the convenience of fast food chains and modern dining experiences, establishments like Ricky’s have reigned as local favorites due to their unique offerings and community engagement.
As Ricky’s prepares to close its doors, it leaves behind a rich legacy of service and memory, reminding the Spartanburg community of the importance of supporting local businesses. Patrons will undoubtedly carry the cherished memories of their experiences at Ricky’s Drive-In West into the future as they await the arrival of whatever new venture may emerge at the beloved location.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Ricky’s Drive-In Closes After Long-Standing Service
Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina
- Wikipedia: Drive-in restaurant
- WYFF4
- Google Search: Ricky’s Drive-In closure
- Post and Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant
- WSPA
- 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.
