December 31, 2007
Last day for Billy's Ritz
Today is the last day that you can dine at an upscale restaurant in downtown Roanoke.
John and Betsy Williams are closing Billy’s Ritz and its gourmet cheese shop, because they’re retiring from the business.
The Williams are in the process of selling two adjoining buildings at 10 Market St. and 102 Salem Ave. that house the restaurant and cheese shop. But John Williams said he will not yet reveal the name of the potential buyer. In August, I reported that a local person had a contract to purchase the property, according to commercial real estate firm, Poe & Cronk Real Estate.
On Jan. 19, there will be an auction at the former Billy's Ritz building to sell its antiques and other furnishings.
John Williams and two business partners opened the restaurant about 27 years ago. Eventually, John and Betsy Williams became the sole owners.
Comments
[January 1, 2008 8:45 PM]
JBI had heard through the grapevine that the owners of Metro and Frankie Rowlands were hoping to go in on an upscale hotel in that space. That's what some servers at Metro were telling customers a few months back, anyway. It's a rumor worth checking out.
[January 4, 2008 5:31 PM]
JennyJB, Thanks for sharing the rumor that you heard about the owners of Metro and Frankie Rowlands being involved in the Billy's Ritz sale. I've been hearing the same information for awhile. I've checked in with these owners, but neither will confirm the news. I'll keep trying to find out the news about the future of this building. Let me know if you hear more information about it.
[January 14, 2008 6:48 PM]
JayI am introducing a series of images from Billy's last days - some were taken around xmas this year... do you think that the Roanoke public is interested?