FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): A longtime Fort Wayne institution that closed last year is returning, but it will look a bit different when it does.
The owners of The Rib Room closed the restaurant in October due to sagging sales. Public outcry encouraged the owners to serve Rib Room ribs at Nick’s Martini and Wine Bar next door in November on a carry-out basis.
In a Facebook post, the owners of The Rib Room announced that it will renovate and re-open the iconic restaurant by the end of February or early March. This after they tried to figure out what to do with the space. They say the public support for the restaurant’s return helped them decide that “this Fort Wayne tradition should not come to an end.”
The restaurant is being completely remodeled this month, including allowing more natural light to come in to the dining area and having an elevated bar area. There will also be sixteen craft and domestic beers on tap when it re-opens.
Another change will be to its name. Going forward, it will be known as Nick’s Rib Room, which will replace the Von’s in the restaurant’s name and signage. Local chef Christopher Hartwig is also joining and will provide an updated menu that promises to “meld the classics with new fare.”
