InTucker Magazine

Business of the Month – Blue Ribbon Grill

Tucker Restaurant Week is unique, in that it is a true mix of old and new businesses. But one business stands out from the rest as it is both old and new.

“The Blue Ribbon Grill opened in 1985 and has had many owners over the years,” says the restaurant’s newest owner, Jennifer Greene. “We officially started working at the Blue Ribbon Grill on February 1, 2021.”

Blue Ribbon Grill has been serving a devoted clientele in Tucker’s Northlake area for more than a generation. Located between the reimagined Northlake Mall and Briarcliff Village Shopping Center, people don’t flock to Blue Ribbon Grill because of its posh surroundings. Instead, Greene explains, it’s the people and the food that keeps them coming back.

“People love that we have had long-time staff at our place, the longest being Beth at 29 years,” Greene explains. “They call us the ‘Cheers’ of Tucker because our staff knows regulars by their names, what they order and when they come. The food is also a draw and, for some, the drinks as well!”

Greene and her husband took over the restaurant without any formal experience in the industry; she had an advertising background, he was in media operations. Both shared a dream, however, and decided that running a restaurant was the path for them. 

Quickly, the new restaurateurs were hit by the cold reality of COVID.

“For a while, we tried to keep everything the same at the restaurant because that is what most people requested,” Greene recalls. “We had to remove some favorites from the menu because of the rising food costs during the pandemic. We hope people will be patient and realize that we intend to offer those items as specials for now and bring them back when costs go back down.”

One thing the pandemic can’t touch is Blue Ribbon Grill’s signature dish: the meatloaf. Greene says it is one of the menu items that keeps customers coming back for more.

“I would have to say that the pot roast on Wednesdays might even sell more than the meatloaf,” she says. “It is a huge favorite that many love and comes with mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, and glazed carrots. We have people come every week for it.

“For 2022, we plan on adding new items for each season based on foods that are available and loved during those seasons like peas and carrots in the spring or watermelon salad in the summer.”

Blue Ribbon Grill will be participating in Tucker Restaurant Week from February 23-27. You can find them at 4006 Lavista Road or online at www.blueribbongrill.com.