Rip’s Cafe honored for 80 years of business

HONORED: Ray Repasky (left) and Janet Morris (center) were given a resolution from Council-at-Large Mike Patrick (right) and Struthers City Council honoring Rip’s Cafe for 80 years of business in the city. The Youngstown-Poland Road restaurant-bar was opened after Prohibition ended in 1933. According to the resolution, Rip’s was issued the first liquor license in the city after Prohibition and originally opened at 114 Bridge Street. The original Rip’s Restaurant was opened by George Repasky Sr. and his sons, John and Joe. George Sr. was shot and killed during a robbery in 1935. The business moved to 614 Youngstown-Poland Road in 1958. The current Rip’s family consists of Ray Repasky, Janet Morris, Patty Norman and Dan and Marilyn Watt. The Watts have managed Rip’s Cafe since 2004.