The owner of Ruffino's restaurants in Baton Rouge and Lafayette has died.
Ruffin Rodrigue Jr.'s death was announced Wednesday by Ruffino's Restaurant and says that he passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday night.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time," their post reads.
The restaurant says that they will remain open on Wednesday in order to help with guests' Thanksgiving needs. "[to} continuing to Celebrate Life the way Ruffin would have wanted us to."
Ruffino’s is saddened to announce that our owner and founder Ruffin Rodrigue Jr. passed away unexpectedly last night....
Posted by Ruffino's on the River on Wednesday, November 25, 2020
Information on services will be updated when made available.
The restaurant says that prior to his death, Ruffin was a vocal advocate for Louisiana restaurants, fighting for grants and relief for restaurants hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.
Ruffin Rodrigue began his journey with Ruffino's in 1998 with an understanding that he wanted to create something special, and not just another restaurant. His goal was to develop a place where people could come to Celebrate Life, regardless of the occasion.
This philosophy, or way of thinking, can be traced back to Ruffin’s childhood when he often worked with his father preparing graves at the cemetery - teaching him early on how important life is, and that each moment we have to celebrate with friends, family and loved ones is priceless.
As a football player at LSU, from 1986 to 1989, they say Ruffin learned another valuable lesson that would provide the foundation of things to come - that hard work always pays off when you love what you do.
------------------------------------------------------------
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
To reach the newsroom or report a typo/correction, click HERE.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Evening News Headlines, Latest COVID-19 Headlines, Morning News Headlines, Special Offers
