A Columbus Tradition Since 1957 Ruth Ann’s Restaurant is proud to be part of the rich food history of Columbus, Georgia. The building that is home to Ruth Ann’s was built in 1957 and has operated continuously as a restaurant for nearly 70 years. Originally known as Choppy’s, the restaurant was owned by Mr. Pugh before Ruth Ann purchased it in 1996, carrying forward the traditions and recipes that had become part of the community. In 2006, Ruth Ann sold the restaurant to her daughter, Mary Heisey, keeping the family legacy—and the restaurant’s role in Columbus food culture—in the hands of another generation. In 2009, a devastating fire forced the restaurant to close for four months, but the setback created an opportunity to renovate, refresh, and reimagine the traditional Southern meat-and-three concept. When Ruth Ann’s reopened, the menu evolved to embrace hearty breakfast favorites and classic diner fare, responding to the growing number of tourists and military families visiting this historic Columbus landmark. While the menu has continued to evolve, Ruth Ann’s has remained committed to preserving the traditional cooking methods, recipes, and hospitality that have defined Southern dining for generations—while adding unique and fun creations along the way. Mrs. Ruth Ann passed away in 2021, but her name, spirit, and love of good food continue to live on through the restaurant she helped shape. Today, Ruth Ann’s Restaurant remains a family-owned Columbus tradition, honoring its history while creating new memories for the next generation. For nearly seven decades, the tables at Ruth Ann’s have been a gathering place for families, neighbors, military families, travelers, and longtime friends—and we are honored to continue that tradition.