Jim Gibson knew what he was going to see, but it did not stop him from looking at what was posted on the door and taking a view inside the window. Gibson, from Gilmer County, was making a weekly trip to Harrison County to do some shopping and wanted to stop and look at a place he had eaten at for years.

 

“I heard it was closed for sure from a friend; permanent this time,” said Gibson. “I was hoping they would open back up after all of this (pandemic). It was part of my trips up here to shop. I’ll miss it.”

 

What Gibson will miss is Ryan’s, a chain restaurant buffet that has been a staple in Clarksburg for decades. The restaurant has been situated, visible from Interstate 79, at the Eastpointe Shopping Plaza.

 

While many restaurants were able to handle curbside, delivery and pickup options, Ryan’s situation was trickier. As a buffet, options were limited. Eventually, it led to the closure of operations.

 

According to City of Clarksburg Marketing and Community Relations Specialist Dominique Spatafore, Ryan’s had been open for nearly two decades. The business began operations on Oct. 18, 2000.

 

“We do not have an official close date,” said Spatafore via email from early last week. “They haven’t contacted us since they closed.”

 

Another buffet is also not operating within eyesight of Ryan’s. The Grand China Buffet, which is a locally owned business, started up operations in June before shutting back down. A sign on their door says that they will reopen when self-serving is allowed for buffet style restaurants. When that happens is unknown as they say the can not "operate properly" under current guidelines.

 

Also unknown is where Jim Gibson is going to eat in the future during his several trips to Harrison County each month.

 

“I’ll have to find another stop. The good new is there are plenty of choices here in Clarksburg and Bridgeport,” Gibson said.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows the sign located on the main entrance to the now former Ryan's Restaurant/Buffet at Eastpointe.