For over two decades, Ribeyes in Cornelia, Georgia, has been a cornerstone of the community—a place where good food, good times, and good company met. The iconic family-owned restaurant, beloved by locals and visitors alike, is now closing its doors, marking the end of an era. The final day is Saturday, March 29.
Alfred and Lynetta Young, the heart and soul behind Ribeyes, have decided to retire after nearly 50 years of marriage and a lifetime of hard work, dedication, and love for their customers.
A Family Affair
Alfred and Lynetta Young opened the doors of Ribeyes 20 years ago, with a dream to provide a welcoming space where people could gather over delicious steaks, seafood, and drinks. Granddaughter Halie Frankum has worked with her grandparents since she was around 13 years old.
“We first opened in Cornelia where the Ace Hardware is today. The recession hit and times were tough for my family,” Frankum reflected. “My grandparents said we have two options – close our doors, or own-our-own and do the best we can. They chose the second option, bought their own building, and it was the best decision they ever made.”
Over the years, the restaurant became more than just a place to eat—it was a place where families made memories, celebrated milestones, and created lasting connections.
The Young family’s commitment to their business was evident in the fact that their children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren worked alongside them.
The family bond was more than just blood—it was a shared passion for serving their community and making sure everyone who walked through the door felt like family.
“My Aunt Crystal, (Rhinehart), who is like an icon at Ribeyes, truly put her heart and soul into making everyone who came to Ribeyes feel like they were coming to grandma’s for dinner. Everyone knew and loved her,” Frankum explained. Crystal is the youngest daughter of Alfred and Lynette and a huge dose of what made the restaurant so successful.
The Secret Recipe for Success
For close to 30 years, Alfred worked as head management at TC Baycor in Cornelia. Each year when they had the annual employee Barbeque, Alfred would cook the steaks and the consensus was he needed to open a restaurant.
Alfred’s secret recipe for steaks became the stuff of legends in the region. Known for their mouthwatering, perfectly seasoned flavor, no one whose ever had the delectable, savory, bite could leave without coming back. His ribeyes were addictive.
The restaurant was renowned for its unique flavors and quality of dishes that kept customers coming back again and again. The smell of sizzling steaks, the sound of laughter, and the warmth of a friendly greeting from Alfred, Lynetta, Crystal, and Halie made every visit a memorable experience.
But it wasn’t just the food that kept patrons loyal—it was the personal touch. The Youngs made it a point to know their customers by name. Whether it was a regular who came in every Friday for their favorite meal or someone celebrating a special occasion, Alfred and Lynetta always took the time to make everyone feel like they mattered. They knew about their customers’ lives—their joys, their struggles, and everything in between.
A Place for Celebration and Comfort
Ribeyes wasn’t just a place to eat; it was a place where life’s most important moments were celebrated. Birthdays, graduations, engagements, and even the birth of children—if something big happened in a customer’s life, you could count on Alfred and Lynetta to be there, sharing in the joy.
As in life, not all moments are happy. “Some of the toughest moments,” Frankum said, “were when one of our beloved customers would pass away or go through a difficult time or illness.”
The Youngs stood by their customers through the hard times, grieving alongside them during losses and offering comfort in their own special way.
Spending time on the front porch was a treasured memory for many who dined at Ribeyes. The inviting atmosphere gave diners a chance to just sit, relax, and enjoy what made people keep coming back – the sense of belonging and the feeling of being cared for. It was a time to unwind after a long day or catch up with friends. It was a place where stories were shared, laughter echoed, and relationships were built.
The End of an Era
The decision to close Ribeyes was not made lightly. After 20 years of serving the community, Alfred and Lynetta felt it was time to step back and enjoy the fruits of their labor. Their legacy, however, will live on in the countless lives they touched and the memories they helped create.
Many have asked Halie and her husband Tyler to take over and keep it going. “Tyler picked me up for our first date here at the restaurant. I was 16,” Halie reflected. “My grandparents didn’t like him too much at first, but Tyler won them over. He’d jump back there in the kitchen, wash dishes. Now he cooks along side my Pappa on the weekends. Pappa won’t admit it but I know he loves Tyler more than me now!”
Tyler and Halie have three children (Chloe, Mason, and Wyatt) who help in the restaurant and have grown to love working with their grandparents.
The restaurant has provided job opportunities for many in the community and it has supported their family well.
In a heartfelt statement, Alfred and Lynetta shared, “It’s been an honor to serve this community. We’ve watched families grow, seen friends become family, and have had the privilege of being a part of so many special moments. We’re grateful for all the love and support we’ve received over the years.”
Halie added, “We never had to advertise. Our customers kept us opened by word of mouth and a love for gathering here in this special place that we’ve all come to love and call home.”
As Ribeyes closes its doors for the final time, the Youngs will leave behind a lasting legacy of warmth, love, and community. While the restaurant may be gone, the memories and the spirit of what it represented will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to experience it.
“We want to thank all of you for being a part of our family and our restaurant. It was you who made us successful by continuing to come back and enjoy the food and the time together,” the Youngs expressed.
For Cornelia, and for all who called Ribeyes home, the closing of this beloved institution is the end of an era, but it is also a reminder of the power of family, tradition, and the connections we make along the way.
