Ruby's Diner to Close at the Seal Beach Pier Tonight

After a generation, Ruby's Diner will close at the tip of the Seal Beach Pier Thursday, leaving only the Long Beach and Huntington Beach restaurants for local enthusiasts of the popular 50s establishment.

A dispute with city officials is forcing the iconic Ruby's Diner at the end of the Seal Beach pier to close after 25 years. The nostalgia-themed restaurant will serve its final meals this coming Thursday, according to the Press Telegram. However, the company's diners in Long Beach, Oceanside and Huntington Beach will remain open.

Ruby's officials wanted to change the operation from corporate-owned to an independent franchise. Also at issue was a request to renovate the facility and the 1995 discontinuation of a people-mover service that once transported passengers from the city's Old Town shopping district to Ruby's.

The loss of of the tram cost the restaurant potential revenue, the owner said, while city officials saw ending the tram as a cost-saving measure, the Press-Telegram reported.

``That's business,'' Tad Belshe told reporters. ``From a Ruby's standpoint, we have had a wonderful relationship with the city. I think they are moving in a different direction.''

Seal Beach city officials have said they are already looking for a new restaurant to replace Ruby's.

``The city welcomes the opportunity to partner with a new establishment and will strive to preserve the elements that make visiting the pier a pleasing and desirable destination spot for residents and visitors,'' City Administrator Patrick Gallegos said in a prepared statement.