The town of Ripley, New York might only have a population of 2,310, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not home to some of the finest comfort food in the state. Sure, diners are going to have to make a bit of effort to get to Meeder’s Restaurant, but we promise that it will be worth it. Hungry folks from all around Western New York flock to Meeder’s for their combination of comfort food, great service, and amazing homemade pies. It’s truly some of the best comfort food in Western New York. To learn more, keep reading, below.
Meeder’s was started in 1960 by Andy Meeder, who was the original owner of the restaurant. The story goes like this: Meeder attended an auction at a Sunoco gas station, where he only intended to buy a humble washing machine. However, he went home the owner of the entire station!
At first, Meeder’s sold milk and maple syrup products that Meeder sourced from his own farm, and also burgers, fries and cherry Cokes. But then the restaurant grew. At one point, he even set up a grocery store in the building.
In 1984, though, Meeder passed away. It was at that point that his daughter and son-in-law, Millie and Gladyn, took over the establishment. The two changed it around a bit: there is no longer a small dining room at Meeder’s, and there is no longer a grocery store.
In 1990, the duo’s son and daughter-in-law took over the restaurant and later built a banquet room for bigger gatherings, like showers, wedding parties, and memorials. Ownership changed again in 2016. New owners Sheila and Bob Bentley have added plenty of new menu items, but the great spirit of Meeder’s remains unchanged.
The new menu bridges the gap between generational tastes—for fans of classic American comfort food, there’s something for everyone to love at Meeder’s.
For a great small town dining experience, look no further than Meeder’s Restaurant. While in the general Ripley area, why not check out Jamestown, which just happens to be the hometown of Lucille Ball. And, for those looking for a place to stay, we recommend the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Erie, which is across the border but only eight miles from town.
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