A popular Cayucos eatery will call it quits in January as the tiny building by the beach is slated to be torn down.
According to an Internet post by Rose Ruddell the owner of Ruddell’s Smoke House, 101 D St., said, “We have an important announcement to share with you. We have made the incredibly difficult decision to close Ruddell’s Smokehouse effective Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022.
“The historic building at 101 “D” St. will be coming down, and after weighing every possible alternative, we have come to this conclusion.”
She thanked their many customers of the past 20 years. “We want to thank everyone for 20 years of incredible support.
Thank you to my dad, Jim Ruddell, for making this all possible and to my mom, Kathleen Ruddell, and our loyal crew for keeping the magic alive and the integrity of our product true to Jim’s recipe.”
Jim Ruddell died in February 2018 and local surfers gathered in March at the smoke house for a touching, memorial paddle off Cayucos Beach, a testament to how much he was loved among the surfer folk. The family carried on without Smoker Jim, and the Smoke House is as popular as ever. Indeed, at the recent Cayucos Car Show, folks were lined up to order Jim’s famous fish tacos (see photo).
“This decision was not made lightly,” said Rose Ruddell, “and we recognize that this is not only a huge change for us but for our community as well.”
The Smoke House remains open, Thursdays-Sundays, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
