One Bettendorf Staple prepares to move out of the way - CBS4 - WHBF Quad Cities, IL-IA News Weather Sports

One Bettendorf Staple prepares to move out of the way

By: Christine Souders

csouders@cbs4qc.com

A major development residents can already see is demolition on State and Grant Streets to make way for the new I-74 bridge, and one Bettendorf 'staple' is preparing to move very soon.

President Obama, among other politicians, have eaten at Ross's Restaurant in Bettendorf, but by the end of the year, Ross' and 40 other buildings will be gone all to make room for the new I-74 bridge.

...Leaving the spot Ross's Restaurant has called home for nearly 75 years.

"Where ever they go, I'll be there," said Peter Bushma who like clockwork for the past 50 years eats a 'Rossburger' and 'Ross's chili' four times a week.

Peter said he's happy to find out his favorite meals will still be served even though the diner has to move. 

"I like changes. I like progress."

Restaurant Owner Mellissa Freidhof-Rodgers said even though she'll miss the location, she's excited about the move, and so are her customers.

"Many times a day, people are asking me about it.  I just assure them that we'll have something open before this place before it will close, but it will be nice to have a drawing up of the new building and to be able to tell people this is where we're going to be."

The city is giving businesses having to move up to $20,000 dollars for expenses, but some businesses have already decided to close up shop.

"It's done in anticipation of the bridge so there's good to that.  The bad part of it is the businesses have to relocate now, but hopefully they get reestablished very quickly and we get customers in and everything starts to work like it was," said Decker Ploehn, the City Administrator.

But Ross's Restaurant wouldn't call any other place home, than Betted.

"I think you have to put your best foot forward and be excited and welcome you're customers in a new spot, but you'll still be the same staff and the same kind of iconic place you've been," said Mellissa.

Ross's Restaurant said they have a pretty good idea where they plan to move, but wouldn't tell us just yet.  Iowa DOT said they plan on demolishing more buildings this spring.