New Owners Maintain The Familiar Feel Of The Rib Cage
BY NANCY GAGNET — MIRROR REPORTER
One of Maumee’s oldest eating establishments has a new owner.
The Rib Cage, which now carries Jim Shull’s name on its sign, has been catering to a familiar Maumee crowd since the mid-1970s.
“The only thing that’s new is us,” said Shull, who purchased the business with his wife Kathy from Frank Talip in June.
“We have a warm, comfortable atmosphere here,” Kathy said.
The restaurant features items previously found on the menu – ribs, steak, chicken and seafood including calamari, escargot, perch and frog legs.
No order is too special or out of the question, Jim said.
“We serve steaks cut to size,” he said. “If somebody wants a 20-ounce steak, they can get a 20-ounce steak.”
Prime rib, a signature dish, is served the second and fourth weekend of each month.
In addition, other specials include wings on Mondays, $2.00 off any barbecue item on Tuesdays, Mexican night with $1.75 margaritas on Wednesdays and homemade pasta on Thursdays. Happy hour features imported beer for $2.25 and domestic beer for $1.75.
Jim, who worked 30 years as an electrical contractor before retiring, was familiar with the restaurant, having been a regular customer for over 20 years.
“We’d been looking for something for a while before this opportunity came up. My wife likes to cook,” he said.
With seating for approximately 50 in the dining room and 25 in the bar area, the cozy size of the restaurant appealed to them.
“I like the intimate atmosphere. It’s quiet and you can carry on a conversation with the person you’re eating with,” Jim said.
Those who want to eat before seeing a show can also get in and out in a timely manner, he said.
The Shulls have made subtle changes to the interior including new tables and silverware, and new wines were added to the wine list. They also painted the interior and plan to modify the lighting.
Longtime chefs Jeff Williams and Dave Jakubowski bring extensive experience to the table, Jim said.
“Dave worked at Doc Watson’s and Jeff has been working here for 34 years. He is a walking encyclopedia of recipes, and you can’t beat the quality and flavor of the food both men prepare,” Jim said.
In addition, it doesn’t take long for the wait staff to get to know their customers, he said.
“The chefs come out of the kitchen and talk to customers. The waitresses know exactly what the regular customers want, and that’s what I like,” Jim said.
“I like it when somebody knows me and knows what I like, and that’s how it is here,” he said.
The restaurant recently began serving lunch featuring homemade soups and salads. Call-ahead orders are also accepted.
Reservations are being accepted for Christmas parties, and all private parties can be accommodated with a 24-hour advance notice.
Jim Shull’s Rib Cage is located at 144 Chesterfield Ln. near the corner of Chesterfield and Conant Street.
Lunch is served Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The dining area is open Monday through Thursday 4:00 to 10:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 4:00 to 11:00 p.m.
The restaurant will be open December 24 from 4:00 to 7:30 p.m. and December 31 from 4:00 to 9:30 p.m.
For additional information or to make a holiday reservation, call (419) 893-6966.
BUSINESS REPORT