A state police fire marshal is investigating a blaze that damaged longtime Ligonier Township eatery Ruthie’s Diner Tuesday night, according to Ligonier Valley Police Chief Mike Matrunics.
Multiple volunteer fire departments were dispatched to the diner around 8:10 p.m. for report of a fire coming through the roof.
According to Ruthie’s website, the diner closed just minutes before the fire was reported. One firefighter who fell at the scene was taken via ambulance in stable condition to Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown, according to Mutual Aid Ambulance spokesperson Shawn Penzera. No other injuries were reported, he said.
Matrunics declined to provide further comment.
The diner, which sits on a more than 4-acre property along Route 30, has been owned by Ruth and Fred Stevens since 1986, according to Westmoreland County property tax records.
The Stevens family inherited the restaurant from Ruth Stevens’ late aunt, Ruth Clark, who rented out the building to another family that ran it as a diner.
The restaurant was recently listed for sale by Berkshire Hathaway with an asking price of $1.2 million. The listing says the diner has been a staple in the community since 1957 and that the building was erected in 1930.
Ruthie’s Diner was known for its fresh baked pies and diner classics — including grilled ham and cheese and Reuben sandwiches, fried oysters, liver and onions and pork chops. Ruth Stevens used to make homemade candy to sell in the diner, such as peanut butter meltaways, chocolate-covered cherries and buttercrunch.
Patrons over the years have included the late professional golfer Arnold Palmer and Pittsburgh Steelers players.
