The Ripon Fire chief says his thoughts are with the owners and employees of a popular restaurant heavily damaged by fire. The fire early yesterday morning caused significant damage to the Ripon Family restaurant on the city’s west side. Fire chief Tim Saul says the restaurant has been around for years and is a Ripon institution. “Its been around for years, these owners have had it for quite some time and they’re really involved in the community,” Saul told AM 1170 WFDL’s Between the Lines program. “Just before Christmas those employees who rely on their jobs, they’re in a pinch right now and we wish them the best.” Saul says he’s relieved that the restaurant was closed at the time of the fire and nobody was injured. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but is not believed to be suspicious.
