Restaurants | Customers saved a legendary restaurant in Espoo: “We don't want the place to go down”

Espoo Grilli Ribis, which has been operating at Heikintor in Tapiola for more than 50 years, continues to operate. The restaurant announced the matter last week.

Back in January, the legendary restaurant was threatened with closure.

Entrepreneur Mortti Laine told then for HS, that widespread remote work and inflation drove the restaurant into difficulties.

Then there was a surprise turn: the restaurant was flooded with people.

“The customers came to support us very well. I am grateful how many people came. One couple even drove 200 kilometers head-to-head just to come and support us,” Laine says now.

However, the owner of Ribis is changing. Laine has been the owner of the restaurant since 2021.

“The matter is still pending, so I cannot say more. The new owner is a familiar guy from around here. The matter will be announced during March,” says Laine.

The restaurant according to Laine, operations will continue as before despite the change of ownership.

“The concept will remain as it is, and nothing will change. Familiar dishes, such as tapiolas, will still remain on the list,” says Laine.

But what the heck is tapiolan or tapiolan with cheese?

“It's bread topped with pork cutlet and cheese frosting. A bit like an opened burger but with pork. It's really popular.”

Laine's new workplace is another classic restaurant, Mamma Rosa in Helsinki Töölö. He goes to a restaurant as a chef.

“I started at Ribis in 2021 during the worst corona period, and the years have been challenging. I now made the decision that it is better to go on the payroll and get a secured income.”

Wave hopes that there will be enough customers in Ribis in the future. The restaurant has been located in the same location since 1968, so this year it will be 56 years old.

“I hope that the classic restaurant can be kept alive. It has been great to notice how meaningful this place is to many. We don't want the place to go bad,” says Laine.