Ruby’s Still Serving Surf Set, Among Others

Meanwhile, business is booming at Ruby’s Surf City Diner at the end of the pier, which opened in 1996, about the time Maxwell’s closed.

And the eatery isn’t worried about the coming competition, said spokeswoman Alethea Rowe, since Ruby’s attracts a different clientele (such as folks who want to spend $6 or less on a meal).

“We’ve had three record-breaking weeks so far this summer,” Rowe said. The eatery is braced for an onslaught this week because of the OP Pro Surfing Championship, which runs Wednesday through Sunday.

“The managers out there are placing wagers on what they’re going to do this week,” Rowe said. “They’re really expecting to break some more records.”

But it seems there’s always plenty going on at the pier.

A few weeks ago, a man leaped into the sea and a Ruby’s manager helped save his life by flinging a rescue ring into the ocean. On a less serious note, a limousine recently was shoved off the pier during the filming of a Swedish candy bar commercial, Rowe said.