Back to Guestbook Index Original Guestbook entries Entry 1 Dave August 5, 2006 Ralph, Good fortune on finding a new place for Rick's From your first customer, back in 1964, who lived down the block. Best regards, Dave Eckenberg Entry 2 Bruce Nolte August 5, 2006 Hi Rick, you and all of your crew do a great job, wonderful food and service. I will keep looking for a new location in the Pasadena area. Rick's is an important part of our city. Best regards, Bruce Nolte Entry 3 Lynn Smith August 8, 2006 I am so sorry to hear that you will have to move. I truly hope you find a new place of business. I have been a patron of Ricks since High School in the 80's and I would hate to see you go out of business. Don't know if you're interested or not, but there is a new strip/mall going up at the cross section of Woodbury Road and Lincoln Avenue. There is heavy foot and auto traffic in the area and a market for Ricks Food. Many of your patrons live in that area! Good luck with the search. Entry 4 Linda Wood August 8, 2006 Rick's has been a special treat for me and my family ever since we moved to Pasadena in 1971. Nobody makes a burrito as good as Rick's! Pasadena is losing so many of the unique places that made this city special, and I hope Rick's won't become just a delicious memory. Best of luck in finding a new location, and please let us know how to find you! Entry 5 Matt Tatosian August 8, 2006 I love ricks. I regularly drive to Pasadena from South OC for A spuderito!!!!! Please help save Ricks!!!! Entry 6 Jeff & Raquel August 8, 2006 We're so sad to hear the news. We drive up from the West San Fernando Valley just for your famous Spuderito and Taco in a bun! Best of luck in finding a new spot. We'll be there where ever you go. Entry 7 Bob Mc August 9, 2006 Thu Apr 20 20:08:59 2006 Good luck, Rick. You've got the best burritos in town and we want to keep you in business. We'll be looking for a space for you. Entry 8 Vince & Sylvia Fonzo August 9, 2006 Date: Sat Apr 22 20:15:02 2006 Referred By: Ralph & Mary Lou Comments: Wow!! What great web site...the picture of Rick's is just how I remember it from 1963. We're hoping and praying that someone will come through with an idea or a location that will keep Rick's Entry 9 heather reyes August 12, 2006 HEY GUYS--JUST SAW THE NEWS TODAY, WE DROVE FROM LA VERNE CALIF TO GET ONE OF RICK FAMOUS BURRITOS...WE WISH YOU THE BEST OF LUCK! WE HAVE BEEN GOING THERE SINCE ABOUT 16 YEARS AGO-IT'S WHERE MY HUSBAND USED TO TAKE TO EAT BEFORE WE WHERE MARRIED!!! I WISH YOU GUYS DIDN'T HAVE TO MOVE- IT'S ALSO ABOUT OUR HISTORY, OUR LIFE WHERE FRIDAYS AND SATURDAY NIGHTS, YOU COULD FIND US AT RICK'S...I ALSO HAVE MY BURRITTO MADE IN AVERY WEIRD WAY, THE GUYS USED TO SEE ME COMMING AND KNOW THERES THAT GIRL "JUST BEANS" THANKS FOR BEING SO GOOD TO YOUR CUSTOMERS--WE WILL CONTINUE TO DRIVE FROM LA VERNE-JUST TO EAT AT RICKS!!! DANNY AND HEATHER REYES Entry 11 Timmy Hazelip August 31, 2006 This is a big deal for me, my family and for Pasadena. Ricks is a part of my childhood and Bobby and the rest of the crew has been a part of my life since I can remember. Remember "Dave" the older white dude that worked at night? He took great care in the detail of burrito wrapping and took his art to a new level. My father took me there and I've taken my own kids. I now live in Florida and get them shipped or delivered to me about 4 times a year. KC and the Sunshine Band said it best, "Please don't go". I can smell it from here if I close my eyes. Whatever I can do to help, I will. I have a drive-up window story from the old days...and Ricks doesn't and never has had a drive up window. Entry 12 stephen Lippross September 5, 2006 Please stay around....I am sorry for not buying one more taco, one more combo, one more everything. Entry 13 Matt Tatosian September 6, 2006 Come on people....we have to save rick's!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tell everyone you know about his totaly great place to eat!!!! Entry 14 Tom B. September 7, 2006 Date: Sun Apr 23 11:43:44 2006 Grew up in Pasadena and I now live in Alhambra. I go out of my way to stop by Rick's at least once per week to enjoy the killer tacos and burritos (extra hot!). I have been going to Rick's since 1970 when I was 10 years old. I have been carrying on the tradition with my kids. Hopefully you'll find another location so I can pass along the tradition to my grandchildren. LONG LIVE RICKS! I ate there last night. Entry 15 Kevin Stanchfield September 7, 2006 Date: Mon Apr 24 19:57:02 2006 Love your hot sauce. Wish you guys sold it!!! Keep up the great work. Good luck on finding a new location. Entry 16 Bill Wetrich September 7, 2006 Date: Tue Apr 25 0:48:15 2006 I've been a customer since I moved to Pasadena 20 years ago. One highlight was selling the Heritage Walk townhomes right across the street. I (and the construction workers) ate a lot of lunches at Rick's in those days! My family and I hope you are successful in finding another location in the Pasadena area! Rick's is the best! Entry 17 Schmitty September 7, 2006 Date: Tue Apr 25 17:11:28 2006 I've been going to Rick's for all of 6 months. And I'm already hooked on the left-side menu choices: been buritto, spuderito, and vegiritto. Must be the hot-sauce! Every once in a while, like today, I go right-side menu and get the french bread burger. We need to keep you guys here! Looking out for you! Entry 18 Jane Klein September 7, 2006 Date: Tue Apr 25 21:08:09 2006 My family loves Rick's burritos - we freeze them and stockpile. Then slice and heat for appetizers, have for breakfast with eggs, or just microwave for dinner! There's no substitute - these are unique. We think Pasadena stands to lose a precious piece of its history and a fabulous affordable restaurant as well. Help save Rick's! Entry 19 David's Pasadena September 7, 2006 Date: Sat Apr 29 19:16:31 2006 When I moved here a few years ago, I got the impression that every Pasadena block contained four things: a church, a coffee shop, a book store, and a burger joint. Well, of all the burger places in Pasadena, yours is the VERY BEST! We gotta find you a new location! Entry 20 Bob Mc September 7, 2006 Date: Thu Apr 20 20:08:59 2006 Good luck, Rick. You've got the best burritos in town and we want to keep you in business. We'll be looking for a space for you. Entry 21 Gary Walker September 7, 2006 Date: Sun Apr 30 22:57:13 2006 Referred By: Walk-Up Comments: "Whaattt?!" Is my reaction to walking up to Rick's window today; And my heart drops, and my life flashes before my eyes. The window from which I received my first Rick's combo burrito to cure late night munchies when I was fifteen, the window from which I gathered quick nourishment at lunchtime three years later, and the window from which passed many a vegerito during my more idealistic youth, might be closing forever? In distress I read the posting to my wife, whom I introduced to Rick's over ten years ago and our eyes lock, remembering. The casual after date meal, the debates, over burgers and fries... We look to our daughter, now nine, whose birth, no lie, was immediately preceeded by a quick snack of delicious Rick's fries and vanilla shake. "I'm just in shock," says my nine year old, "Dad, can we hand out fliers or something? They can't get rid of Rick's!" Honestly, we don't even live in Pasadena anymore, but we still sometimes drive five miles from La Crescenta Entry 22 Gary Walker September 7, 2006 Date: Sun Apr 30 22:59:56 2006 Thanks for the memories...it's been awesome having you around! Entry 23 John Geddis September 7, 2006 Date: Sun May 07 0:07:04 2006 Been coming here since 1970. The kids have brought their friends and now their families. "What about Rick's meat burritos, tonight?" *loud cheering* Everyone piles into the car... cool place. Entry 24 Tom Wiggins (FKA Tom Schliestett) September 7, 2006 Date: Sun May 07 18:21:51 2006 Pasadena. I was born & raised here, I was married here & I will be buried here... and my first high school job in 1977 was in Pasadena... at Rick's Drive In. I still drop by for a French Bread Cheeseburger or a Taco on a Bun (or sometimes both!). Pasadena without Rick's is like a burger without a bun! Entry 32 Lisa September 7, 2006 Date: Thu May 18 20:42:47 2006 Referred By: Steve Dahl I moved to LA in 1995 and was a frequent diner at Rick's every weekend. The spuderito, vegerito, tostatas are my all time favorites. I moved to Chicago, and I have to say that one of the things I miss most is Rick's. What I wouldn't give for any of the above here. I know Chicago is known for it's resturants, but Rick's RULES! Hope you find another Pasadena location, but how about coming to Chicago!!! Entry 33 CG Ryder September 7, 2006 Date: Wed May 24 10:19:08 2006 My day is ruined. Where am I going to go for a great hamburger that's not going to take me more time to reach than my lunch break has? Boo to the owner for not giving them first right of refusal on the property. Entry 34 Mark S. September 7, 2006 Date: Wed May 24 12:52:32 2006 Rick, Best of luck with all of this. What about getting to the developer and reopening in the same spot on the ground floor? Don't all those condo people need burgers too? Also, check out the northeast corner of E. Washington and Altadena Drive. The building is vacant and the parking is good. There is a Cal tech facility nearby in the old St Luke's hospital and PHS is a few blocks away. There is a Mcdonald's across the street, but I'll bet you could give them a run for their money. Entry 35 TIO GEO. September 7, 2006 Date: Thu May 25 0:04:12 2006 Referred By: THE PASADENA GRAPE VINE i've been going to rick's since 1969, we would sneak out at lunch time from blair high school and i have not missed going at least once a month since! ralph has always been a super nice guy. i always order a ralph special...a meat burrito extra burrito sauce add lettuce and tomato, it's the best!! lets hope we can find another location...come on people of pasadena don't let part of our history fade away..lets find a spot for rick's. Entry 36 Julie September 7, 2006 Date: Thu May 25 1:40:20 2006 Referred By: Pasadena Star News Was not happy to hear that condos are making you move out. I have been going to Ricks to get bean burritos since I was a very small little girl. My whole family goes there, in fact one brother drives about 40 miles and the other one makes us go there on the way home from the airport when he flies in from Korea. If you have to move I would like to see you move to northeast Pasadena. Entry 37 Craig & Sharon Sweet September 7, 2006 Date: Thu May 25 11:44:31 2006 We're sorry to hear that you are closing. Pasadena has enough condos & apartments, and it's beginning to not be a good place to raise a family. Especially when family eateries, such as Rick's, an icon of Pasadena, is being forced to leave in order to have a cement jungle!!!!!!!! Besides, Rick's has the best food!!!! We will be writing the city. Good luck on a relocation spot, we keep our eyes open for one. Take care, Craig, Sharon, Cody & Kyle Sweet Entry 38 Frank and Anna Faraci September 7, 2006 Date: Fri May 26 0:57:06 2006 Ralph was a young man when he built his business from where an old 1929 gas-station stood.It provided a good income. Now without this income, he can't aford to keep his house. Entry 39 James Stephens September 7, 2006 Date: Fri May 26 14:34:53 2006 Living in GA is great, but you can't get a decent burrito anywhere around the ATL. I miss you guys Entry 40 Paul September 7, 2006 Date: Thu May 18 5:39:44 2006 I hope we don't lose you! Your beef burritos are the absolute best and sometimes I drive 40 miles just to have one. Good luck in your search and see you next time. Entry 41 Rebecca Goeken September 7, 2006 Date: Sat May 27 0:39:03 2006 I think that Rick's Burger is the BEST ever!!! I have never ever had a tastier shake. Entry 42 Jonathan Clark September 7, 2006 DaDate: Sun May 28 12:28:21 2006 Referred By: Doug and Claudia love your food Entry 43 Kimberly September 7, 2006 Date: Sun May 28 12:58:27 2006 Whenever Rick's comes up in casual conversation, I am compelled to say (in Peter Lorre's voice from Casablanca ) "Riiick! Save me Riiick! HIIIDE ME!" Rick's has saved me from a lousy day so many times. I'm going to go get some tacos right this minute. I love the idea of Rick's going in on the northeast corner of Washington and Altadena -- there is an old florist's building there, empty for years. It would probably take a lot of remodeling, though. What about the old location of Las Ruinas, on the northeast corner of Chester and Green? They must have a setup for cooking -- although it's possible Las Ruinas left for the same reason, development. But it's been sitting empty for ages now. Maybe as a stopgap until a more permanent location can be found? Entry 44 Dawayne Bailey September 7, 2006 Date: Sun May 28 16:46:17 2006 Referred By: Kevin Gilbert I have been a serious fan of Rick's since 1999, when I first discovered it from a photo of Rick's in Sheryl Crow's CD booklet called Tuesday Night Music Club. There is a photo of Sheryl, Kevin Gilbert, David Baerwald, Bill Botrell and other members of the Tuesday Music Club standing in front of Rick's. Kevin is sitting on the counter and used to have a recording studio just down the street from Rick's. I'm sorry to hear Rick's has to move but I will keep the faith and follow you where you decide to move to. There is nowhere like Rick's and I'm a lifetime fan. Entry 45 Christy Bailey September 7, 2006 Date: Tue May 30 14:33:10 2006 I worked down the street at Vroman's for 12 years. I am a religious Rick's burger & fries fan. Where are all the condo dwellers going to get a good burger? Entry 46 Joanna September 7, 2006 Date: Tue May 30 18:56:15 2006 I have been enjoying Rick's Combo Burrito for 30 years, my orthodontist was right next door, and I get a burrito after my appt. I do drive about 22 miles these days to get a rick's burrito. How about coming over to San Dimas, CA? Also, why can't they just build over the drive-in like they did for Beadles? Rick's Rocks! Entry 47 Fred Crane September 7, 2006 Date: Wed May 31 12:58:31 2006 Referred By: article in Starnews I grew up right down El Molino in San Marino. I have been to Rick to eat hundrends of times, Since I was a teenager I am now 44 years old. When ever I am at my mothers house I will stop by and eat. I take my two sons who I have been taking there since they were babies to eat also. My youngest loves the Hamburgers there He is 11 years old. I live in Arcadia near Live Oak. There is space there for you to move to. Another location could perhaps be on Rosemede. Both of these areas are County areas where there is not deveoplment happening. What a waste the last thing Pasadena needs is another Condo building. More cars more Tolets Ect. Entry 48 Kimberly September 7, 2006 Date: Mon Jun 05 2:31:43 2006 I saw another possible place, on the corner of Sierra Madre and San Pasqual (across the street from a drug store and kitty corner to Honeybaked Ham) -- there is a sign on the empty building that says "Will Build to Suit." Entry 49 lulu September 7, 2006 Date: Mon Jun 05 16:22:44 2006 Referred By: self..... since i was 16 yrs old! ever since i could drive i have been going to ricks! and that was 20 years ago! meat burrito, hot, fries, extra crispy. i don't think i've ever eaten anything else besides that in 20 years. why mess with an AMAZING, not just good, thing?! i come out now from covina just for the food. i'll waste my whole lunch hour driving back & forth in traffic if all i'm craving is ricks! i know the ideal would be to stay in pasadena. it seems like there would be some ideal spots along walnut or colorado heading east. but, if your radius is pretty wide, i saw someone suggest san dimas. azusa, glendora, san dimas, monrovia... i think relatively near the freeway would be ideal. that way, it'd be easy to find you. i'm pretty bummed that ricks has to move. but, i'm telling you, your loyal customers will follow you anywhere. and just to respond to that other "person" (parents) they obviously have no idea what they are talking about. what was the purpose of that ignorant & completely u Entry 50 Thomas September 7, 2006 Date: Thu Jun 15 4:56:22 2006 ive been goin to ricks since my parents started taking me when i was a toddler. i loved the burgers umm. now im a college student and i live up the street im at ricks like once a week!! they kick "in and out's" butt!!" i'll keep my eyes out for a good spot. its gonna be sad to see it go. Entry 51 Matt September 7, 2006 Date: Fri Jun 16 5:09:13 2006 I grew up in Pasadena and now live in South Orange County and i am more then willing to drive to ricks to fill a craving. I went there today and totaly shocked by the news that ricks was being forced to move or close. I really hope that the owners can find a new location. Long live Ricks and The Spuderito!!!!!!! Entry 52 Juan Aviles September 7, 2006 Date: Mon Jun 19 17:48:07 2006 Referred By: Steve Dahl (Chicago) WCKG 105.9 FM Had a burrito it was absolutely GREAT, as large as a football. Need to get them In chicago!!! Entry 54 Myron September 7, 2006 Date: Tue Jun 13 22:29:08 2006 The spuderito is pure genius, I tell you - I bow down to it everytime I go to Rick's (I was just there today!). Best of luck in finding a new location, and I'll do what I can to help! Entry 55 Jamie Reilly September 10, 2006 I have been eating at Rick's since 1980. Through my teenage years when we would hit it late night, or while we were out skateboarding, and into my twenties, whenever I would visit L.A. if I am within 20 miles, hungry or not, I am getting into two beef burritos with extra hot sauce. I found out you were closing today when a trip to Burbank for work brought me into the "burrito radius." I don't know what to say. I live in Venice and sometimes drive my daughter around to get her to fall asleep, often "coincidentally" ending up in your parking lot. I wonder if the Pasadena Historical Society could landmark the building? Entry 56 jamie reilly September 10, 2006 I almost forgot. Extra props to Dave. He held it down on the night shift for something like 20 years. You might know him as "La Machine" or "Mr. Roboto" because he was like the Terminator when it came to rolling burritos. Sent back in time from the future to teach humans how to roll perfect burritos. Entry 57 Matt Tatosian September 10, 2006 Is there anyway we can get a update on the search for a new home for Rick's? I love this place and i am hopeing you will find a new home. Been going to Rick's since 92. The hot sauce is amazing. The dream must live on. Combo hot and taco hot! Jerry Entry 59 Chris Secrest September 11, 2006 Other's have said this, but it's true: Rick's makes the FINEST hamburger in Los Angeles, bar none. About a decade ago on my first trip to LA, I read in the airplane's in flight magazine, that the best hamburger in the country, the best hamburger in LA, was at The Apple Pan. I tried it. Mediocre. Passable, but nothing special. But about 6 years ago, on the advice of a friend, I tried Rick's, and I knew I'd found it: the best hamburger I'd ever tasted. Consistent quality, always hot and tasty, so flavorful. It's a perfect burger. If I can think of a new location, or if I hear anything, I'll let you know. Fondly, Chris S. Entry 60 eric h September 16, 2006 My mom used to take us kids to Rick's after going to the dentist (around the corner) in the mid 1970s. Whenever I got my teeth cleaned I got one of Ricks famous combo burritos. In the 1980s my parents would sometimes leave us kids alone with a little dinner money and my older brother Craig would often drive me to Ricks. I loved those cheeseburgers, fries and pinapple shakes. Now that I'm in my forties, it's the "combo burrito hot" everytime I'm in the neighborhood, which it often. I just found out my dentist has to move too. I can't imagine a Pasadena without Ricks. Thanks to all the great staff at Ricks over the years. Entry 61 Lynne September 17, 2006 Combination burrito,LTO w/extra BS. Bean tostada w/burrito sauce. I moved away almost 20 years now and still miss your burritos. Was in Pasadena yesterday and Rick's was the first stop. So sorry to hear you must move but hope you can find another location. Post it when you do. Thanks for the great food. Best to you and your family. Entry 62 Matt Tatosian September 20, 2006 Hellp Save Rick's!!!!! I live in south orange county and I am going to drive to Ricks for lunch tommorow. I love this place but im afraid it will be the last time i can eat there. Entry 63 alessandro September 20, 2006 I'm from italy and I had my first burritos here. I think that yours is the best I've ever had and I do hope you can find a new place in pasadena cos I will miss rick's hoping to eat again there ciao Alessandro Entry 64 Judi P September 26, 2006 Rick's was the only food that kept body & soul together when my roommate and I moved into a nearby house in 1968. She got a job at Rick's and met her future husband there. Thirty eight years later we are still friends and our families have blossomed into three generations of Rick's fans. Maybe the LA Times article of September 26, 2006 will help to secure a new location. Ralph, have you ever given any thought to selling your burrito sauce, either frozen or jarred, and sold retail? Entry 65 Joe Nollar October 3, 2006 Have you looked at that old hamburger stand on the corner of Union and Pasadena Ave. in the shadow of the Parsons Build? It is just sitting there and it has a sign that says it is available. Entry 66 Matthew McKinley October 11, 2006 My wife, who is from Australia, one most likely cry if she lost her spuderito! I would most likely sink into a deep depression without the medicinal intake of the famous Rick's hot sauce. Entry 67 Joey Randolph October 11, 2006 Rick, I'm sorry your losing your location. I will keep my eye's and ear's open for you. I can't believe they're doing this to one of Pasadena's Historical Icons. Best of Luck, Joey Entry 68 andy October 14, 2006 i was shocked to hear about rick's being forced out of their current location. i was born in pasadena and have been eating at rick's for as long as i can remember. it was just part of growing up in pasadena. every time i return to pasadena it's still one of the few places i ALWAYS visit and buy lunch from. losing rick's would be losing one of the things that makes pasadena such a great place. "one of america's most endagered places", indeed. i can't believe nobody in city gov't in pasadena has tried to save rick's. fingers crossed that you guys find a new place -- hopefully close to walnut! and next time i'm in pasadena my first stop will be over to rick's for 5 tacos, extra hot, no tomatoes, as always. Entry 69 Thomas T. October 15, 2006 I remember going to Rick's for some awesome burritos and tacos after our little league games back in 1973. Been going there ever since. Pasadena doesn't need anymore condos, especially at the expense of a culinary landmark. Best of luck. Entry 70 Sara October 16, 2006 A spuderito with beans and hot sauce is the best way to spend a couple of bucks in LA. If you guys don't find another place - I'll be VERY depressed for a long time. Please Ricks; don't leave us. We need Spuderitos to continue to be happy. Entry 71 lima norris October 19, 2006 Love your food and hope that you stay in business. Entry 72 Rolando Gorbea October 23, 2006 It has been six years since I moved out of the Pasadena area but my first choice for fast food still remains Rick's Burgers! During my wife's pregnancy one of her main cravings was a Beef/Bean Burrito from Rick's - please don't go away as we plan to have our second child SOON! You have always had a great product and superior service. I have never been disappointed with a meal from Rick's Burgers. Please let me know where your new location will be! Back to Guestbook Index