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Economy

Ross Plans to Move into Frank's Old Place

By the end of next summer, the familiar smell of French fries will greet diners walking up to the former Frank's Pizza in Bettendorf. This morning at Ross' Restaurant, Manager Melissa Freidhof-Rodgers and co-owner, her mother Cynthia Friedhof, announced they will move the home of the Magic Mountain after renovating the old pizza restaurant. It's located near the intersection of 18th Street and 53rd Avenue. Frank's Pizza closed early this month.

Credit Michelle O'Neill / WVIK News
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WVIK News

Freidhof-Rodgers says construction of a new I-74 bridge requires them to move the 24-hour  restaurant from its home downtown, on 14th Street.

Even the layout of the kitchen appealed to her. She and her parents have been trying to find the right location for the iconic diner for several years.

Many neighboring businesses have already moved or been demolished.

Credit Michelle O'Neill / WVIK News
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WVIK News

Freidhof-Rodgers is the granddaughter of the founder of Ross' Restaurant, Harold Ross, who moved to Bettendorf in 1940 and opened "The Maid-Rite Shoppe where you could get a meal for a dime." 

Officially, Michelle's title for 28 years was WVIK News Editor. She did everything there is to do in the newsroom and whatever was needed around the radio station. She also served as Acting News Director from September 2023 - January 2024.