As one Ripon fine-dining restaurant closes, another is listed for $4.1 million
As a Riponite who covers Stanislaus County, it is a running joke in the newsroom that I’ll do anything to get Ripon in a headline.
It’s true, of course, but this time it is not for a story I am happy to write. One of the town’s favorite restaurants has closed and another is looking for a new owner.
Ripon Social and Falcon’s Lair both are owned by Stanislaus County restaurateurs, so I’m not completely off course in reporting the news.
Turlock restaurant owner Jerry Powell (of The Udder Place, Cuts Steakhouse, Katana Sushi Bar and Great American Grill) closed Ripon Social on Easter Sunday, April 5, after two and a half years of business. The Willey family (of the Gold Dust Pizza chain) is looking to sell Falcon’s Lair after three years.
Ripon Social “actively” looking for new operator after closure
John Surla built a 6,000-square-foot anchor restaurant in the Ripon Terrazza center and opened it under the name Fina in late summer 2019. Four years later, he sold the restaurant to Jerry Powell, who reopened it in October 2023 as American Social (he later changed the name to Ripon Social).
Ripon Social was a go-to dinner and Sunday brunch spot on the corner of River and Ripon roads. It had a fine-dining atmosphere complete with live music and a bar.
My two favorite parts of the restaurant were watching meals being made through the wall-length window into the kitchen and its variety of nonalcoholic cocktails.
“While this chapter comes to an end, we’re optimistic about the future of our facility as we’re actively looking to welcome a new operator for the space,” an Instagram post from the restaurant reads. “We’re looking forward to seeing a new team continue to provide an unforgettable gathering space for our Ripon community.” Those with Ripon Social gift cards can use them at Cuts Steakhouse or Katana Sushi Bar in Turlock. “It’s so important to support local, so remember to keep showing love to your favorite small businesses and restaurants, especially our fellow Ripon Terrazza businesses and whatever the future holds for the next chapter at our facility,” the post says.
Falcon’s Lair has a $4.1 million price tag
If you’re from Ripon, you’re likely familiar with the Willey family. If you’re from Stanislaus County, you may have eaten at one of their restaurants.
The Willeys own every location of Gold Dust Pizza from Modesto to Sutter Creek, with another soon opening in El Dorado Hills.
One of the family’s other endeavors, an upscale restaurant called Falcon’s Lair, was listed for sale on Tuesday. It comes with a $4.15 million price tag.
“We are happy to clarify that Falcon’s Lair is not closing at this time,” Katie Willey-Sperbeck told The Modesto Bee. “The business has officially been listed for sale as we focus on expanding our Gold Dust brand.”
She said the restaurant will stay open as the family seeks “the right buyer to carry its legacy forward.”
Falcon’s lair is the project of Moe Willey, Katie Willey-Sperbeck’s mom. It has a 1920s Hollywood, upscale speakeasy vibe.
One of the menu’s biggest hits, to no surprise, is its pizza — though the recipe is an elevated version of Gold Dust’s.
“Our cast at the Lair continues to pour the same care, energy and unmistakable Falcon’s Lair flair into every experience, just as we have from the very beginning,” Willey-Sperbeck said. “We intend to honor that spirit every step of the way throughout this transition.”
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