Todd Houck believes the "third time will be a charm" for the Ritz on Main in New Holland.

If everything goes according to plan, he expects to reopen a restaurant at 138 E. Main Street on Friday, July 8.

With 25-years in the restaurant industry -- 20 years in management -- Houck is counting on his experience and love for the business to succeed.

"I learned the business by working my way up doing it all . . . busboy, dishwasher, cook and then management," said Houck who was employed as Yoder's Restaurant manager for 20 years. 

The Narvon resident is excited about the prospect of being able to own his own restaurant in the historic building. 

He remembers going to the movies at the Ritz when it was a bustling movie theatre for 50 years before closing its doors in 1999 when megaplex theatres caused the demise of small town movie houses.  

In 2000, Dave and Beth Blessing purchased the building for their Lighthouse Ministries church. Financial difficulties closed the doors again in 2002.

Beth Heinbach bought the building and in 2003, after extensive renovations, opened the Ritz on Main, the first restaurant/nightclub. Two years later, citing slow weekday sales, Heinbach closed the business and the building was up for sale again.   

For the next two years the Ritz sat empty until 2007 when Bob and Mary Fisher bought it and opened the second restaurant. At the end of February this year, the Fishers ceased operations due to a business decline and health issues.

When the Fishers learned that Houck was interested in owning a restaurant, they agreed to enter into a two-year lease purchase agreement with him.    

 "We're happy to give Todd an opportunity to own a restaurant and sincerely wish him well," said Mary Fisher.

Houck plans to be open seven days a week with a menu that people can order from until 10:30 p.m. The menu will include:  steaks, crab cakes, shrimp, burgers, cheese steaks, quesadillas, salads and more.

Like the past two owners, the Ritz will offer special entertainment with local bands and DJ's. Movies and sports events will be featured on the 20-by-20-foot television screen above the stage and the four 25-inch and two 42-inch screens.

As manager, who hopes to be owner one day, Houck hopes the restaurant will encourage the revitalization of the downtown.

"I want the Ritz on Main to be a place for people of all ages to enjoy good food and good entertainment," said Houck.

Ritz on Main hours: Sunday -Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight; Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.