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

He expects to reopen the twice-idled restaurant in the 138 E. Main St. landmark on Friday, July 8.

With 25 years in the restaurant industry, Houck is counting on his experience and love for the restaurant industry to make the Ritz on Main a success.

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

The 40-year-old Narvon resident is excited about the prospect of being able to operate his own restaurant in the historic building.

He remembers going to movies at the Ritz when it was a bustling theater for 50 years before closing its doors in 1999, as multiplex theaters 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 there.

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. But in 2007, Bob and Mary Fisher bought it and opened the second restaurant.

In late February, though, the Fishers ceased operations because of decline in business and their health issues.

When the Fishers learned that Houck wanted to own a restaurant, they agreed to 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," Mary Fisher said.

Houck, as the operations manager of the business, plans to have the 80-seat establishment open seven days a week.

The 2,200-square-foot restaurant will be staffed with 25 employees.

Houck is keeping the previous menu and adding steaks, crab cakes, tacos and burritos. The Ritz still has a liquor license.

As it did under the past two owners, the Ritz will offer entertainment with local bands and DJ's.

Movies and sports events will be featured on the 20-by-20-foot movie screen above the stage and the four 25-inch and two 42-inch televisions.

As the new manager who wants to be the owner one day, Houck said he 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," Houck said.

Ritz on Main hours will be: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.