“ As we ’ ve grown older and had children , we wanted to open places where we and others could come with our families to eat dinner and watch a game .”
Trevor Skelton , 18 months , races around with french fry in hand on the patio at Ruckus Pizza , Pasta & Spirits in Morrisville , at Park West Village .
“ As we ’ ve grown older and had children , we wanted to open places where we and others could come with our families to eat dinner and watch a game .”
— Robert Royster , Ruckus owner continued from page 45
Over the past 18 years , owner Robert Royster and his wife , Ashley Royster , have worked hard to mold Ruckus ’ four locations into comfortable and reliably consistent gathering spots . Look for even more outposts in Apex in early 2017 and Holly Springs in 2018 .
“ We first started Ruckus at Mission Valley Shopping Center in Raleigh shortly after college , so a lot of people remember us as a bar ,” said Robert , a serial entrepreneur and North Carolina State University alumnus . “ As we ’ ve grown older and had children , we wanted to open places where we and others could come with our families to eat dinner and watch a game .”
Ruckus provides a high-energy , casual dining experience with a subtly Caribbean vibe , but the restaurant ’ s purpose extends beyond food and drink .
“ We strive to make a connection with every person who comes through our doors ,” said Ashley .
A central and beloved figure instrumental in making such connections was the late Ryan Pilz , Ruckus ’ managing partner and one of Robert ’ s best friends from college . Pilz , a gregarious , free-spirited maverick , battled cancer throughout much of 2016 and passed away in November .
“ Ryan was such a force of nature who never met a stranger and made everyone feel welcome ,” Robert explained . “ We built the
46 JANUARY 2017