INSIDE RUCKUS



Ruckus is more than a restaurant.
For over 20 years, it has served as a local staple, known for its scratch-made dishes, vibrant atmosphere, and the people who pour their hearts into every detail. But behind the food and the palm tree logo is a story rooted in friendship, family, and an unforgettable leader.

Dave Beacher joined Ruckus after forming a close friendship with majority owners Robert and Ashley. What began as casual conversations quickly grew into a shared vision. He stepped into the restaurant world full-time, becoming a partner and helping open the group’s second location. That leap of faith has since blossomed into a thriving, family-run restaurant group — now five locations strong, with two more on the horizon.

Yet, Ruckus's spirit is most deeply felt in the memory of Ryan, one of the original partners. Known for his unmatched knowledge of the restaurant world and warmhearted leadership, Ryan was the backbone of the business. “He knew everything,” Dave recalls. “The kitchen, the bar, the front and back of house — he ran the show.” Tragically, Ryan passed away from cancer less than a year after Dave joined. His loss was deeply felt, and his presence remains honored — his shoes, quite literally, rest on the bar because “no one can fill them.”

For Dave, continuing Ruckus meant carrying on Ryan’s legacy. “I wanted to be like him. After he passed, I wanted to pick up where he left off.” That vision — a community-first, people-centered, family-owned restaurant — is what guides Ruckus today.


From Caribbean-inspired menu items brought back from St. John to the palm tree symbol now seen across every logo, every detail reflects a story of evolution grounded in purpose. Ruckus isn’t a sports bar. It’s a family restaurant. A business built on relationships, resilience, and real ingredients.

As Dave puts it, “We’ve been pretty successful doing that. So we’re not going to change. We’re just going to keep trucking on.” With every new location, Ruckus carries that same spirit forward — staying true to the people, the passion, and the purpose behind it all.
WATCH THE STORY UNFOLD
Sources & Citations
- Personal interview with Dave Beacher, Ruckus Restaurant Group.
- Ruckus Restaurant Website. https://ruckuspizza.com
- Cary Magazine. “The Maggy Awards: Best of the Best.” https://www.carymagazine.com