Many in the Louisiana restaurant industry are remembering Ruffin Rodrigue Jr., who died unexpectedly Tuesday night.
Rodrigue played football at LSU and later got into the restaurant industry with Ruffino's in Baton Rouge and later Ruffino's on the River in Lafayette. He leaves behind a lasting impact.
Customers came into Ruffino's on the River throughout the evening. Many of those who knew him say Rodrigue was a genuine man who had a lasting impact on his community and the restaurant industry.
"He was bigger than life. He's this big personality that brought so much energy into a room."
Ruffino's Director of Operations Megan Klock fondly remembers Rodrigue not only for his work in the restaurant industry, but as a friend.
"That's really a remarkable thing to be able to do, just be that open and share so much love with everybody. That'll be something that I'll cherish forever because he certainly left a mark on me,” Klock continued.
Klock says he left behind a legacy with his restaurants. Both stayed open after hearing news of his death to continue celebrating life the way Ruffin would have wanted.
"He's a force to be reckoned with that's for sure. He was all about spreading happiness, joy, and love. If we could wrap our heads around that and just be kind to one another, do something for someone, he'd be so proud of all of us,” Klock added.
Rodrigue's funeral services will be announced at a later date.
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