Briefly in the news

‘Tis the week of celebrating food.

Ruby’s Sandwich Saloon will give out free drinks today to mark Margot

Grueter’s 20th year of owning the Costa Mesa business. Wednesday, Avila’s

El Ranchito will roll prices back to mid-1960s-fare to celebrate its 35th

year in the city.

Grueter, who took over the saloon in 1981, thought about changing the

restaurant’s name but liked “Ruby” so much she kept it, employee Candie

Marteski said. Patrons sometimes call Grueter “Ruby,” Marteski added.

El Ranchito, with eight locations throughout Orange and Los Angeles

counties, was started in 1966 by Salvador Avila. Family members now

operate each restaurant. Specials on Wednesday will include combination

plates for $1.25.

Information: Ruby’s Sandwich Saloon, (949) 645-1100; El Ranchito,

(949) 645-0209.