Wally's Restaurant in East Ridge celebrates 30th anniversary [photos]

Rylan Howell enjoys a plate of fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes and bacon during the 30th anniversary celebration at Wally's Restaurant in East Ridge.
Rylan Howell enjoys a plate of fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes and bacon during the 30th anniversary celebration at Wally's Restaurant in East Ridge.

Wally's Restaurant, which opened its first location in Chattanooga on McCallie Avenue in 1937, celebrated the 30th anniversary of its second location in East Ridge on May 8. The community fixture rolled back prices all day to what they were when the restaurant opened in 1989: $5 per person for the all-you-can-eat buffet and $1 for drinks.

"This special pricing is an appreciation to our loyal customers," said Glen Meadows, owner and manager of Wally's in East Ridge.

Wally's also served its popular breakfast buffet all day.

The line of diners was out the door from open to close, wrapping around the side of the building during the busiest points. Meadows said the crowds were so large, he was considering closing a half hour earlier than originally planned to relieve his exhausted employees.

Upcoming Events