Richie's Real American Diner | Featured: My Temecula Magazine October 2014 | Murrieta & Temecula commercial photographer | Stevie Dee Photography

Richie's Real American Diner

A few weeks ago, we had the pleasure of meeting Jack and Linda Williams, the heart and soul behind Richie’s Real American Diner in Murrieta and Temecula. Married for an incredible 60 years, Jack and Linda have spent nearly six decades building a legacy in the food industry rooted in quality, hospitality, and good old-fashioned American values.

Their journey began over 57 years ago, when the patriotic duo helped develop the concept for a now well-known steakhouse chain you may know as Sizzler. They quickly rose to become its largest and most successful franchisees. Along the way, they formed friendships with iconic industry figures like Colonel Sanders of KFC and Carl Karcher of Carl’s Jr…relationships that helped shape their vision for what a great restaurant experience should be.

In 1991, that vision came to life with the opening of the first Richie’s Real American Diner in Temecula, California. With fresh food, generous portions, and exceptional service, Richie’s quickly became a local favorite. It wasn’t long before neighboring Murrieta began asking for a diner of their own. Today, Richie’s Real American Diner has expanded to locations in Temecula, Murrieta, Rancho Cucamonga, and Palm Desert—while remaining proudly family-owned and operated.

Jack and Linda made a deliberate choice not to franchise, believing expansion at the expense of quality and personality would dilute what makes Richie’s so special. Their commitment has paid off. Decades later, Richie’s remains a privately held, family-run business; and they plan to keep it that way.

While enjoying a meal in one of Richie’s signature mint-green leather booths, don’t be surprised if Jack or Linda stops by your table to say hello. They genuinely love connecting with their guests. As Jack often says, “It’s not about the cheapest ingredients, it’s about the best… and we serve the best.” That philosophy is evident in every dish, from the carefully sourced ingredients to the warm, attentive service delivered by a staff devoted to “pleasin’ people.”

Who’s the Richie behind “Richie’s Diner”?

The diner’s name itself is a tribute to excellence. A close friend of Jack and Linda, Rich Snyder, began working at his family’s In-N-Out Burger at a young age and went on to become president and CEO at just 24 years old. Jack and Linda deeply admired the standards he upheld across every restaurant he led. In honor of Rich’s accomplishments and his lasting impact on the restaurant industry, they named Richie’s Real American Diner after him—a fitting tribute to a legacy of quality, integrity, and heart.

Stop in to Richie's Diner, order a root beer float and say hello to our friends! Jack and Linda wold love to meet you! You can read more about their cover story in the October issue of MyTemecula Magazine.