Ruby’s to raise funds

The regulars at Ruby’s Diner on East Coast Highway kept asking, “Where’s Phil?” when General Manager Phil Clifford left his job a few months ago to undergo chemotherapy and radiation treatments for oral cancer.

Clifford is the type of boss who will come out from around the counter to visit with customers and dote on their children, said Ruby’s Manager Marti Mauler, who has known him for about a year.

“He really impacted the way that I work, the way I see things and treat people,” Mauler said. “He’s like a father figure to some of the staff.”

Ruby’s employees are throwing a beach party Sunday in front of the Beachcomber Cafe at Crystal Cove State Beach in Clifford’s honor. Event proceeds will help Clifford and his family.

The event, 3 p.m. to sundown Sunday, costs $25 for adults and $10 for children 12 and younger. Guests will get a Rubyburger, chips and a soft drink with the price of admission from 3 to 7 p.m. There will be live entertainment and a silent auction with items including a signed hockey puck from Rob Niedermayer of the Anaheim Ducks and an Oct. 17-20 stay at the Las Vegas Hilton.

Mauler said she dreads telling customers why Clifford hasn’t been at work. Clifford’s cheery presence and positive outlook always put others in a good mood, she said.

“They get really sad looks on their faces when we tell them,” Mauler said.

Clifford, who has been with the company for about 15 years, still checks in at the restaurant and worries about things like inventory, even though he has been too sick to work and has had to get a feeding tube and tracheotomy, said Lenore Vlasic, vice president for marketing for Ruby’s Restaurant Group.

“Everyone in town knows him,” she said. “He’s like the mini-mayor.”

The party will take place on the promenade in front of the Beachcomber Cafe, 15 Crystal Cove in Newport Coast. Free parking and shuttle service will be available at the Los Trancos parking lot at the park. Call (949) 376-6900 for more information.

BRIANNA BAILEY may be reached at (714) 966-4625 or at [email protected].