The Four Winds Restaurant, famed for its loaded Ranger Burger, will close its doors Saturday after a 35-year run.
Susan Cox, who launched the Cusseta, Ga., eatery in 1979 with her husband, Donald, moving to the current location in 1992, confirmed Friday that Four Winds has lost its tenant, with Saturday the last day.
But Cox hopes that won’t be the final chapter for the popular restaurant that developed a bond with the military through the years, serving everyone from Army privates to decorated generals. The eatery is located at 464 Georgia Hwy. 26, not far from Fort Benning’s southern border.
“I’m going to continue to try to get somebody in there. I don’t know which one will come first. I’ll either sell it and be done with it or lease it,” said Cox, who lives behind the 7,545-square-foot restaurant that she and Donald — who passed away suddenly in July 2013 — constructed from 1986 until 1992, with the help of Army Rangers on their days off.
It had become a tradition of sorts for Army Rangers to wolf down a Ranger Burger as part of their transition into the Special Forces ranks. It featured two 8-ounce ground beef patties, two slices of cheese, two strips of bacon on a large bun, served with fries and iced tea.
There also was the “Ranger Challenge,” with customers offered the chance to devour an 86-ounce steak, one-pound basket of fries, side salad, roll and beverage in 45 minutes. If they accomplished that stomach-stretching feat, the feast was free.
“I started that,” said Cox, who couldn't recall how many diners were successful. “It’s huge. It scared me for them to do it.”
Link
Anyone who's ever been to Mother Benning knows this joint. After all these years, it's sad to see it go.
A Ranger Icon Is Closing Its Doors
Moderator: Site Admin
- centermass
- Ranger Admin/RIP Ranger
- Posts: 5895
- Joined: February 26th, 2005, 11:32 am
- Has thanked: 5 times
- Been thanked: 8 times
A Ranger Icon Is Closing Its Doors
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
RS 8-81
Mentor to Rock2/75
US Army Retired 1977-1999
Remember, always be yourself....unless you're Batman. In that case, be Batman.
Mentor to Rock2/75
US Army Retired 1977-1999
Remember, always be yourself....unless you're Batman. In that case, be Batman.
- al_2ndWolfhounds
- Ranger
- Posts: 2033
- Joined: November 3rd, 2009, 11:50 am
Re: A Ranger Icon Is Closing Its Doors
Only if you young enough or have made a recent visit.centermass wrote:Anyone who's ever been to Mother Benning knows this joint. After all these years, it's sad to see it go.
RLTW
Active service 01/67-12/73
Ranger Class 10-68
2/27 Inf 25th Inf Div Vietnam 01/69-01/70
"In America, anybody can be president. That's one of the risks you take." - Adlai Stevenson (1900-1965)
“The enemy is anybody who’s going to get you killed, no matter which side he is on.” – Joseph Heller, Catch-22
Active service 01/67-12/73
Ranger Class 10-68
2/27 Inf 25th Inf Div Vietnam 01/69-01/70
"In America, anybody can be president. That's one of the risks you take." - Adlai Stevenson (1900-1965)
“The enemy is anybody who’s going to get you killed, no matter which side he is on.” – Joseph Heller, Catch-22
- CharlieRanger1FFV
- Ranger
- Posts: 2232
- Joined: July 5th, 2010, 12:36 pm
Re: A Ranger Icon Is Closing Its Doors
Yep, it's sad . . .It's been there a long time. A good place to get a burger.
RLTW!!!
RLTW!!!
Silencium Mortium
B /1/504 82nd Abn 69 - 70
C co (Ranger) 75th (Abn) Inf, II Corps Rangers, 70 - 71 Viet Nam
12th SFG (A) 76 - 78
75th Ranger Regiment Association, Lifetime Member # 2776
B /1/504 82nd Abn 69 - 70
C co (Ranger) 75th (Abn) Inf, II Corps Rangers, 70 - 71 Viet Nam
12th SFG (A) 76 - 78
75th Ranger Regiment Association, Lifetime Member # 2776
- Sleepy Doc
- Ranger
- Posts: 1671
- Joined: September 19th, 2006, 4:54 am
Re: A Ranger Icon Is Closing Its Doors
I'm actually surprised they lasted this long. It is a shit location, and the rest of their chow is just so-so at best. Back when they opened in '79 Benning was a very different place, and Harmony Church was a bee-hive of activity. I didn't realize how isolated 4th RTB was till I worked there, so it would make sense to go to 4 Winds. It is 1/3 the distance to main post. Kinda tough to keep your doors open on just one menu item. If they didn't own the bricks they would have closed up long ago.
I wouldn't worry to much, though. Considering the Subway's on main post have a "Ranger Sub" (foot-long club, with everything, extra cheese, double meat, and bacon) I figure somebody in town is going to continue the Legacy.
Hell, as long as the name isn't copyrighted, I'll talk to my friend who owns Ruth Ann's on Vet's Parkway. She was always good to us, and takes care of those in uniform. I'm sure she would be proud to have the "Ranger Burger" on her menu.
I wouldn't worry to much, though. Considering the Subway's on main post have a "Ranger Sub" (foot-long club, with everything, extra cheese, double meat, and bacon) I figure somebody in town is going to continue the Legacy.
Hell, as long as the name isn't copyrighted, I'll talk to my friend who owns Ruth Ann's on Vet's Parkway. She was always good to us, and takes care of those in uniform. I'm sure she would be proud to have the "Ranger Burger" on her menu.
B Co 3/75 '95-'99
4th RTB '00-'01
"ahh, Daniel-san.. When balance good, Karate good...everything good!.." K. Miyagi
4th RTB '00-'01
"ahh, Daniel-san.. When balance good, Karate good...everything good!.." K. Miyagi
Re: A Ranger Icon Is Closing Its Doors
Does it mean you're getting old when all your favorite Restaurants are either closed or closing. Last time I was back there was in 94 or 95, they sure made a good hamburger. Will be missed.
Ranger Class 8-82
C Co 2/75 80-83-HCMTC 83-85
Drill Sgt 85-87-Sapper Instructor 87-89
A Co 2/75 89-90-G3 I Corps 90-91
I Corps LRSC 91-93-7th RTB RI 94-95
Retired 95
"I'd rather spend 10 seconds in the saddle, than a life time of watching from the stands." Chris Ledoux
C Co 2/75 80-83-HCMTC 83-85
Drill Sgt 85-87-Sapper Instructor 87-89
A Co 2/75 89-90-G3 I Corps 90-91
I Corps LRSC 91-93-7th RTB RI 94-95
Retired 95
"I'd rather spend 10 seconds in the saddle, than a life time of watching from the stands." Chris Ledoux
Re: A Ranger Icon Is Closing Its Doors
No, it means you're old when the place didn't even open until almost 20 years AFTER you were in the AO.
RLTW
Lefty
SFOC 1969
6th SFG(A) 69-70
Ranger Class 13-70
MACV Tm 21 70-71 (2nd ARVN Ranger Gp 23d
BN)
2/13 Armor 1st Cav 71-72
"Experience teaches a dear school, but fools will learn in no other, and some scarce in that"
Lefty
SFOC 1969
6th SFG(A) 69-70
Ranger Class 13-70
MACV Tm 21 70-71 (2nd ARVN Ranger Gp 23d
BN)
2/13 Armor 1st Cav 71-72
"Experience teaches a dear school, but fools will learn in no other, and some scarce in that"
Re: A Ranger Icon Is Closing Its Doors
Looks like the four winds will be sold but remain open under new management:
http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/2014/12/ ... /100/&rh=1
http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/2014/12/ ... /100/&rh=1
Ranger Class 13-71
Advisor, VN 66-68 69-70
42d Vn Ranger Battalion 1969-1970
Trainer, El Salvador 86-87
Advisor, Saudi Arabian National Guard 91, 93-94
75th RRA Life Member #867
Advisor, VN 66-68 69-70
42d Vn Ranger Battalion 1969-1970
Trainer, El Salvador 86-87
Advisor, Saudi Arabian National Guard 91, 93-94
75th RRA Life Member #867
- PocketKings
- Ranger
- Posts: 2017
- Joined: April 20th, 2007, 2:05 pm
Re: A Ranger Icon Is Closing Its Doors
I went one time and waited 45 minutes for my food, which never even arrived.
So, from my standpoint, no real loss.
So, from my standpoint, no real loss.
RS 01-00
82d (1-325 AIR) 99-00
101st (2-502d IN) 00-03
82d (1-325 AIR) 99-00
101st (2-502d IN) 00-03