Two Cincinnati celebrities from two different walks of life have stayed close friends for decades.
Restaurateur Jeff Ruby shared a heartfelt birthday tribute to former Cincinnati Reds catcher Johnny Bench on social media on Monday, Dec. 8. The post celebrated their nearly lifelong friendship that spanned Ruby’s restaurant career and marriage.
“You became my first friend in Cincinnati,” Ruby wrote. “You became my first partner at the Precinct and you became my best man in my wedding.”
“Thank you for helping make my restaurant career possible. Happy birthday brother 🧡.”
Ruby met Bench while the former was a manager at a Holiday Inn in Cincinnati, WLWT previously reported.
The two hit it off, and Ruby opened the Precinct, his first steakhouse, in 1981 with the financial backing and encouragement of Bench and former Reds outfielder Pete Rose.
Bench turned 78 on Dec. 7. He posted a photo from his “Hee Haw” themed celebration with “Big Red Machine” members Doug Flynn, Will McEnaney and Rawly Eastwick.
You became my first friend in Cincinnati. You became my first partner at the Precinct and you became my best man in my wedding. Thank you for helping make my restaurant career possible. Happy birthday brother ❤️ https://t.co/kwDJ7Wcmim
— Jeff Ruby (@TheRealJeffRuby) December 8, 2025