19 Frisch’s Big Boy restaurants remain open in Ohio despite Dolly’s closures

Fans of Frisch's often share a love for the restaurant's Big Boy hamburgers, onion rings, and selection of pies. Some customers also rave about the nugget-style ice served in each of the restaurant's soft drinks. AIMEE HANCOCK/STAFF

Fans of Frisch's often share a love for the restaurant's Big Boy hamburgers, onion rings, and selection of pies. Some customers also rave about the nugget-style ice served in each of the restaurant's soft drinks. AIMEE HANCOCK/STAFF

As six Dolly’s Burgers & Shakes restaurants prepare to close on Thursday, Oct. 23, nearly 20 Frisch’s Big Boy restaurants remain open throughout the state.

“Earlier this year, Frisch’s Big Boy obtained a court order that blocked a Michigan-based competitor from operating restaurants in certain parts of Ohio, including Cincinnati, under the name, “Big Boy,” a statement from Frisch’s Big Boy said.

In response, Big Boy Restaurant Group opened six restaurants under the name Dolly’s in former Frisch’s Big Boy locations.

Dolly's on Troy Town Drive, just off of West Main Street in Troy, is preparing to open. It is the second location opening in the Dayton area at a site of a former Frisch's Big Boy. BRYANT BILLING / STAFF

Credit: Bryant Billing

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Credit: Bryant Billing

“Six months ago, the company entered Southwest Ohio with one goal in mind — to preserve and rejuvenate the beloved Big Boy brand that has meant so much to families across this region for nearly nine decades. At that time, many Big Boy–branded restaurants not operated by the company were closing, and Big Boy Restaurant Group sought to bring stability, quality, and a renewed sense of nostalgia back to an area that has always been part of the brand’s story,” states a news release from Big Boy Restaurant Group, LLC.

Dolly’s is not owned or affiliated with the Frisch’s Big Boy brand.

Frisch’s Big Boy is a locally operated restaurant group with 31 locations throughout Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. It has served the area for more than 75 years.

Here’s a list of the company’s Ohio locations:

  • 1006 N. Main St. in Bowling Green
  • 831 N. Bridge St. in Chillicothe
  • 4462 Eastgate Blvd. in Cincinnati
  • 11122 Hamilton Ave. in Cincinnati
  • 8383 Vine St. in Cincinnati
  • 1830 N. Clinton St. in Defiance
  • 2322 W. State St. in Fremont
  • 5570 Liberty Fairfield Road in Hamilton
  • 1255 Main St. in Hamilton
  • 301 South Ninth St. in Ironton
  • 1405 S. Reynolds Road in Maumee
  • 2669 Woodville Road in Northwood
  • 1707 E. Perry St. in Port Clinton
  • 2120 W. Michigan St. in Sidney
  • 2201 E. Main St. in Springfield
  • 800 W. Market St. in Tiffin
  • 925 W. Alexis Road in Toledo
  • 8545 Cincinnati-Dayton Road in West Chester Twp.
  • 11157 State Route 41 South in West Union

“At Frisch’s Big Boy, we’re dedicated to delivering the same classic, family-friendly dining experience our guests have loved for generations — today and for years to come," the statement said.


MORE DETAILS

Big Boy was founded by Bob Wian in Glendale, Calif. in 1936. It was later acquired by the Marriott Corporation and then sold to the Elias Brothers, a Big Boy franchisee.

In the south, it was called Shoney’s. In Ohio, it was Frisch’s Big Boy and on the west coast, it was Bob’s Big Boy.

After the Elias Brothers declared bankruptcy in 2000, Big Boy Restaurants International, now known as Big Boy Restaurant Group, and Frisch’s Big Boy emerged.

Natalie Jones writes about food and dining in Southwest Ohio with an emphasis on the Dayton region. She may be reached at natalie.jones@coxinc.com.

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