Can Frisch's Expand Big Boy Outside of Ohio? (Warren, Kent: closing, restaurants)

[tylerSC]

I know that Frisch's has Big Boy locations in Ohio, Kentucky and Indianna, but there is a void of Big Boy restaurants in Virginia, the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida. Former franchisees Bob's Big Boy and Shoney's pulled out years ago, and the few remaining Shoney's are no longer Big Boy affiliates. They even used to have Elby's Big Boy in West Va and Pa. Is it possible for Frisch's to expand into the Southern markets, or is this territory controlled by the corporate Big Boy Intl out of Michigan? The Big Boys in Michigan use thousand island sauce on their burgers, whereas Bob's in California uses relish sauce and mayo. But I actually prefer the tartar sauce that Frisch's uses, so I was hoping they could return to Florida, and expand into the Carolinas. Any possibility of expansion?

[Wilson513]

I think you had better do some research first. Start with wiki and stop back.

[kjbrill]

Frisch's originally had rights to Florida which they gave up in the 1990s. They retain rights to Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky, but would likely have to have someone else franchise fees to expand into any of the other states you mentioned. I doubt this would be of interest to them.

[ram2]

There have been many Big Boy's in Michigan closing over the past 2 years.

[restorationconsultant]

Most of the Frisches that were in Iindianapolis a few years back either closed or became Dennys, I think its a tough tiime in the restaurant franchiise business, So few people have the time to sit down to eat. That may be why we are seeing so many new food trucks popping up accoss the county. The market is adjusting to consumers demands. The overhead costs on restaurants are high.

[unusualfire]

Except for the fish. Their food is not that great. The fries are awful.

[ram2]

Originally Posted by unusualfire

Except for the fish. Their food is not that great. The fries are awful.

The onion rings are still good.

[jlawrence01]

Originally Posted by ram2

There have been many Big Boy's in Michigan closing over the past 2 years.

If you ate at the Elias Brother's locations in the Detroit area, you'll know why. It is just pretty bad and not competitive with other restaurants in teh area.

[tylerSC]

Originally Posted by Wilson513

I think you had better do some research first. Start with wiki and stop back.

The way I understand it, Big Boy Intl out of Warren, Michigan controls the national franchise rights for Big Boy Restaurants, and Bob's Big Boy in California. And Frisch's has the rights to operate Big Boys in Ohio, Kentucky, Indianna, and perhaps Tennesee. Just wish one of these corporations would expand into the Southeast, as Shoney's has not been a Big Boy franchise for years, and most of those stores have closed. I still think Big Boy could make a comeback in the Carolinas, given the right location. And overall, I think Frisch's runs a good restaurant.

[mike1003]

Just read the Wiki on Big Boy. I thought that Carl's was a Big Boy when I was a kid.

BTW, a good friend's (we've been friends for over 60 years) mother was a close friend of Dave Frisch. Dave loved her tartar sauce and she GAVE him the recipe. Never earned a penny on the deal.