Big Boy Restaurant Group announced Monday that it’s ceasing operations in Southwest Ohio and closing the six Dolly’s restaurants it opened in Greater Cincinnati this year.
Late last year, dozens of Frisch’s restaurants were shuttered in an eviction battle with its landlord, NNN Reit. During the closures, a team of Frisch’s senior managers acquired several of the chain restaurant’s locations, as well as future branding rights.
However, early this year, Big Boy Restaurant Group, which is based in Michigan, decided to reopen several of the shuttered Frisch’s restaurants under the new Dolly’s branding. The first restaurants opened in March, but the concept sparked a lawsuit from the new owners of Frisch’s and prevented Big Boy Restaurant Group from using its name in the region.
“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,” Big Boy Restaurant Group said in a statement.
Big Boy Restaurant Group says the litigation remains unresolved and it’s unable to operate under the Big Boy name in Southwest Ohio. The company says continuing to operate under these conditions is no longer sustainable or beneficial, but it says it remains hopeful that, once the legal matters are settled, it can return to the market under the Big Boy name.
All six Dolly’s restaurants’ final day of service will be Thursday, Oct. 23.
“Big Boy Restaurant Group extends its sincere appreciation to all Dolly’s team members for their professionalism, resilience, and commitment throughout this period. The company also expresses heartfelt gratitude to the Cincinnati and Dayton communities for their warm welcome and loyal support over the past several months,” the company stated.
More info: dollysburgersandshakes.com.