Dolly’s Burgers & Shakes Opens in Blue Ash Amid Legal Battle

Interior of Dolly’s Burgers & Shakes with customers enjoying breakfast

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News Summary

Big Boy Restaurant Group has announced the reopening of former Frisch’s Big Boy locations as Dolly’s Burgers & Shakes in Blue Ash and Anderson Township, Ohio. This new diner will feature classic items like Big Boy hamburgers and a breakfast menu, with freebies for the first customers. The move comes amid ongoing litigation over Frisch’s rights to the Big Boy name, leading to the creation of a brand that evokes nostalgia while also catering to local tastes. With plans for significant expansion, the success of this venture depends on community support amidst the legal challenges.

Blue Ash, Ohio – Big Boy Restaurant Group has announced the reopening of former Frisch’s Big Boy locations under the new brand name, Dolly’s Burgers & Shakes, amidst an ongoing legal battle over the use of the “Big Boy” name. This new diner concept will launch with two locations in Blue Ash and Anderson Township this week, offering a menu that includes classic items like the popular Big Boy hamburgers tailored to local tastes.

The official opening will feature a breakfast bar operating from 7 to 11 a.m. during weekdays and from 8 to 10 a.m. on weekends. Additionally, a seafood buffet will be available every Friday from 4 to 9 p.m. until Easter. As part of its grand opening, Dolly’s will provide complimentary Big Boys sandwiches to the first 50 customers using the drive-through and free signature burgers to the first 150 dine-in or carry-out customers at both outlets.

The introduction of Dolly’s Burgers & Shakes comes as a consequence of ongoing litigation. In February, Frisch’s filed a lawsuit asserting its exclusive rights to the “Big Boy” name across significant portions of Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee. This legal dispute has arisen following Frisch’s closure of over 60 diners, which was a result of a lease disagreement with Orlando-based NNN Reit, which claimed that Frisch’s had over $4.5 million in unpaid rent.

As of early 2024, Frisch’s operated just over 30 locations, a drastic reduction from more than 80 prior to the closures. The challenges faced by Frisch’s have been exacerbated, as 28 of the closed locations have reportedly been leased to other restaurant operators by NNN Reit.

In light of these developments, Big Boy Restaurant Group has projected plans to reopen 55 of the shuttered Frisch’s eateries by June 1. However, the current legal proceedings are expected to impact brand names and operational strategies. The litigation has complicated plans for Dolly’s opening, with recent lawsuits filed that attempt to prevent Big Boy from operating in areas that Frisch’s claims as its own.

Big Boy Restaurant Group is prepared to defend its legal standing vigorously, particularly while being mindful of customer preferences, such as the regional fondness for tartar sauce on burgers in the Cincinnati area. The menu at Dolly’s will feature distinctive variations from Frisch’s offerings, including a different hot fudge cake and a unique burger sauce.

CEO Tamer Afr has expressed his surprise at the swiftness of Frisch’s closures over the winter months. His strategic decision to name the new concept after Dolly, the character who is the Big Boy mascot’s girlfriend in the restaurant’s comic book history, aims to evoke feelings of nostalgia and strengthen community ties.

Talks to take over the old Frisch’s locations began in October 2023, following eviction claims made by the landlord. The Big Boy brand is focused on transitioning former Frisch’s spaces into Dolly’s while catering to the local culinary preferences and community demand.

As Big Boy Restaurant Group navigates this challenging legal terrain, the success of Dolly’s Burgers & Shakes will depend on its ability to resonate with consumers who have long associated the Big Boy brand with their dining preferences and memorable experiences.