Nearly nine decades since its inception, this legendary restaurant chain has made a mark nationwide through its diner-style comfort food and formed a part of many generations’ childhoods. However, it now faces new challenges with an ongoing legal battle that may have just ended a legacy in these key areas.
Just seven months after opening its first two locations, Big Boy Restaurant Group LLC is closing all six Dolly’s Burgers & Shakes restaurants in Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio on October 23.
“After careful evaluation, Big Boy Restaurant Group has determined that continuing to operate under these conditions is no longer sustainable or beneficial for its employees or the brand,” said Big Boy Restaurant Group in a press release.
Earlier this year, Big Boy Restaurant Group began taking over leases for several Frisch’s Big Boy locations after their owners failed to pay more than $4.5 million in rent, leading to multiple evictions. Due to its financial struggles, Frisch’s now has just over 30 restaurants, a major reduction from the 80 locations it had in 2024.
The company planned to relaunch these sites under the Big Boy name, establishing its presence in Southwest Ohio. However, Frisch’s filed a lawsuit claiming that Big Boy Restaurant Group’s use of the name in the region infringed on its trademark rights in Indiana, Kentucky, and select counties in Ohio and Tennessee.
The court issued a temporary restraining order prohibiting Big Boy Restaurant Group from using the name in Southwest Ohio. This led the company to rebrand all six new locations as Dolly’s Burgers & Shakes, named after the Big Boy mascot’s girlfriend.
Dolly’s Burgers & Shakes locations closing
- 7706 Beechmont Ave, Cincinnati, Ohio 45255
- 9830 Colerain Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45251
- 5202 Delhi Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45238
- 8181 North Springboro Pike, Miamisburg, Ohio 45342
- 9070 Plainfield Rd, Cincinnati, Ohio 45236
- 20 Troy Town Dr, Troy, Ohio 45373
Big Boy Restaurant Group had ambitious plans to open more than 50 restaurants in the area before the legal dispute halted expansion. Despite the closures, the company expressed optimism about returning in the future.
“While Big Boy Restaurant Group is stepping back from the Southwest Ohio market at this time, the company remains hopeful that once the matter is resolved, it will be able to return and reopen its doors under the Big Boy name,” according to a statement from Big Boy Restaurant Group.
Big Boy Restaurant Group to close six Dolly’s Burgers & Shakes locations.
Image Source: Shutterstock
Big Boy restaurant group history
Big Boy’s story began in 1936 when founder Bob Wiam purchased a hamburger stand in California and named it Bob’s Pantry. After a loyal customer who was a movie studio animator sketched the now-famous “Big Boy” mascot on a napkin, the restaurant was renamed Bob’s Big Boy, according to its website.
The character became so beloved that in 1956, Big Boy got its own comic series, written by Stan Lee and produced by Timely Comics, which later became Marvel.
Related: Iconic Mexican restaurant chain makes comeback after 20-year hiatus
The series ran for four decades, making it the longest-running comic in American history.
Today, the Big Boy Restaurant chain operates 53 locations across five states, serving signature dishes like Big Boy Burgers, Classic Slim Jim, all-day breakfast, and its famous Hot Fudge Ice Cream Cake.
Restaurant closures become an industry trend
While Big Boy Restaurant Group’s legal issues are unique, its closures have become the new norm, signaling a broader struggle within the restaurant industry.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 17% of new restaurants close within their first year.
However, long-term restaurant survival rates are even tougher, with about 50% closing within five years and only 34.6% of restaurants surviving past the 10-year mark, according to Oysterlink.
This year alone, major chains such as Red Lobster, TGI Fridays, Starbucks (SBUX), and Denny’s (DENN) have all faced mass closures and layoffs, shrinking their footprints nationwide.
Related: Popular tourist restaurant chain closing all locations this month