The closing of three local Frisch’s restaurants left students with a range of emotions.
Some students felt upset or nostalgic because of these closings, while others felt indifferent or even joyful.
“It’s terrible, man,” junior Gabe Goodridge said. “I grew up with Frisch’s, you know.”
The three restaurants closed down in December following the company’s failure to pay rent. Official documents showed that the company, Frisch’s Big Boy, was over $4 million behind on rent prior to the closings.
These restaurants operated using a blanket mortgage, meaning that there was one large rent payment for most establishments, rather than individual payments from each location.
Currently Frisch’s is more of a regional franchise, with locations concentrated in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and Tennessee. Their headquarters is located in Cincinnati.
Two of the three local locations that closed were in Florence, with the other being in Burlington. One of these was just a half mile away from Boone County High School.
Because of its close proximity to Boone, these closings have left students with mixed feelings.
Many students have expressed sadness as they had fond memories with the restaurants.
Senior Elizabeth Bailey shared disappointment in the closings.
“I’m really sad because I used to go there with my grandma after church, and that was our thing,” Bailey said.
Senior Lael Zavala—who was once employed by Frisch’s—also expressed sadness.
“I’m a little sad about it because I used to work at the company and I liked some of the people that worked there,” Garcia said.
He also shared his concerns about the people who lost their jobs due to these locations closing.
“Now they don’t have a job and I feel bad,” Garcia said.
Senior Logan Serra also expressed concern for the people who lost their jobs due to the closings. However, he wasn’t too upset about the closings otherwise.
“I’m glad they closed because it is a waste of space,” Serra said.
Senior Trevor Danner had a lot to say about the closings.
“I remember eating a burger … or a hot fudge cake with family, friends, and others,” Danner said.
He specifically cited the “smooth texture of the ranch” at Frisch’s. He also mentioned how close the restaurant was to the school, saying it was just a “minute walk” away.
“Not only did Frisch’s feel like a restaurant, but it felt like home,” Danner said.
Overall, most students expressed some degree of disappointment following these closings.
The closing of these restaurants will undoubtedly leave a hole in the community, and, as to what will happen to the now vacant Frisch’s buildings, only time will tell.
