By Alan Cornett
Special to NKyTribune
The Frisch’s restaurant name goes back over a hundred years in the Cincinnati area.
After teaming with the now legendary Big Boy name after World War II, Frisch’s Big Boy has been a comfort food choice in Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana for generations. You would be hard pressed to find someone who grew up in the tri-state who hasn’t eaten a Big Boy burger.
But we all know the burger market has been on fire in recent years with more deluxe offerings often leaving the traditional diner burgers behind.
Frisch’s is answering that new competition with a line of Primetime Burgers which were unveiled in its Frisch’s Big Boy restaurants this week. I was invited to a preview last week in Covington so I could taste the goods.
There are three new Primetime Burgers, and each is the brainchild of Frisch’s Chef Greg Grisanti of the famous Louisville restaurant family. Chef Grisanti is clearly proud of his new creations.
The new brioche buns were designed by Grisanti in conjunction with Klosterman Baking Company and he paired them with fresh burger Frisch’s grinds itself along with high quality real cheeses.
The result are three burgers that, frankly, you probably wouldn’t expect at a Frisch’s. The new lineup has three variations: the Classic, the BLT, and the Mushroom Swiss. The burgers are rich and juicy–you’ll want to ask for extra napkins.
No surprise, quality ingredients make a difference. My personal favorite was the BLT because, well, bacon. The bacon is thick and flavorful. I was impressed and I would be more than happy to have another.
Grisanti assured me that the classic Big Boy burger wasn’t going anywhere, but that the new Primetime Burgers offer another option for those who want a higher quality burger. And at around $6 each, you can order a Primetime burger while keeping your Frisch’s trip family budget friendly.
I grew up with Frisch’s Big Boy, and it’s encouraging to see that the Cincinnati-based chain is dedicated to keeping up with the times while not abandoning their traditional clientele. With the new Primetime Burgers I suspect Frisch’s will be bringing some people back through the doors.
All photos by Alan Cornett
Alan Cornett is chief eater and writer for EatKentucky.com. A native of Clay County, he has been eating in Kentucky for decades. Follow Alan as he eats his way through the Commonwealth, exploring its restaurants and foodways. Alan lives, eats and writes in Lexington.
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Now if they will only get Coke back…….