By Andy Furman
NKyTribune staff writer
Big Boy – you were missed. Want some proof?
Just ask Geno Blanchet, who was eating breakfast at the newly-opened Fort Wright location, Friday morning.
“I’ve been eating at Frisch’s since the ‘60s,” the Southgate resident told the Northern Kentucky Tribune. “In fact, I ate here twice yesterday (Thursday) and would have come back for dinner, but the parking lot was full.”
Frisch’s is an institution in the Tri-State, and that is the reason Cheryl White purchased the new Fort Wright location, which had their ribbon-cutting, Friday morning.
“I worked for Frisch’s 30 years,” the Princeton High School grad told the Northern Kentucky Tribune. “I always wanted to be part of a business that is a service to others.”
She has no problem now. The parking lot for the official opening was jammed Friday morning.
“I was late for my shift today,” she joked, “I arrived at 6:15 a.m.”
She was not alone, that was for sure.
Ken Meyer traveled from Ludlow for his Friday breakfast.
“I used to dine at the Frisch’s in Covington,” he told the Tribune. “I’ve been a Frisch’s man since the ‘70s. In fact, I eat at Frisch’s four-times-a-week. I was here twice Thursday.”
White says the decision to purchase the restaurant was, “The best decision I ever made in life. It was a no-brainer, and I did it myself.”
She said no immediate changes are planned.
“Why should we?” she smiled. “We serve great food, and have great service. But we are always interested in customer feedback.”
As for the staff at the newly remodeled 494 Orphanage Road location, the entire Kyles Lane Frisch’s team has transferred to serve the Fort Wright community – and beyond.
“I’m happy,” said White, a graduate of Miami University, “to keep 150 people employed.”
The location is certainly a destination restaurant. At least for Debbie Atkins.
“I drove from Wilder for my Frisch’s breakfast,” she told the Tribune. So how did she even know of the new location?
“I saw some people eating here yesterday (Thursday),” she said. “The food is always fresh, great service, it’s just a great place.”
Doug Ennis made the trek from Independence. “I used to dine at the Highland Heights Frisch’s,” he said, “No more. Frisch’s for me is the breakfast bar, the best chili and a cod sandwich.
“I’m here every Sunday for breakfast and during the week it’s chili and the cod sandwich.”
The customers are true loyalists; yet White claims so are the employees.
“People tend to stay with Frisch’s for a long time,” she says, “which creates their legacy. It is extremely rewarding.”
Maybe it’s the tartar sauce.
“I’m just humbled the way the people and city of Fort Wright embraced us,” she said.
The Fort Wright Frisch’s at 494 Orphanage Road is open seven-days-a-week 7 a.m. to midnight)
