VOLTZY, aka Rick Volz, operated a carry out hamburger joint in Moraine that was as well known for the owner’s sarcastic jabs as it was for the best cheeseburgers in town. Rick, who was a Ft. Wayne native, learned the business from his grandfather working at his shop growing up. He’d run a shop in the Dayton area for over 30 years, in 1988 he started serving burgers out of a 12 foot trailer. he trailer grew to 16 ft then 24 ft, and in 2013 he built the Root Beer Stand on 4668 Springboro Pike.
He ground his beef fresh daily and during soup season he made a batch fresh each day. His most popular cabbage roll soup was a perfect cross of spicy, sweet, cabbage and mix of veggies and crumbled meat. Voltzy claimed he served up over 800 gallons of soup each winter.
One of the joys of going to Voltzy’s was getting a sarcastic greeting from Voltzy. Known for his one liners, verbal jabs, complaints, zingers and humor, it was truly just his way of making you feel welcome.
Over the past several years Voltzy has had some health issues, and in 2017 had to have 3 toes amputated, which caused his to shut down the business for a bit. But he rallied and reopened, doubling up on the jabs, to make up for the time he missed. But his health never quite rebounded, a few more issues and thenearlier this year his leg was amputated just under his knee. And today Voltzy took his last breath at Kettering Hospital, while his surrogate daughter Sammy held his hand.
Voltzy at the Grill
His social media sight quickly filled with tributes:
“I met VOLTZY aka Rick Volz at the Oktoberfest Dayton about 10 years ago. Ever since then he was good friend. After the grills turned off, and the spotlight was down, he was a humble, guy who had a tough road. He was a mans man, and absolutely hilarious.” -Steve Milano, aka The Big Ragu, of Food Adventures, which ran for years on DMM
“Such sad news. The world just lost one hell of a person! Rest in Peace Buddy! When I see you again, you can ask me “I’ve been here for xxx long…..where the hell you been?” – Lee Edwards
“The man was a Dayton institution. I will say Voltzy’s was my favorite place to go to get lunch, and that’s as much about Rick, if not more, than the wonderful food he made.” – Scott Beckerman
“The world just lost a great one… Man I’ll miss his humor, passion and that smile he’d flash as he got ya with a good one liner.” – Kyle Mullins
“He was one of a kind and I always loved hearing him interact with his friends and customers. I’m glad he is no longer suffering, but he will be greatly missed throughout this community.” – Jennine Elizabeth
Voltzy- we’ll miss you!
Voltzy making his Cabbage Roll Soup
See more of our coverage of Voltzy over the years written by Steve Milano
800 Gallons of Soup at Voltzys!
