Big Boy Restaurant Group has made the difficult decision to discontinue operations in the Cincinnati and Dayton markets.Six months ago, the company entered Southwest Ohio with one goal in mind — to preserve and rejuvenate the beloved Big Boy brand that has meant so much to families across this region for nearly nine decades. At that time, many Big Boy–branded restaurants not operated by the company were closing, and Big Boy Restaurant Group sought to bring stability, quality, and a renewed sense of nostalgia back to an area that has always been part of the brand’s story.
Before opening its first restaurant, Big Boy Restaurant Group was served with a temporary restraining order preventing the company from using the Big Boy name in its Southwest Ohio locations. In response, the company quickly adapted and launched six restaurants under the name Dolly’s, continuing to serve guests and uphold the brand’s long-standing commitment to family dining and hospitality while the legal process continued.
Despite the dedication of its team members and the support of the community, the litigation remains unresolved, and the company is still unable to operate under the Big Boy name in this market. 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.
As a result, the company will close its six existing Dolly’s restaurants, with the final day of operations on October 23, 2025.
Big Boy Restaurant Group extends its sincere appreciation to all Dolly’s team members for their professionalism, resilience, and commitment throughout this period. The company also expresses heartfelt gratitude to the Cincinnati and Dayton communities for their warm welcome and loyal support over the past several months.
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.
Big Boy Restaurant Group, LLC, headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, continues to operate locations throughout Michigan and other U.S. markets and remains dedicated to delivering great food, friendly service, and a nostalgic dining experience that guests have loved since 1936.
