rick volz

Dayton Lost An Icon- Voltzy Passed Away

February 1, 2021 By Lisa Grigsby

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!

Smart Mouths Love Food at Smart Aleck “Voltzy’s”

Get a Fresh Food Adventure at Voltzy’s

Voltzy Needs Our Help!

September 2, 2016 By Lisa Grigsby

If you’ve ever stopped by for lunch at Voltzy’s Rootbeer Stand at 4668 Springboro Pike, by WDTN, you’ve probably heard Voltzy give you hard time! For over 25 years he’s been serving up burgers and some amazing soups with an attitude. Now as you get to know and love him, like many of us have, you realize he’s a great big softy under that harsh bark.

Speaking of hard times, Voltzy’s summer has not been a fun one- in June he had surgery and announced he’d be closed for about 3 weeks. In reality he has had a couple of surgeries and he’s not been able to work all summer.

Friends of his have launched a GoFundMe page to help:

As many of you know by now, Rick (Voltzy) has been through a lot this last couple of months. Not only has he had major surgery with his toe amputation and therapy but also having to close his restaurant, which is his main source of income. This has had a huge impact on him. Even with health insurance, there are still expenses that are not covered.

Rick is too proud to ask for anything but he would give you the shirt off his back. So, I’m a

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Voltzy calls this his hyperbaric oxygen “astronaut look” therapy at Sycamore Hospital.

sking for your help with donations for his medical bills. Any contribution, big or small would be greatly appreciated.

Rick can’t wait to get to back to what he loves doing, and that’s cooking, and of course chatting with all of his customers.

Let’s help Voltzy focus on getting well and hopefully recover quicker without having to worry about all the medical bills piling up. He loves and misses all of you and is so ready to return.

Help spread the word!

Voltzy is keeping us all updated with posts on on his facebook page. This was the latest a couple of weeks ago:

“Doctors are extremely happy with my progress. I will be fitted next week with a toe prosthetic. This is a very slow healing process and we need to be sure the wound is healing properly.

Believe me, I am dying to get back to work and doing the thing I love to do most and that is cooking! I will post an update here once I have more info on returning. I miss everyone and appreciate all the prayers and support.”

Voltzy has been cleared to drive and spend limited time on his feet- notice how he’s pictured here checking out the competition at the Hamburger Stand in Miamisburg- no doubt he’s telling them they are only busy because his place is closed.

So if you’re able, head to the GoFundMe page and drop the few bucks you would have spent on a burger at his place. Let’s get this guy healthy and back to work. I’m craving a burger and some of his biting humor- how about you?

Food Adventures: Small Bites for 4/5/2012

April 5, 2012 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Food Adventures with the Big Ragu and Crew: Another installation of “Small Bites.”

Here in “Small Bites,” we feature some of our favorite food items across the Dayton area. We are not food critics, we love to eat. Often imitated never duplicated, we set out to let you know about some of the better eats around the area that you may not know about !

Owners Rick “Voltzy” & Jack Sperry Want Your Vote to Decide!

THROWDOWN: VOLTZY’S vs. THE HAMBURGER WAGON, on Saturday June 9, 2012

Our first small bite is actually a coming attraction. Two of the most popular burger joints in the Dayton area are going to have an old fashioned “Throwdown!” at the Rock n’ Green Tomato Festival in Miamisburg, Ohio. The Hamburger Wagon of Miamisburg will go toe to toe with Voltzy’s Rootbeer Stand of Moraine. Get to this festival and cast your vote on Saturday June 9th. Who will win this burger brawl to settle it all ?? We visited with Voltzy’s owner Rick Volz and the Hamburger Wagon owner Jack Sperry, and they both think they are going to win ! The Throwdown is in the early stages, so there will be more details in the coming weeks. Look for a follow up feature story from the Big Ragu in May right here on DaytonMostMetro, when we will cast our votes for the best burger!

THE SANDWICHES at JIMMIES LADDER 11:

The Ladder 11 Sandwich

Are you looking for a great, casual bar and grill that serves up top notch sandwiches? Food Adventures recommends that you try Jimmie’s Ladder 11 on Brown Street. Jimmie’s ladder 11 resides in an old renovated 1892 firehouse and is full of atmosphere. They also make some amazing sandwiches. One of our favorite sandwiches is the Ladder 11 which consists of Romanian Style Pastrami, Corned Beef, Hand Cut Cole Slaw, and House Russian Dressing on Rye. The menu has a large variety of sandwiches, pastas, and some incredible appetizers. Try the creole cheesecake…… you will not be sorry. Jimmies Ladder 11 is located at 936 Brown Street across from Miami Valley Hospital. For more information, check out jladder11.com.

THE CREPES at CREPE BOHEME at the 2nd Street Market:

Veggie Crepe

From the crepes in Paris, France to a Chocolate Crepe from a street vendor. We have been fans ever since! Fortunately for us, we have Crepe Boheme located at the 2nd Street Market in Downtown Dayton. Today we even opt for for a Vegetarian Crepe rather than the crepes made with Nutella. The Crepe-Master Sabine skillfully pours the thin layer of batter on the hot plate and the magic begins. We suggest you try a create your own crepe you with: Spinach, Tomatoes, Mushrooms, Brie and an incredible Red Pepper Sauce. For the carnivores out there, you can always try the Black Forest Ham Crepe. This crepe is packed with Black Forest Ham, Brie, and topped with Mushrooms. Give Crepe Boheme a try and you will be hooked!

THE 2 FISH OR CHICKEN SANDWICHES FOR 2 BUCKS at RALLY’s:

Rally’s: 2 Nice Sized Fish Sandwiches for 2 Bucks

Two dolla to make you holla! We don’t usually write about fast food chains, but every once in a great while, we will see something worth mentioning. Such is the case with the current deal at Rally’s Hamburgers, the infamous double drive-thru place. The Big Ragu’s obsession with fast food had him doing a double take. Rally’s has a deal of 2 fish or chicken sandwiches for 2 bucks total. The sandwiches aren’t tiny either. The bang for your buck is great. Satisfy your hunger for 2 dollars? When is the last time that happened? Other monster chains are charging around 4 bucks for the same thing, so make sure you stop in at Rally’s for this fantastic deal during the Lenten season.

Look for our FOOD ADVENTURES every THURSDAY on DaytonMostMetro.com!

PLEASE CHECK OUT FOOD ADVENTURES ON FACEBOOK HERE !!

“Like” us to become an official fan !!

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