Alright let’s pull back the curtain. You’ve likely noticed Dolly’s Burgers & Shakes popping up in Ohio and wondered who’s really behind the counter. Is Dolly’s a friendly local upstart, a ghost kitchen in disguise, or something bigger? If you run a business or dream of expanding into new markets, Dolly’s story packs a punchy lesson: know your trademarks, move fast when opponents stumble, and above all, find ways to stay customer-focused.
Let’s get into what makes Dolly’s tick and, most importantly, who owns and operates the show.
Meet Dolly’s Burgers & Shakes: More Than Just Melty Cheese and Nostalgia
Dolly’s Burgers & Shakes specializes in classic diner-style burgers, loaded fries, crispy chicken sandwiches, and let’s be honest Instagram-worthy milkshakes piled high with toppings. While you could be forgiven for assuming it’s a one-off burger joint, Dolly’s has Michigan roots and is closely tied to one of the most iconic American restaurant families: Big Boy.
Their menu brings back the sizzle and sauce of roadside diners from decades ago. What sets Dolly’s apart is the subtle nod to tradition retro branding, friendly service, and a menu that pays homage to the 1950s Big Boy era. So yes, you’re biting into nostalgia with every burger.
The Real Owners: Big Boy Restaurant Group, LLC
Let’s clear this up: Dolly’s Burgers & Shakes is not a mom-and-pop shop, a local franchisee, or a solo break-off brand. Rather, Big Boy Restaurant Group, LLC headquartered in Michigan owns and operates the Dolly’s concept directly. Founded decades ago, Big Boy has run more than 60 restaurants across the United States. Remember that rotund red-and-white checkered mascot? That’s Big Boy, and these folks write the playbook for two brands: Big Boy and, where needed, Dolly’s Burgers & Shakes.
Big Boy Restaurant Group, LLC prefers to keep business under one roof so when you’re biting into a Dolly’s burger, it’s powered by their kitchens, supply chains, and operational muscle.
Who’s Steering This Ship? Say Hello to CEO Tamer Afr
Well-run brands don’t run themselves. At the top, you’ll find Tamer Afr, serving as CEO of Big Boy Restaurant Group. His leadership covers everything from choosing new restaurant locations to shaping menus and making sure Dolly’s runs smoothly. Under Afr’s management, Dolly’s is part growth engine, part branding pivot a flexible way for a historic company to sidestep legal headaches and keep serving up fries and shakes to hungry crowds.
If you’re leading a growing team, Afr’s playbook should be familiar: identify obstacles (in this case, legal disputes), pivot without missing a beat, and meet the market wherever you find demand. That’s business bootstrapping 101.
Why Dolly’s Exists: A Trademark Case Study in Restaurant Chess
Ever launch a great idea, only to hit a wall because someone else owns the name in your region? You’re not alone Big Boy Restaurant Group hit just that snag as they eyed expansion into Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee. Frisch’s Big Boy, a separate company, still holds trademark rights to the “Big Boy” name in those states. This meant Big Boy couldn’t open restaurants as “Big Boy” in key Midwest markets without a courtroom battle.
What’s the pragmatic solution? Create Dolly’s Burgers & Shakes, a legal workaround that carries the same crave-worthy burgers but under a different banner. That way, the company protects its market share, keeps its existing fans, and sidesteps expensive legal wrangling. This isn’t just smart it’s essential if your ambitions cross state lines or involve widely held trademarks.
Dolly’s Rise: Finding Locations When Competitors Fall
Opportunities to expand often come disguised as bad news for someone else. When Frisch’s Big Boy closed several restaurants in late 2024 and early 2025, Big Boy Restaurant Group acted quickly. Dolly’s took over more than one former Frisch’s location, especially in and around Cincinnati and southwest Ohio.
It’s a classic business move: when a rival exits a neighborhood, swoop in and turn their loss into your expansion. These locations already have the kitchen equipment, parking lots, and sometimes even loyal customers missing their old Big Boy fix. All you need is new signage, a fresh coat of paint, and voilà a new Dolly’s opens without starting from scratch.
So, if you’re eyeing growth but dread build-out costs, keep watch for competitors pulling out or listing their sites. Fast action can lead to big rewards no need to reinvent the burger.
Regional Focus: Why Ohio and Cincinnati Became Dolly’s Launchpads
Why not just open everywhere at once? Because legal realities (and supply chains) favor a targeted, test-and-learn approach. Big Boy Restaurant Group pinpointed southwest Ohio especially greater Cincinnati as their beachhead for Dolly’s. It’s simple math: when Frisch’s bailed, they left behind walk-in ready spots and local hunger for classic burgers.
For operations folks and small business owners, Dolly’s playbook is crystal clear: prioritize location, study the competition, and expand only where demand outpaces risk. Don’t ignore the details. What’s the foot traffic? Who’s your ideal customer? In a pinch, Dolly’s bets on tried-and-true Americana vibes matched with convenience.
The Story Behind the Doll: Name, History, and Chicken Sandwiches
So, where did “Dolly” come from? Dig into Big Boy’s lore and you’ll find Dolly is the long-time girlfriend of the Big Boy mascot a subtle nod to continuity for brand loyalists. It’s a smart move: keep things familiar but legally distinct. Dolly even made her official menu mark when Big Boy Restaurant Group registered the “Dolly Chicken Sandwich” trademark in 2021.
If you’re naming a new product, look for unused gems in your brand’s history. Tap nostalgia, trademark it, and expand without breaking the bank or confusing your base.
Legal Lessons: Trademark Disputes Shape the Menu and the Brand
Trademark issues rarely make headlines, but they shape restaurant maps everywhere. Conflicts with Frisch’s Big Boy made “Big Boy” off-limits for Big Boy Restaurant Group across swathes of the Midwest. For Dolly’s, this meant every menu, sign, and napkin needed to steer clear of those protected names even though the food stayed nearly identical.
It’s a masterclass in business agility: when blocked, pivot fast and stay compliant. Before you launch in new states, check trademarks, business filings, and menu items you may need a fallback plan. Dolly’s looks and tastes like home to many, but the legal wrangling is real and ongoing.
Trying to avoid your own legal stumbling blocks? Get familiar with resources like Small Business House for free or low-cost legal guidance. A little research now keeps headaches off the menu later.
Not Just Burgers: How Dolly’s Does Community Outreach and Local PR
Smart operators know a new brand can’t live by nostalgia alone. Dolly’s has made a point to reach out and partner with local officials including engaging with city leaders like Mayor Pat Haley to build goodwill and community ties. If you’re opening a new location, don’t ignore the local political landscape. A friendly “hello” to city hall, a quick neighborhood survey, or a grand opening with new signage can tip the scales from “outsider” to “welcome neighbor.”
These actions aren’t mere PR they drive repeat business, smooth out opening jitters, and help brands stay relevant. Dolly’s approach reminds us: growing involves grassroots, not just grand strategy. Never be too big to shake hands at the door.
The Bottom Line: Dolly’s Is 100% Owned by Big Boy Restaurant Group, With Growth Fueled by Strategy
Let’s wrap it up: Dolly’s Burgers & Shakes isn’t a one-off upstart or standalone chain. Its legal, operational, and culinary DNA is pure Big Boy Restaurant Group, LLC. Every menu in Ohio owes its existence to deliberate business moves by Big Boy leadership and the sharp strategic thinking of CEO Tamer Afr. The brand’s creation was a tactical response to regional trademark blockades and its growth comes from watching the competition, seizing on closed locations, and serving loyal fans in fresh wrappers.
Thinking about how you can drive low-cost, high-impact growth in your business? Dolly’s story is packed with takeaways. Start with what you already have history, recipes, expertise and stay flexible if obstacles force a detour. When competitors fall, act quickly but thoughtfully. Protect your brand with trademarks. And never overlook the power of neighborly outreach.
Alright, burger fans and business owners you’re ready to recognize the playbook. Dolly’s isn’t just a burger joint; it’s a master class in pragmatic, customer-focused expansion powered by a legacy brand that knows how to work around setbacks. That’s the ownership story behind Dolly’s Burgers & Shakes. Now, who’s hungry for practical growth and maybe a strawberry shake?
