By JANIE SLAVEN
One of the fun things about Frisch ’ s Big Boy is that nearly everyone who comes in already has a story about eating there . The restaurant doesn ’ t fail to evoke good memories from years gone by — 35 for the Somerset location , to be exact . Billy Hayes is a secondgeneration owner , taking over in December 2020 from his mother Karen Thrasher after the death of his stepfather , Larry . Hayes joined the family business at the age of 14 , starting out as a dishwasher . By the time he turned 18 , he had worked his way up to executive manager .
When Larry Thrasher passed away in 2020 , it was important for Billy to keep Frisch ’ s a familyrun business .
“ The goal is to keep it long enough to where I can retire and the third generation can take it on ,” Hayes said .
The emphasis on family is evident . Customers won ’ t get far inside the door without being greeted by a member of the staff .
Hayes also oversaw a remodel of the restaurant ’ s interior for a welcoming feel .
“ Everything we did was local ,” Hayes explained .
“ That was my main goal , to build on my dad ’ s 33- year legacy when he built the restaurant . I really dove into the community — sponsoring local teams , giving money to any organization that needed it .
I joined the chamber .…
Owner Billy Hayes poses with daughter Anabel , who works as a server , in the Frisch ' s dining room .
Photo by Caleb Lowndes
Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce www . somersetpulaskichamber . com 47