More Frisch's are facing closure and the company is behind on rent for 65 locations

CINCINNATI (WKRC) – Three more Frisch's restaurants in Clermont County are on the verge of closing as the homegrown chain struggles with ongoing legal and financial challenges.

The closures could be part of a larger trend, as up to 65 Frisch's locations in Greater Cincinnati and Dayton could potentially suffer the same fate.

“Based on the judicial review of the exhibits and the uncontested testimony, plaintiff is granted return of the premises described in the statement of claim,” said Magistrate Matthew Graber of Clermont County Municipal Court.

The ruling allows NNN REIT, a real estate investment trust, to immediately close Frisch's locations – one in Loveland and the other in Bethel. In addition, NNN filed for the eviction of the Frisch family in Batavia on Tuesday.

In 2015, the buildings and land for 73 Frisch's restaurants were sold to NNN, with Frisch's Inc. leasing the properties back to continue operations. Eight were recently sold. But court documents show that Frisch's Inc. defaulted on its $1.2 million in monthly lease payments for its remaining 65 restaurants in April.

NNN claimed that Frisch's Inc. now owes $4.5 million in back rent and has begun filing eviction notices for a growing number of locations.

Bill Rowland, a fan of Frisch, expressed his disappointment at the recent developments.

“It's sad. Sounds like a hedge fund cash grab. They have good food and good workers there. So I hope they get on their feet somewhere,” Rowland said.

The situation remains uncertain as Tuesday's ruling remained unchallenged and no representatives from Frisch's Inc. were present at the hearing. Currently, 18 Frisch locations in the area are in the clearing phase, while plans for the remaining 47 owned by NNN are still unclear.

Both NNN and Frisch's Inc. did not respond to requests for comment.

Hamilton County has restaurant hearings coming up on 10/30/24:

• 4227 Bridgetown Road – Cheviot
• 4765 Montgomery Road – Norwood
• 5202 Delhi Pike – Delhi
• 9070 Plainfield – Blue Ash
• 9830 Colerain Avenue – Colerain
• 12150 Mason Montgomery – Symmes Twp.

Hamilton County Restaurant Hearings Coming Up 11/6/24:

• 7706 Beechmont Ave. –Anderson Twp.
• 5351 North Bend Road – Monfort Heights
• 1181 Stone Drive-Harrison
• 11990 Chase Plaza-Forest Park

Additional eviction hearings scheduled outside Hamilton County:

• 1800 Germantown Road-Middletown
• 1285 North High Street-Hillsboro
• 6638 Dixie Hwy. -Fairfield
• 2192 Winemiller Lane – Batavia

Two in Lebanon and Franklin have already been displaced.