Sept 29, 2022
By: Katherine Trowbridge
The Burger Factory is the latest in a string of local restaurants to go up for sale.
Michael Jay’s sold at the end of April and the Patty Shack (Basin City) sold at the end of August, both in 2021.
Earlier this year, Papa Ray’s posted a “For Sale” sign and just recently, the Pizza Station announced their retirement.
With the perils of the pandemic lock downs, the restaurants shared that the community support was outstanding and that was not a factor in the decision to sell.
Many of these local restaurateurs have served in the business for a number of years and are looking for a slower pace of life.
The Franklin County Graphic spoke with Ray and Rachel Robinson of Papa Ray’s. Ray shared that they are in a good place and the restaurant is doing good. However, the couple shared that their choice to put the business up for sale was more personal. They just don’t have the time to spend with their grand-kids or to attend sporting events with their college age kids. The Robinson’s expressed their love for the community here and plan to stay living in Connell. Ray added that he will still work and is interested in buying and fixing up some buildings in town.
Burger Factory owners, Rhonda and Mike Erstad have a grand baby now and just want to be grandparents. Rhonda shared they have operated the business for 10 years now. “We’ve built it back up to where we feel comfortable handing the reins over, Rhonda said, “We’ve loved our time here, but, like I said, we’re missing out on grand baby time being here all the time.”
Katrina Kunkel, Greater Connell Area Chamber of Commerce Board member and local coffee shop owner expressed, “It is sad to see them go, but think of the new generation of entrepreneurs and the fresh outlook they can have to bring things to our community.”