FAIRMONT — For 50 years, customers have been getting their money’s worth at Say-Boy Restaurant.
Owner Kenny Sabo said his uncle, Albert Sabo, and aunt, Joan Sabo, officially founded the family business on July 1, 1959.
The store, located at 905 Country Club Road in Fairmont, started as a drive-in restaurant with curb service in the ’60s and operated that way for a few years. Albert and Joan then slowly moved into the steakhouse business, always offering USDA choice beef.
When chain restaurants began to move into the area, Albert and Joan continued with the steak and got a Broaster Chicken fryer. Say-Boy’s Broasted Chicken remains a menu favorite today, Kenny said.
“That’s one of our specialities here,” he said. “You can buy it bulk at reasonable prices. Today we sell about 2,000 pounds of chicken a week.”
Kenny retired from Gordon Food Service in 2000, and at that time his uncle was ready to sell Say-Boy Restaurant. Kenny bought the business, which he had been around his whole life, and followed in the lead of the founders. He said Albert passed away about six years ago.
The local community restaurant buys all fresh meat from U.S. manufacturers and also purchases fresh seafood. The business prepares everything from scratch and gives customers some variety with its daily specials, Kenny said.
“We buy the best product we can get,” he said. “That’s been our philosophy throughout the time.”
Kenny said a lot of locals dine at the restaurant, and it’s also a big stop for travelers who are passing through. In addition, Say-Boy Restaurant does a good amount of catering, from casual to elegant.
The business has 38 workers, including many longtime employees. Manager Ellen Gotses has been at the restaurant for 17 years.
“We take care of our employees,” Kenny said. “That’s the most important asset we have to offer."
He said the people who work at Say-Boy Restaurant are the reason for the business’ success and longevity.
“And plus, we know our customers,” he said. “We know (them), they know us, and their family knows us.
Whether it’s someone’s first visit to Say-Boy Restaurant or they’ve been there many times, they're always pleasantly surprised by the quality products and value they get, Kenny said.
"It’s a unique restaurant,” he said. “It’s different.”
Now in its 50th year, the restaurant is able to continue competing in the market.
“Business continues to grow even in these economic times,” Kenny said. “I’m pleased with the growth.”
He said the restaurant plans on being in the community for another 50 years.
Say-Boy Restaurant is open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. For more information, call 304-366-7252 or visit sayboyrestaurant.com.
E-mail Jessica Legge at jlegge@timeswv.com.
Business
Say-Boy Restaurant celebrates 50 years
- Business
-
-
‘Timely investment’
Thanks to funding from INNOVA Commercialization Group of Fairmont, Protea Biosciences Group Inc. of Morgantown is meeting the needs of pharmaceutical companies in an improved way.
-
G&S Wireless has new home at Tygart Commons
G&S Wireless is excited to be better able to serve customers at its new home in White Hall.
The store, a U.S. Cellular authorized agent, recently moved into the newly constructed Tygart Commons shopping plaza between Walmart and Tygart Valley Cinemas, after being located in the Middletown Mall for about 16 years. -
TechConnect to host biometrics forum on June 20
An upcoming forum will bring people together in a spirit of collaboration to determine how to move the state’s biometrics industry forward.
-
Mentus goes full-time with taxidermy business
John Mentus has gone full-time with his taxidermy business, called JGM Taxidermy.
About two weeks ago, the Fairmont native opened his shop at 1620 Locust Ave., which is past the Exxon gas station and across from WomanCare. -
West Virginia’s unemployment rate continues to gradually improve
West Virginia’s unemployment rate continues to gradually improve along with the economy.
The Labor Market Information unit of WorkForce West Virginia’s Research, Information and Analysis Division recently published labor force estimates for the state for March 2012. -
Horn Hounds offers deer minerals, attractant
Horn Hounds LLC is Jim Gaines’ dream and passion.
In November, Gaines obtained his business license for his company, which makes deer minerals and attractant, and in January or February the operations kicked off. He runs Horn Hounds out of an office in his home in Metz. -
‘100 percent real world’
The West Virginia Statewide Collegiate Business Plan Competition is “100 percent real world.”
Meg Grzeskiewicz, a senior in West Virginia University’s Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design, was recently awarded $10,000 for winning in the Lifestyle and Innovation category of the 2011-12 competition. -
The Colon Spa: Treatment without drugs
The Colon Spa is helping clients get their digestive systems on track.
In the middle of March, owner Alexandra Main opened The Colon Spa in Fairmont at 1827 Locust Ave., next to Westchester Village in a little white building off the side of the parking lot. -
Local financial institutions show dedication to community
Local financial institutions are dedicated to the community and are doing their part to help the economy grow.
First Exchange Bank takes pride in supporting the community, said Bill Goettel, president and CEO. -
Fairmont Tire and Auto Repair full-service shop
Fairmont Tire and Auto Repair is geared toward family and great service.
This full-service shop, co-owned by Bob Mullenax and his son Brian Mullenax, opened in August in the Winfield area. - More Business Headlines
-
‘Timely investment’
