Published: July 05, 2009 04:34 am      

Say-Boy Restaurant celebrates 50 years

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.