Driven 18-Year-Old Buys Local Restaurant She Worked At By Using Her College Savings

Jun 09, 2023 by apost team

Samantha Frye, an 18-year-old from Ohio, defied expectations and became the proud owner of a local restaurant where she used to work as a dishwasher. The teenager seized the opportunity to purchase the establishment when she learned that the owners were planning to sell.

Trusting her instincts and deviating from her original plan to study environmental engineering at the Ohio State University, Frye spent her college money for the down payment and officially took ownership of Rosalie's Restaurant in Strasburg in April 2023 from its former owners, Bob and Stephanie Roth. 

The Roths took over the beloved diner in 2016 from the Reed couple, Terry and Rosalie, who ran the business for 30 years. Both owners were able to establish a family restaurant, much like in the popular fictional TV series, "Cheers," where everybody knew everyone's names. 

Apart from their connection with the customers, the former owners also supported a lot of young people who were employed at the diner but were treated like family members, such as Frye. Bob and Stephanie, however, decided it was time to sell the business as they needed to look after their aging parents, according to USA Today. 

Though now retired, they plan to continue supporting Frye as mentors, sharing their expertise in running the business and emphasizing the importance of community involvement. After all, the Roths are still living in the house just behind the restaurant. 

Frye's determination and work ethic have been evident throughout her journey, as she has worked multiple jobs since the age of 14. Starting as a dishwasher, she gradually worked her way up to become a kitchen prep and line cook at Rosalie's while juggling responsibilities at her father's restaurant and another local eatery.

Frye's decision to become a restaurant owner surprised many, including her mother, Brandi Beitzel, who initially had reservations about her daughter's choice. However, over time, the mother became proud of her daughter’s ambition and drive, acknowledging that while it may not have been the path she envisioned for her 18-year-old, it was the path her daughter wanted to take.

"I worked in the restaurant industry for 22 years, and I know there are going to (be) many obstacles and challenges ahead of her," Beitzel said, per People. "But with her drive and ambition, the sky is the limit."

The community has also rallied around Frye, recognizing her maturity and dedication. Regular customers, such as Don Gerber, admire her ability to handle her responsibilities while still pursuing her education. 

Gerber has known Frye since she started working at Rosalie's and described her as a "great example of a young lady.” The old man is amazed by her financial independence and determination at such a young age. She followed her instincts to live her dreams and learned that a college education is not just the guarantee to earning a decent living. 

The teenager plans to prioritize the restaurant as her main focus for now, working diligently to ensure its success.

"Five days of the week, I'm in here,” the budding businesswoman said. “If not in here, I'm back there doing prep. The other two days, I'm in the office doing meetings with the sales reps."

Frye also aims to implement environmentally friendly practices, such as composting, to minimize food waste. Despite the change in ownership, she intends to keep the name Rosalie's, respecting the restaurant's legacy and the bond it holds for the community.

apost.com

As Samantha Frye embarks on her role as a restaurateur and entrepreneur, she serves as an inspiration to young people everywhere. What can you say about her decision to quit college and focus on running a business? Know someone who can relate to this story? Pass this along!