Mr. Fables, a DBA of Grand Rapids Innkeepers Management, Inc., was a chain of cafeteria-style family restaurants located throughout Western Michigan. Two cousins formed the chain after taking over the Kewpee Beefburger stand from, dad and uncle, Gerald Boyles. The name "Fables" was the result of putting together the last names of the two cousins: Faber & Boyles. It was known for its olive burgers and secret recipes for Mr. Fables hamburger dressing and onion ring batter. At its peak, the chain had 17 restaurants.[1] Their advertising slogan for many years was, "People like Mr. Fables, people like you."[2]
History
In 1929, Gerald Boyles opened a licensed Kewpee location on North Division Avenue in Grand Rapids. Gerald developed two secret recipes for a burger dressing and onion ring batter. In 1963, Gerald's son, John Boyles and his cousin, Dick Faber, purchased Gerald's Kewpee business and renamed it Mr. Fables (Fab+les). In 1988, Boyles and Faber sold the chain including licensing for the secret recipes (provided that they remain secret)[1]