By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
“I just can’t do it any longer, I just can’t,” said John Ferrise, explaining why the Back 40 Junction restaurant, a Decatur icon, will go out of business after Wednesday, New Year’s Eve.
His health is forcing him to close the doors on the buildings which have been situated on the southwest corner of 13th St. and Washington St./Archbold Road since 1974 and have attracted a few million hungry visitors from numerous states.
Ferrise had a stroke in May and although he looks good physically, it’s brought on some problems which are forcing him to close the family business.
“We’re trying to sell,” he said, “but right now I can’t say anything. We’re hoping…”
John said that if a sale is completed, part of the deal will be that all currently outstanding gift certificates must be honored and any employees who wish to stay on must be retained.
Ferrise is in no way eager to leave. He has been working in the Back 40 for 27 years, having been initially employed by Azar’s, a longtime corporate owner who purchased the business from builder/owner Clete Miller.
John bought the business in 2020. His son, Nathan, is an employee.
About the Author
