Today we’d like to introduce you to Rich Sullivan II.
Rich, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Well, I started when I was about nine years old and we had only our Somerville location at the time. I would always ask my father, if I could go to work with him. When he said yes, I would help with the dishes and clean most of the tables. As I got older, I was allowed to train as a bartender and server. I really enjoyed bartending because you could socialize and meet all different types of people.
I graduated Swampscott High School and went on to attend Merrimack College as a student athlete (Football) majoring in Business Administration. Upon entering my freshmen year, I was promoted to management and took on more responsibility when I was available. After graduation, I moved back to the North Shore area as my family decided to purchase our second location in Lynn, MA. I am currently a General Manager and part owner of both R.F. O’Sullivan locations. I am proud to say that we have been in business for 27 years (Somerville for 27 years and Lynn for 3 years).
Has it been a smooth road?
After being in this industry for most of my life, anyone who says that the restaurant business is a smooth road is full of it. In this business, you mostly have a hard time keeping reliable help. I have been fortunate enough to have a hard-working and motivated staff at our restaurants.
I still have a lot to learn in this industry. There is always room for improvement, you just have to stay positive, consistent and confident every day.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the R.F. O’Sullivans story. Tell us more about the business.
We are a restaurant that began on the idea of creating Boston’s best burger. We specialize in providing customers with over 35 different types. Our restaurants are known for the 20-minute thick and juicy half-pound unsquished burgers. You can order your burger from rare to well-done, depending on your preference. Some restaurants don’t offer the customer a rare burger because they are not confident in the freshness of their meat. We pride ourselves in picking up enough meat every morning for us to get us through a single day. It’s our restaurant where the customer knows they are getting quality, fresh and well-cooked meat, with a variety of options.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
It’s hard to see past what is in front of me right now, with our Lynn location still being relatively new. I am concentrated on continuing the success we have had over the past 27 years. My dream is to open another location in the near future.
Pricing:
- $9.95-$13.95
Contact Info:
- Address: 282 Beacon Street Somerville,MA / 151 Central Ave., Lynn, MA
- Website: www.rfosullivans.com

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