Mr Fables

Mr. Fables was a chain of cafeteria-style family restaurants located throughout Western Michigan. Mr. Fables grew from Kewpee Beefburgers founded in 1929. 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. At its peak in the late 1980s, the chain had 17 restaurants mostly in Grand Rapids. They were known for the "Mr. Fabulous", a double patty beefburger with cheese, lettuce, tomato, Mr. Fables mayonnaise, and chopped olives. They were also well known for their batter-dipped onion rings. They also had kids meals (called a 'Munch Box') with toys and activities related to John Ball Park Zoo. Their advertising slogan for many years was, "People like Mr. Fables, people like you."

Mr. Fables fell victim to the national chains in the late 1990s. While the Fables stores occupied many of the premium real estate locations throughout Grand Rapids, they were sold off piece by piece. Most of those locations were purchased by New Beginnings Family Restaurants. Mr. Fables was one of the original tenants of the Woodland Mall in Grand Rapids and of the Westshore Mall in Holland. In addition to Grand Rapids and Holland, Mr. Fables also operated locations in Grand Haven, Muskegon, Big Rapids, and Benton Harbor over its many decades in business.