American Pickers’ Frank Fritz ‘fixes up’ Illinois antique store after scathing reviews over ‘cheap & tacky’ merchandise
AMERICAN Pickers star Frank Fritz has improved his Iowa antique store after scathing reviews over “cheap and tacky” merchandise.
Frank, 58, was fired from in July 2021 after he took time off the series to recover from back surgery.
He currently owns antique shop Frank Fritz Finds located in Illinois.
The store has received poor reviews over the years, as the location has been slammed for its “cheap” items and “disorganization.”
The Sun can exclusively reveal Frank has improved his store, as reviews have been more positive in recent months.
One customer wrote on Google: “Much improved. Hard to find items. Great prices. Looking for something, just ask. They will find virtually anything. Highly recommend. Sent lots of customers. Never heard a negative word. People thanked for sending them to store.”
A second said: “Love this place. Had one of the best burgers ever here. Char grilled... very cool place to visit.”
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A third commented: “Food and service was excellent! We bought a couple of Frank's antiques as well. Much more fun and affordable than Mike Wolfes Antique Archeology in Nashville. We miss Frank!”
Another praised: “Really worth going to. Great experience.”
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The good reviews come after the store faced backlash over the years.
One visitor commented last year: “The items really aren’t that unique. Some items include cheap nascar plaque/clocks. Very tacky. It has more of a thrift store/flea market vibe and look. It looks as the items are from Antique Archaeology reject pile.
"Very dark inside, not much lighting. It definitely has a strong, musty smell, but old building and some old items. So that’s expected. It had a few cool items, but so does any thrift shop… Definitely not worth the time. Clearly not much planning went into this. It’s possible Frank doesn’t even come here.”
A Google review read: “If I were Frank I would be ashamed to have my name put on this place. What a joke. We traveled over 2 hours to come here. Don't waste your time!!!”
A second from Google read: “The antique store was disappointing. Disorganized with poor lighting with very little items of interest.”
LIFE AFTER PICKERS
As The Sun reported, Frank last appeared on during a March 2020 episode, as he took time off to recover from back surgery, which left him with 185 stitches and two rods in his spine.
During his time off the show, Frank lost 65 pounds, as he is living a healthier lifestyle and is sober from alcohol.
He also told The Sun that he entered rehab for alcohol addiction in Iowa for 77 days.
Frank previously said: “I went to rehab and I’ve been sober now for 11 months.
“I didn’t like drinking anymore. My mom was an alcoholic and she died five years ago and it was alcohol-related. My grandfather was an alcoholic and he died. That didn’t sit well with me.”
Frank said of his time in treatment: “They gave me a lot of information and we were booked up for 13 or 14 hours a day. There was no sitting around watching TV or eating food. You were scheduled out for an hour, then an hour and half, all through the day.
“They really give you a lot of one-on-one time. I read 12 self-help books while I was there. I didn’t f**k around. I really got into it. I went there to learn and get the most out of it that I possibly could.
“I had a great time there and I helped other people who were having problems too. It’s one of the best things that have happened to me.”
Frank continued that he goes to meetings "twice a week” after the stint.
The former History Channel star said he would’ve been sober for a year if it weren't for a relapse.
FRANK'S FIRING
Frank was open about wanting to return to American Pickers after his hiatus, as he said: “I’d still like to get back to my job, I miss my friends and my people and being on the road and meeting all those different characters.”
But Mike revealed July that Frank had been fired from the show.
He wrote on Instagram: "I have known Frank for as long as I can remember, he’s been like a brother to me. The journey that Frank, Dani and I started back in 2009, like all of life, has come with its highs and lows, blessings and challenges, but it has also been the most rewarding.
“The support that you all have given us has been a constant reminder of what the show’s message has always been; thru these places, people, and things we all have a common thread. We’re here to not only take care of the past, but also each other.”
Mike concluded: “I will miss Frank, just like all of you, and I pray for the very best and all good things for him on the next part of his journey.”
CO-STAR FEUD
The co-stars had been feuding, as Frank previously told The Sun of their falling out: “I haven’t talked to Mike in two years. He knew my back was messed up, but he didn’t call me up and ask how I was doing. That’s just how it is.
"The show is tilted towards him 1,000 percent. I can’t even bend that far down to show you how much.
"That’s fine. It’s like you’ve got Aerosmith and there’s Steven Tyler and he’s the front man. I found my spot, I’m second and he’s number one on the show. That’s no problem with me, maybe he does have a problem."
Mike’s younger brother Robbie replaced the original cast member.
Ratings have struggled since the cast shakeup, as viewers have vowed to boycott the show over Frank’s absence.
Frank currently lives in his Iowa farmhouse that he bought for $130,000 back on May 14, 2010.
The property also has a shed, barn and warehouse that stores more of his motorcycles.
SPINOFF TALKS
The Sun previously reported Frank is in talks for his own show.
A source close to Frank previously told The Sun: “He is in touch with a producer who lives in Las Vegas. Frank has sold him a lot of stuff for his ranch.
"He recently went out there again. I think it could be for his show.”
Frank has been open about wanting to return to the small screen, as he previously told The Sun of American Pickers: “I’d still like to get back to my job, I miss my friends and my people and being on the road and meeting all those different characters.”
'YOU ARE MISSED'
Fans have been demanding a spinoff, as many have boycotted the series.
One fan wrote on social media: “Bring Frank back with his own show!”
A second said: “I think Frank would do better on his own show. I would watch it.”
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A third commented: “Frank should start his own show. It would be better than Pickers.”
A fourth fan wrote: “We haven’t watched American Pickers since you left the show Frank. You are missed. Take care bud.”
