American Pickers star Frank Fritz’s antique store fate revealed as he fights for his life in hospital after stroke
AMERICAN Pickers star Frank Fritz’s antique store fate has been revealed, as he continues to fight for his life in the hospital after suffering a stroke earlier this month.
Frank, 58, was hospitalized for a stroke on July 14 after a friend found him on the floor of his Iowa home.
The Sun can exclusively reveal the fate of Frank’s popular Illinois store, Frank Fritz Finds, which sells antiques and collectibles.
A source told The Sun: “Frank Fritz Finds will remain open. It is located in the Hawg Dog Bar and Grill.
“As long as the restaurant is open, fans will be able to visit the antique store.”
STORE SUCCESS
Frank had been making improvements to the store before his medical crisis, as he received better reviews than in recent years.
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 Wolfe's Antique Archeology in Nashville. We miss Frank!”
Another praised: “Really worth going to. Great experience.”
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Frank last appeared on American Pickers during a March 2020 episode, as he took time off to recover from back surgery.
The original cast member’s firing was announced in July 2021 despite his desire to return to the History show.
Frank left the show to recover from grueling back surgery that left him with 185 stitches and two rods in his spine.
During his time off the show, Frank lost 65 pounds and was sober from alcohol.
Frank also told The Sun that he checked into rehab for alcohol abuse in Iowa for 77 days.
Frank said last year: “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 continued that he went to meetings "twice a week” after the stint.
He added: “I don’t think I’ll ever have a drink again because I don't like the feeling anymore and some of the dumb things that I did.”
Frank continued: “I’m feeling really good. Life is good and I’d like to get back into the swing of things. I wish I had done it five years ago, I would have been a different person.
“It was the best thing for me and I wish I had done it sooner or I wouldn’t be in the position that I am right now.”
FEUDING COSTARS
Frank also revealed his feud with co-star Mike during the interview.
Frank previously told The Sun: “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 frontman. 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.”
He even admitted: “I think Mike wants to get his brother Robbie in there to replace me. I don’t know why he’s behaving like that towards me."
MIKE ASKS FOR PRAYERS
Despite the feud, Mike, 58, was the one to inform fans of his stroke.
He captioned an Instagram photo of the reality star: “I have been very private in the past year in regards to Frank's life and the journey he’s been on. There has been lots of opinions in regards to mine and Frank’s friendship and the show but now is not the time to set the record straight.
“Now is the time to pray for my friend. Frank has suffered a stroke and is in the hospital.
"Please keep him in your hearts and thoughts. Frank I pray more than anything that you make it through this okay. I love you buddy.”
Fans have slammed Mike for being “fake” for asking for prayers despite their years-long feud.
911 CALL
The Sun obtained the 911 call placed by Frank’s friend from the star's Iowa farmhouse on July 14 just before 11am.
The friend said: "I just showed up at my friend's house here and he was sprawled out on his floor. He can't speak to me. He might be seizuring [sic] I'm not sure.”
REALITY TV PLAN
As The Sun previously reported, Frank was in talks for a spinoff show before the stroke.
In May, rare photos of the reclusive star were posted in the group.
In the pictures, Frank looked happy and healthy as he smiled big next to a fan.
A member captioned the series of photos: “This was from yesterday when Frank ‘picked’ his Corvette up from my buddy Mike's shop after repair. He sat and shot the breeze for three hours or so. It was a blast. Great guy!”
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The fan claimed Frank “will never go back to American Pickers.”
The member continued: “He is trying to get a show about nostalgic car restorations with a story behind them in the works.”
