Saying goodbye to someone who was not only my boss, but also my friend, is incredibly hard. It’s difficult to put into words just how much you meant to me and the impact you had on my life.

I’m truly grateful that I had the privilege of knowing you for almost 14 years and working for you for 12 of those years. That is a huge part of my life, and I will always cherish the memories, lessons, laughs, and moments we shared throughout those years.

You were an incredible leader, mentor, boss, and friend. Your impact went far beyond the workplace—you touched so many lives throughout our community, including mine. I’ll always be thankful for the guidance you gave me and for the person you were.

The memorial was absolutely beautiful and truly a wonderful celebration of your life. Seeing so many people come together to honor you was a beautiful reminder of how many lives you touched and how deeply you were loved and respected.

Thank you for everything. Thank you for believing in me, supporting me, guiding me, and for being such an important part of my life for so many years.

I don’t want to say goodbye forever. I’ll meet you further down the road. Until then, rest peacefully. You will be deeply missed, but your memory, your impact, and your legacy will never be forgotten!!

Brandon Pressley

Frank was such a special man.  He and Marget created a magical place in Hayes Barton Cafe and Dessertery.  My husband and I often told Frank that it was our Happy place.   We loved hearing stories about how it all came to be, how the desserts were made, how tomato pie needed to be ordered in advance so we would not miss out on this seasonal treat which we looked forward to every year.  Such a kind, welcoming host with a twinkle in his eye.  He will be sorely missed.

Could not ask for a better person than Frank. He lived hospitality to the max. Always enjoyed going to Hayes Barton to eat where he made every occasion special. Was fortunate to graduate from Cary High School with Frank.  May God richly bless you all at this time. 

Chip Wooten
Class of 1978
Cary Senior High School

As a newcomer to Raleigh in March 2000, I was looking for a restaurant to become "my place." Finding Frank and Marget at Hayes Barton Cafe and Dessertery was my incredible good fortune! It seems that HBC has become that special place for most of Raleigh, which is a testament to what they have built. Every time I set foot in that magical place, my heart (and tummy!) were filled.  Whether it was a girls' night, a date night, a lunch run, or a "Ta-Dah!" dinner for an out-of-town visitor, HBC never disappointed, and Frank always made everyone feel like an old friend. Rest in peace, Frank, knowing that you did so much good for our community, both inside HBC and out. You are missed, Friend.

What more can we say about Frank that has not already been said?

As patrons since 2009, we have celebrated many occasions at HB Cafe each uniquely memorable because of Frank’s genuine care and attention. That spirit beautifully permeated the culture he (& Marget) created through the staff and the community they so graciously served.

When we reflect on our many interactions with Frank, the words that come to mind are, “Well done, my faithful servant. May you rest in peace”

May God continue to bless you and your family during this difficult time, and the community Frank served so humbly and generously. His legacy will live on in the many lives he touched.

Annette & Rich Conners

I can’t say enough about my dear Frank - there’s not enough space here. One of six children - our baby brother. We had grown apart over the years, as siblings sometimes do with their busy lives, but the love was always there. Over the last several months, he and I were able to get reacquainted - as adults. We talked, laughed, cried, hoped, and said “I love you “ many times. I am devastated and will never get over the loss, but will cherish the precious moments we shared during this difficult time. From when he was a child until his passing, he was kind, generous, sincere, smart and funny - truly beautiful inside and out. Thank you to all who loved him and recognized his beautiful spirit. He loved you back. Rest in peace my sweet Frank. ~Beth

Hayes Barton Cafe was introduced to us more than 20 years ago by a dear friend, who raved about the incredible food, quaint atmosphere, wonderful service, desserts to die for—and a good-looking male host.
My husband and I decided to give it a try after an NC State football game. We hadn’t eaten all day because we wanted to save our appetites, so by the time we arrived after 10 p.m.—and after being lost for 45 minutes—we were more than a little hangry. The doors were locked, but we could see people still eating inside, so we knocked. A dark-haired man answered. After hearing our story, he must have seen the desperation on our faces because he simply said, “Let’s get you folks something to eat.”
That dark-haired man turned out to be the Frank we all came to know and love.
From that night on, Hayes Barton became one of our favorite places, and seeing Frank was always part of the experience. He had a special charisma—soft-spoken, kind, upbeat, and impeccably dressed, with never a hair out of place. He had a way of making everyone feel like a valued customer, and being greeted by him was always a treat.
During Frank’s illness, we were fortunate to see another side of him—his incredible strength and determination. When many would have felt defeated, Frank kept pushing forward. He worked so hard during physical therapy and was genuinely proud of every improvement he made.
Frank touched so many lives with his kindness, his spirit, and his perseverance. We feel incredibly fortunate to have known him, and called him our friend. He will be deeply missed.

To Marget (and Frank in spirit.)

I was a new Raleigh resident in need of friends  and community. 
The first time my husband and I went to the cafe and dessertery, I admired the dessert case. I LOVE dessert. 

I half-heartedly said to Frank who was behind the counter, “Those desserts look SO good. Can you teach me how to make them?”

He said “yes!.” 
“My baker/pastry chef went into labor today with her 4th child. We could use some part-time help.” 

After my husband and I ate, he came over and we talked details. I was hired. I worked there for 3+ years and joined the wonderful staff/family Marget and Frank built.

I thank them so much for this opportunity, and for their friendship. I continued to pursue baking and cake decorating for many years as a side to full-time work. 

But the skills  and dessert creativity has brought me so much joy throughout my life.
Forever grateful to both Marget and Frank.

The road is long and seeming without end
The days go on, I remember you my friend
And though you're gone and my heart's been emptied it seems
I'll see you in my dreams

These are the words of Franks Favorite artist Bruce 
Springsteen.  I met Frank  48 years ago at Cary High School.  Our restaurant careers ran in parallel. We were both fortunate to grow our own businesses with great wives.  

My mentor was Van Eure.  Her father once told me you can teach the restaurant biz but you can’t teach heart and ultimately hospitality.   Frank just lived it.   We are all the better for having been in his universe.

Class of 1978
Donald Legrande Holloway

I sit here, staring at our peaceful lake an hour and a half from Raleigh on a Wednesday when boat traffic is nonexistent, stunned at this news. There was supposed to be another hug in my future, another big smile, another Wednesday night dinner in the window with Frank pulling up beside us to chat. He always focused on the person in front of him, what he could do to make the evening a signature event, and basking in his attention was part of his charm.
Our deepest sympathies, Marget. Holding you in our hearts lovingly while you navigate this new reality. 
Bob and Hannah Poteat

My Margaret and Frank bonded over his tomato pie.  I always felt welcome when I went through the Cafe door.  Frank's devotion to veterans was so real that I gave him my vintage "new in the box" GI Joe for his restaurant collection.    He was working busily one day but made time to help me look under parked cars for a lost hearing aid.  The neighborhood just won't be the same without him.  Frank treated everyone with kindness and appreciated every customer as if they were a treasured friend.  We've lost one of the best.

So sorry for your loss.  You felt like family every time you stepped into made HBC because of Frank’s presence. He will be missed.

This is so sad to hear. It’s obvious how much he impacted his family, friends, and community. I pray God will provide peace and comfort as we mourn his passing and celebrate the time we knew him. Rest easy.

Frank was a beautiful soul with such a great personality. Sending my sincere condolences and prayers to his family and all who loved Frank. 🙏❤️

Who could have imagined the impact this beautiful little cafe could have had on a community. The joy and the memories were only made possible because of the love that Frank & Marget poured into this cafe. Going there was magical… and that type of feeling doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because of the unbelievable devotion this lovely couple exemplified. Being in the industry, I have so much respect for what they have created. I’ll never forget that several years ago, we served one of their famous desserts at our most important function of the year…The Evening of Hope. I watched in awe as 400 people ate that cake like it was their last meal. I am so proud to have been able to  know Frank. He will be missed more than anyone can express.

It is so sad to hear about Frank. What a sweetheart he was.  Sending prayers of peace to his family and all who loved him!

Frank was a true professional and an even better person. He and Marget created our favorite restaurant, and we will continue to support their legacy. Hayes Barton Cafe’s reputation for extraordinary food, desserts, and hospitality is far reaching because of Frank and Marget’s professionalism, kindness, and expertise.  We will always remember Frank’s vitality at the front door of the restaurant and his appreciation for our military. He was an amazing human who made a positive impact on the Hayes Barton community and in the city of Raleigh. He will truly be missed. ❤️🤍💙🇺🇸

I am so sorry to hear about Frank, so sorry for Margot and his loved ones and employees. It's been a while since I've been to Hayes Barton, but for years I went every Friday night sitting at the horseshoe bar. If there was an open seat, Frank would sit down and talk to me for a minute. I've known Frank for a very long time going back to TK Tripps and The Black Dog Cafe in City Market. I was thrilled for him when he and Margot opened Hayes Barton.  I am so sorry he was taken too soon, he will be missed by so many.

In later years, we knew Frank through Jan and David and Hayes Barton Cafe. But the early years were when he bartended at TK Tripp’s, and took care of all us Winston’s employees after our shifts.  Always took care of everyone. So, so sad to hear this news 💔

We used to live up the street from Hayes Barton Cafe.  It didn't have to be a special event to go sit at the counter and have Eve serve us up a meatloaf or chicken pot pie or just a huge slice of cake.  Then again, we had many a large group celebrate birthdays, graduations, engagements and other special moments.  Frank would pull together the tables in the back and make it work - always with a welcoming smile and a handshake and kindness.  He gave so much to the community and this is incredibly sad.  But he wouldn't want us to be sad - so lets just be thankful for the times we shared with this wonderful man and raise a toast to him for all he did for us.  Cheers Frank - thanks for everything - rest in peace.

I’m so sorry to hear about Frank. He was one of my best friends growing up. We played basketball all the time and that tall sucker could beat me everytime! I will miss seeing him at Hayes Barton but have lots of fond memories to cherish. See you later Frank.

OBITUARY

Frank Jeffrey Ballard

January 20, 1960 – August 19, 2026

Brown-Wynne Funeral Home & Crematory

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