Bob’s Big Boy

Stepping back in time, let’s transport ourselves to 1936 Glendale, California. A young, ambitious Bob Wian, just 22 years old, had a dream. He sold his prized DeSoto Roadster for a mere $300. This was the seed money for his culinary venture, Bob’s Pantry, a humble ten-stool hamburger stand. Bob’s Big Boy, as we know it today, was still a twinkle in his eye. One fateful night, a customer’s request for “something different” led Wian to a culinary improvisation. He sliced a hamburger bun into three parts, layered two patties between them, and unknowingly birthed the double-decker hamburger. This innovative creation, initially a playful experiment, quickly became a local sensation. The “Big Boy” moniker itself originates from a charming anecdote. A six-year-old boy, Richard Woodruff, often did chores at the stand in exchange for burgers. Wian affectionately nicknamed him “Big Boy.” The name resonated, perfectly capturing the spirit of the double-decker burger. The iconic Big Boy mascot we see today, the chubby-cheeked boy in checkered overalls, is a caricature of Woodruff sketched by Warner Bros. artist Ben Washam. Now, fast forward to 1949. Here we stand before Bob’s Big Boy in Burbank, the oldest surviving Bob’s Big Boy restaurant in the United States. This location embodies the spirit of the 1950s coffee shop architecture, envisioned by architect Wayne McAllister. Notice the striking Googie architecture. The dramatic curves, the expansive roof overhangs, and the towering neon sign, a beacon for hungry motorists. The sign itself is a work of art, a testament to the era’s fascination with roadside dining culture. Inside, the restaurant retains its original seating layout. Booths line the curved window wall, offering a panoramic view. Imagine carhops bustling about, delivering trays laden with Big Boy burgers, milkshakes, and fries. This Bob’s Big Boy holds a special place in pop culture history. The Beatles, during their 1965 U.S. tour, specifically requested to dine at a “real American diner”. They chose this very location. You can still sit in “The Beatles Booth,” a popular spot for fans worldwide. This Burbank location also featured prominently in the iconic 1995 film “Heat,” starring Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Val Kilmer. Remember the scene where De Niro recruits a diner employee for the bank heist? That was filmed right here. So next time you savor a Big Boy double-decker, remember Bob Wian’s humble beginnings and the chain of events that transformed a simple hamburger stand into a beloved American icon. This location, more than just a diner, is a time capsule. It’s a symbol of innovation, a tribute to car culture, and a star-studded landmark.