[64] After 75 issues, it became Shoney's Fun and Adventure Magazine introducing a Shoney's mascot ("Uncle Ed" bear) in place of Big Boy, allowing it to serve Shoney's non-Big Boy restaurants. [36] In contrast the planning commission in Norco, Californiaknown as Horsetown USAwas concerned that the statue was not western enough. The original illustration was by Ben Washam, an animator for Warner Brothers who sketched out a caricature of 6-year-old Richard Woodruff one day over lunch. He layered the buns with two hamburger patties, a slice of cheese, lettuce, and red relish sauce, and the double-deck burger was born the first of its kind. 3.5 overall rating across Differences between the East and West Coast designs, including the statues, created confusion along the Ohio-Michigan border where Frisch's and Elias Brothers operated. In 1968 Manners Big Boy was sold to Consolidated Foods (now known as Sara Lee Corporation). directions. With its "Googie" architecture, embrace of car culture, and of course its hamburgers, Big Boy was just the place. Several slogans were used from the 1950s through the 1970s to promote the Big Boy hamburger, such as, "A Meal in One on a DoubleDeck Bun" and "Twice as Big, Twice as Good". George Boury referred to paying $500,000 to break their franchise agreement in the late 1970s. Simply click on the Big Boy Restaurants location below to find out where it is located and if it received positive reviews. Ask your guardian to sign you up to get rewards: FREE birthday kids' meals for 10 and under, SPECIAL coupons like free shakes & ice cream, FUN STUFF to download like coloring sheets & games. we "Big Boy" wasn't written on the chest of the East Coast mascot. Big Boy Restaurant Group, LLC 26300 Telegraph Road Southfield, MI 48033 Email us comments@bigboy.com (248) 448-9800 The "flagship" Kip's in OK and there was three more Kip's Big Boy units to follow Kip's #2 122 W main St. OKC, 24 hours, SW 59th St. at Western Ave. Kip's #3 , 205 W. Main St. OKC and 6805 SE 15th St. Midwest City, OK, now a Jimmy's Egg Restaurant. Big Boy built its last drive-in in 1964 and by 1976, only 5 of the chain's 930 restaurants offered curb service. [Advertisement]", "Bob's Fried Chicken Special [Advertisement]", "Hot Shoppes Picnic to Go-Go [Advertisement]", "Super Season Special: Taste the difference fresh makes", "A Thanksgiving Menu That's Really Stuffed! "The actions of a franchisee in Sandusky, Michigan are not representative of Big Boy as a brand, our operations, or standards. do On the weekends, that same Bob's Big Boy even reverts back to a carhop, so customers can relive the drive-in days of old. Second Store hits Nevada Skye Canyon has opened! 30 years after kicking off as a Big Boy . Frisch's placed pickles above bun bottom, and Manners below the bun top. The state with the most number of Big Boy Restaurant locations in the US is Michigan, with 54 locations, which is about 84% of all Big Boy Restaurant locations in the US. Then, he created the Big Boy burger. I put my cooks in chef's outfits, even though they couldn't boil an egg". In fact, its architecture, along with its 35-foot-tall neon sign, are so iconic that the Burbank Bob's Big Boy was declared an official historical landmark by the California Office of Historic Preservation in 1992. [263] The company is obligated to open 70 restaurants in its overall territory. reasonably Southfield, MI 48033, privacy policy | terms & conditions | accessibility. [122] This was intended to strengthen the trademark but also prevent defections, such as happened with Shoney's Big Boy retaining identity as Shoney's. In addition to the Big Boy name, the "Big Boy" concept, menu, and mascot were originally licensed to a wide number of regional franchise holders (listed in the next section). [102][103][104] In 1993, Marc's Big Boy similarly developed Big Boy Express stores using dual drive-thrus and no interior dining area. That illustration was the basis for all of the restaurant memorabilia which, in turn, inspired the look of the comic series. order online. 3.6 overall rating across 14 reviews. That's because the chain started out as a carhop. 08:00 am - 08:00 pm. What a great burger loaded with i", "I grew up in Southern Ca. Country Fried Steak & 2 Eggs. The company name was not always the name as used with the public. Frisch's Big Boy will permanently close seven of its restaurants, including the new downtown Cincinnati Carew Tower location. [259], In 2019, Singapore-based Destination Eats signed a franchise agreement with the Big Boy Restaurant Group to initially open restaurants in Thailand,[260] and later in Australia, China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, and the Philippines. Sadly, Woodruff passed away in 1986 at the age of 54 after a long illness. One of the reasons why the building was granted landmark status is that many similar Googie/Moderne-style buildings have been torn down or otherwise renovated. Not everyone agreed that the building should be preserved. [75] He led 20-person training crews to open new Big Boy restaurants,[69] made periodic nationwide tours of the franchises,[94] was available for consultations and claimed to know every manager's name. This motivated a common Big Boy mark, derived with elements of both predecessors, (B) and (C). Intelligence, Robotic Through the 1950s and 1960s, the emphasis changed from drive-in restaurant to coffee shop and family restaurant. [118] Franchisees were permitted to subfranchise; these early subfranchisees often used their own name and operated independently: Frisch's licensed Azar's, and Manners; Shoney's licensed Adler's, Arnold's, Becker's, Elby's, Lendy's, Shap's, Tune's, and Yoda's. [268] The Big Boy in Fenton, Michigan, was expected to close in 2017. (84%), A location for every 184,944 people, in Michigan with about 84% of the total number of Big Boy Restaurant locations, 4 For additional history, see, In a 1947 training film, the office door is lettered, As a franchisee, the Elias Brothers bankruptcy threatened Frisch's future use of the Big Boy. Robert Liggett, Jr. (Chairman, 20002018). About 175 Big Boys existed in July 2006,[267] compared to 76 in July 2019. Frisch's owns the rights to the Big Boy trademark and name in Kentucky and Indiana, and most of Ohio and Tennessee, and in return gave Liggett Restaurant Enterprises LLC (the owner of Big Boy Restaurants LLC) their Big Boy franchise rights in Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. That means Frisch's can run its own Big Boy restaurants in Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, and Tennessee without having to answer to the Big Boy Restaurants LLC company. only, we are not responsible for how it is used. The restaurant was eventually forced by court order to shut its doors, according to Bridge Michigan. Big Boy Restaurant Group, LLC is an American restaurant chain headquartered in Warren, Michigan. Location & Hours. The blonde-haired little girl first appeared in the "Adventures of the Big Boy" comic books back in the 1950s. In 2018, Big Boy was sold to a group of Michigan investors and renamed Big Boy Restaurant Group. He's back!" The Marine City, Michigan Big Boy closed in February 2018, to reopen independently by a new owner. The founder of the restaurant also made a little invention that changed fast food as we know it a little something called the double cheeseburger. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. big boy battle creek, mi. Download the Frisch's app for online ordering and . People tend to know Big Boy not simply as Big Boy but as the franchise from where they lived such as Bob's Big Boy in California, Shoney's Big Boy in the south or Frisch's Big Boy in much of Ohio, Marc's Big Boy in the Upper Midwest, Elias Brothers' Big Boy (or sometimes just Elias Brothers') in Michigan, among the many others. of 8' X 18', 8 mounted TVs, moving heads as light show and a large sound system for any occasion. [42] (The restaurant was rebuilt in 2016, and no longer displays the modified statue. In 1915, Samuel opened Frisch's Stag Lunch in Norwood, a suburb of Cincinnati. After buying the Big Boy system from Marriott, Elias Brothers planned to phase out franchise names,[121] only generally realized by Big Boy Restaurants International after 2000. The Story Behind The Big Boy Restaurant Chain, 70 percent national marketplace recognition, the Big Boy burger, which Bob Wian invented, Frisch's owns the rights to the Big Boy trademark and name. [74] In 2018, the Big Boy cost $6.49 in Michigan. If that wasn't enough of a publicity boost, the movie quickly provides another plug for the famous burger chain. After Bob's, the four original franchisees (in order) were Frisch's, Eat'n Park, Shoney's (originally called "Parkette") and Elias Brothers, all clustered near the state of Ohio. Woodruff became something of a local legend, keeping the nickname Big Boy which suited the 6' 6" tall, 300-pound man into adulthood. The Big Boy hamburger inspired and was the model for other double deck hamburgers. A&W and White Castle were already open and selling burgers, as were plenty of independent diners and restaurants, so what set it apart? Wian was inspired by the little boy. [80][89][92] Bob's Big Boy was one of the first restaurant chains to offer health insurance and profit-sharing to employees. 3 Bob's Big Boy Locations in California (CA, US) Burbank Bob's Big Boy Signal Hill Bob's Big Boy Walnut Bob's Big Boy [105] Two Express stores were built, offered for sale a year later and closed in 1995. Most popular Bob's Big Boy locations: Map: Show Map Prev 1 2 3 4 Next Are we missing your local Bob's Big Boy location? Browse Locations by State. One of the larger franchise operators, Elias Brothers, purchased the chain from Marriott in 1987, moved the headquarters of the company to Warren, Michigan, and operated it until bankruptcy was declared in 2000. [16] Frisch's operates or franchises 84 Big Boy restaurants in the United States. It's like stepping back in time. There are 64 Big Boy Restaurant locations in the United States as of January 27, 2023. Location Data, Training [33] The early statues always included the Big Boy hamburger above mascot's raised right arm; much later versions eliminated the hamburger with both arms clutching the suspenders instead. Lettering in early issues was credited to. "[90] He also attributed the growth to, "capable management and a conservative policy of not trying to seat more people than can be served or opening more restaurants than can be serviced. However, Alex Shoenbaum founded the original Parkette in 1947 and became a Big Boy franchise in 1952. During the bankruptcy, the chain was sold to investor Robert Liggett, Jr., who took over as chairman, renamed the company Big Boy Restaurants International and maintained the headquarters in Warren. [43], Because of the closing or separation of former Big Boy restaurants, many West Coast statues were acquired by private individuals, often traded through eBay. Its most notable former proprietor, however, is best known for its work in another industry. [note 3]. Soon, Big Boy became known around the country, not just in Southern California. Shoney's Catering With pickup or delivery available for breakfast, lunch or dinner, let Shoney's cater your next event, and bring the party to your place. Have no fear; weve compiled a list of all the Bob's Big Boy locations. Big Boy's origins as a drive-in restaurant, required a much smaller investment to open and much lower costs to operate: a small building having no dining room or limited counter space. In 1951, Bob Wian's original franchisee Dave Frisch developed a slightly different Big Boy character. Fresh ingredients, custom-crafted spice blends, scratch-made bread and pies, onions sliced daily for our onion rings this is how we started in 1939, and it's a tradition that continues today. The restaurant opened in 2016 in Mayfield Heights, Ohio, operated in strip mall instead of a larger traditional stand-alone building. Hot Fudge Cake and Strawberry Pie remain popular dessert items chainwide but other items were not necessarily offered by all franchises, and franchises would sometimes change the item's name: The "Slim Jim" became the "Buddie Boy" at Frisch's, and Elby's renamed the "Swiss Miss" as the "Brawny Swiss". requests we get. from [37], A few other modified statues are in official use. Big Boy Japan may feature the same chubby Big Boy mascot, but the restaurants are actually run independently of the Big Boy restaurants in the US, as franchises. Big Boy now permits operators to informally identify by location such as Tawas Bay Big Boy in East Tawas, Michigan. [290][269][291] The restaurant was closed by January 2020. [289], Big Boy Restaurants International tried a new fast casual concept known as Big Boy's Burgers and Shakes. Simply click on the Big Boy Restaurants location below to find out where it is located and if it received positive reviews. Meals In Battle of Restaurants", "Firms agree on sale of 70 Elby's locations", "Frisch's Big Boy Celebrates Founder's Day May 3", "History of Summit Family Restaurants Inc", "EZ's Coffee Shop (formerly Kip's Big Boy) at Northwest Highway & Hillcrest, North Dallas To Be Demolished? In November of 2020, as COVID-19 infections spiked across Michigan, the state ordered all restaurants and bars to close. Find a Shoney's Near You View All Locations Sorry, we had trouble finding your location. Copyright 2022 Big Boy Restaurant Group, LLC There are 9 Frisch's Big Boy 's independently owned and operated by Bennett Enterprises. Heat isn't the only entertainment that was filmed at a Big Boy location. Sometimes called drive-ins, these junior stores did not use carhops. (Regardless, the Big Boy condiment used was often simply referred to as "special sauce" on menus chainwide.) Including:FREE dessert on your birthday! In August 2020, a partnership was announced with Terrible Herbst to expand into Southern Nevada. [130][note 13] The majority of Big Boy Restaurant Group units are franchised[127] while the majority of Frisch's units are currently company owned. Wian raised the funds to buy a diner in Glendale, California by selling his car (he could walk to the restaurant from home), saving money from his dishwashing job (he was eventually promoted to fry cook, but switched jobs to wash dishes at a different restaurant so he could build up his restaurant industry knowledge), and borrowing $50 from his father. [note 4] Known as the "East Coast Big Boy", he was copyrighted by Frisch's and used for statues and comic books for Frisch's, and its subfranchisees Manners and Azar's. The restaurant appears in the film as the location where one of the characters works as a cook, and who is later convinced by Robert De Niro to join a group of bank robbers. Big Boy Scramble. [126], Big Boy Restaurant Group and Frisch's Big Boy Restaurants both continue to offer franchises in their exclusive territories, each having 20 year terms. Evil's return to Earth, a radar monitor notices the Big Boy appear on his screen. The Big Boy name, design aesthetic, and menu were previously licensed to a number of regional franchisees. In 1987, the company sold the rights to 914 Big Boy franchise restaurants to Elias Brothers Restaurants Inc. of Detroit for an undisclosed amount. Believe it or not, Lee and other comic book legends including Bill Everett, Sol Brodsky, and Dan DeCarlo all worked on The Adventures of Big Boy, which debuted in 1956. [78][79], The Big Boy consists of two thin beef patties placed on a three-layer bun with lettuce, a single slice of American cheese, and either mayonnaise and red relish (a combination of sweet pickle relish, ketchup and chili sauce),[71]:D4 Big Boy special sauce (often called thousand island dressing) or (at Frisch's, Manners and Azar's) tartar sauce on one or each slice of bun. Suggest an edit. [270] The Tecumseh[273] and Alma, Michigan[274] restaurants announced they will allow their franchise agreements to expire on November 1, 2017, and early 2018, respectively, and both will continue to operate independently. Other scenes in the movie were filmed at a different Big Boy, in Downey, California. [119][120] (An eastern Pennsylvania Elby's franchisee briefly operated as Franklin's Big Boy before dropping Big Boy.). This 2500 sqf and high ceilings restaurant is equipped with a large kitchen, walk in fridge and freezer as well as a wood fired pizza oven and ready to open. The foursome was performing at the Hollywood Bowl, and were staying in Benedict Canyon in Beverly Hills. Friedberger Str. [69] Demand for "the special" soared but Wian sought a "snappy" name, which became Big Boy. The novel hamburger started as a joke. [292][293], In November 2020, the Big Boy restaurant in Sandusky, Michigan was stripped of its franchise when it refused to comply with Michigan's COVID-19 restrictions. 86163 Augsburg. Towards the end of that two-decade span, Big Boy began losing money. In fact, if you've seen the movie Heat, you've seen the inside of the Big Boy in Burbank, California, where scenes from the movie were filmed. It was so successful that he ended up changing the name of his restaurant to Bob's Big Boy. [21] Bernhard was not impressed with Washam's mascot, saying it was sloppy and had a moronic expression. Woodruff, who was only a child at the time, apparently loved Wian's double-decker hamburgers so much, he started doing chores for the restaurant, like sweeping the floors, in exchange for free burgers. [276] In April 2018, the Coldwater, Michigan location closed, media sources noting multiple health code violations and poor customer reviews. provide. The Top 5 Restaurants in New York City. You can also order your food as part of the "Big Boy Viking" buffet, which means your meal includes all-you-can-eat salad, soup, rice, and curry. Big Boy currently has 74 locations in the United States, according to its website. Although still used by that chain, some Frisch's restaurants currently display the West Coast statue instead. Arizona Big Boy Restaurants locations (1), California Big Boy Restaurants locations (10), Florida Big Boy Restaurants locations (3), Illinois Big Boy Restaurants locations (1), Michigan Big Boy Restaurants locations (115), North Dakota Big Boy Restaurants locations (1). Big Boy restaurants were cobranded with at least 34 different names representing various franchisees. "It is Dolly's time to shine now with our chicken sandwich. See what specials are happening! Order Now! The Big Boy trademarks in Kentucky, Indiana, and most of Ohio and Tennessee transferred to Frisch's ownership; all other Frisch's territories transferred to Liggett. Reviews on Bob's Big Boy in New York, NY - Burger & Lobster - Bryant Park, Tick Tock Diner, Black Tap - Midtown, The Smith, EJ's Luncheonette, Veselka, Diner, Joe Jr. [80], Originally, the Big Boy hamburger was the only common menu item required of all Big Boy franchisees. Frisch's now owns the "Big Boy" name in a defined four-state region and its franchisee Azar's closed in 2020. On menus from that period, it was called, "the Nationally Famous, Original DoubleDeck Hamburger". [253] John Bitove, Sr. owned the rights to Big Boy for the remainder of Canada, which he sold to Elias Brothers in 1979. By 1979, there were more than a thousand Big Boy restaurants in the U.S. and Canada, and about 20 franchisees. Simply click on the Bob's Big Boy location below to find out where it is located and if it received positive reviews. Get directions. 20, 2020 at 6:07 PM PDT. [264], A previous franchise briefly operated at the beginning of the 21st century with three Big Boy restaurants in Bangkok and one in the southern beach town of Pattaya, but the business ultimately failed because the native Thai customers did not understand nor appreciate American-style food at that time. Franklin's continued to advertise the Big Boy hamburger and mascotnow with "Franklin's" on the mascot's chef haton March 15, 1977. It's what our customers have come to expect and why they return again and again for our made-to-order meals. These franchisees are listed below with territories, time span, founders, comic book code (in brackets) and additional notes, as known: Mady's Big Boy of Windsor, Ontario, was not a franchisee, though sometimes identified as one and using a similar looking mascot. Bob's Big Boy restaurants, born in Southern California before covering the nation under different names, led the way in restaurant architecture and gave us the double-decker hamburger. After high school, he worked as a dishwasher, making $12 a week. The monitor then responds, "In many ways, Bob's Big Boy never left, sir. [7] Frisch's Big Boy Restaurants is a restaurant chain with its headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio. ), In March 2017, Frisch's unveiled a restyled statue. Have big boy food catered at any event - catering available all over Michigan and in Ohio! location details. Streetsboro Big Boy Restaurants. Learn More Restaurant, Remedy Diner, Ellen's Stardust Diner Oregon Big Boy Restaurants. Search reviews. and Journalism, Web Scraping [256] Zensho had purchased Big Boy Japan from the ailing Daiei in 2002 for 8.65 billion yen. In April 2017, the Danville Big Boy, the only unit in Illinois, dropped Big Boy and rebranded as the Border Cafe. The COVID-19 pandemic took a drastic toll on the food industry, as restaurants across the country were forced to shut down. However, a January 1977 edition (#237) of the original series bears the Shoney's imprint. "He was about 6 and rolls of fat protruded where his shirt and pants were designed to meet. Movie fans who have never dined at Big Boy are probably still very familiar with the restaurant chain's iconic mascot. Before 1954, Parkette (Shoney's) used both versions, though never together. The landowner that Big Boy leased the restaurant from wanted to tear it down to create a retail complex, but after it gained landmark status, he was unable to proceed with his plans. [1][101] Big Boy redefined itself as a full service restaurant in contrast to fast food. Watch kitchen (number panel) for completed order and promptly serve meals to table. Ft.: 2,500 Rent: $7,609.00 Per Month Lease Expiration: 4/3/2034 Contact About the Sale . March 3, 2023, 5:00 a.m. 0 reviews that are not currently recommended. Marc's Big Boy Express units were modeled on. . Join BBHC and become a Champion too! 14 reviews. In fact, it's been around longer even than McDonald's, which was opened up in 1940. - Shap's", "Print ads in The Contest of the Century", "Graph of Shoney's net income since 1974; At Shoney's, details count", "Restaurateur, innovator and philanthropist Ted Fuller of Gregg's has died", "2 local Big Boys close; only 2 are left", "Corporation closes another TJ's Big Boy", "Tote's Home of the Big Boy New Restaurant Opening [Advertisement]", "Applications Now Being Taken (Help Wanted Advertisement)", "Levittown's Newest Citizen is here [Advertisement]", "Big Boy Restaurant Discontinues Operation", "Matchbook - Vip's Big Boy Hamburgers Cheyenne Torrington WY FULL", "VIP's officials announce sale of restaurants", "[Advertisement] Mady's Big Boy Turns Back the Clock on Food Prices! If you want to get an idea of what it was like to eat at one of the original Big Boy's, you can head to this still-standing location. Franchisees in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan or outside of Michigan pay a % advertising fee and must spend 1% on local advertising. [22][23] Since 1956, the Wian "West Coast Big Boy" design was used exclusively by all franchisees other than Frisch's, Manners and Azar's. Serve desserts or deliver final check, remove empty dishes. Monitoring, Location Full liquor license (transferable). Whoa The Kitchen Sink Burger [69][note 11] In 1938, the Big Boy hamburger cost 15[8]:156[73] (equivalent to $2.68 in 2018). The menu looks a lot different, too. (6%), A location for every 9,878,000 people, in California with about 6% of the total number of Big Boy Restaurant locations, 2 [8]:11 The restaurants became known as "Bob's", "Bob's Drive-Ins",[9][10][note 1] "Bob's, Home of the Big Boy Hamburger",[10] and (commonly as) Bob's Big Boy. In 2002, Tony Matar, a Big Boy franchisee in Canton, Michigan was cited in violation of local sign ordinances. The first one opened in 1936 in Glendale, California. When the city's outdoor dining program began in the summer of 2020, it was rightly celebrated as salvation keeping restaurants in business after months of forced . It became a local chain under that name and nationally under the Big Boy name, franchised by Robert C. Wian Enterprises. big boy imlay city, mi < Back to Locations Back to Locations Skipping ahead several decades to Dr. $10.99. Some sources say Elby's came from the childhood nickname of Ellis Boury. He was slimmer, wore a side cap, saddle shoes and striped overalls. so I know and miss Bob's . The state with the most number of Big Boy Restaurant locations in the US is Michigan, with 54 locations, which is about 84% of all Big Boy Restaurant locations in the US. . Most adopted a common graphic design of menus and promotional items, offered by Big Boy but personalized to the franchise. Bob's is licensed Big Boy Restaurant Group. Channel Monitoring, Human Capital [note 12] The Big Boy hamburger originally called for a quarter pound (4ounces) of fresh ground beef, but later, franchisees were permitted to use frozen beef patties, and the minimum content reduced to a fifth of a pound to offset increasing food costs. Simply click on the Bob's Big Boy location below to find out where it is located and if it received positive reviews. Book the big boy food truck! Thus persons of modest assets could become Big Boy operators. You can download the full list of Big Boy Restaurant locations used for this analysis The serial sometimes called "King of the Giveaways"[21][52] once had distribution estimated at three million copies. The land was then acquired by Big Boy, and they rebuilt the diner almost exactly as it was, using the original building plans from 1958 and using salvaged materials from the original diner. The practice was discouraged and Big Boy eventually provided a similar scheme of selling buckets of take out chicken, marketed as Country Style[111] or Country Cousin Chicken. By comparison, in 2020, the former Big Boy master franchisee Shoney's Restaurants, charges a $35,000 franchise fee, a 4% royalty and 3% advertising fee. [67], The signature Big Boy hamburger is the original double deck hamburger.[68]. Stock plans of restaurant designs were provided by Los Angeles architects Armet and Davis or Chicago architectural designer Robert O. Burton, and modified as needed. Tradition that will keep your taste buds wanting more. On April 16, 2017, the last Big Boy restaurant in the city of Detroit closed. $9.99. [123][124] The same occurred with Eat'n Park, Elby's, Lendy's, JB's, and Abdow's who kept their names after leaving Big Boy. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. 5 star rating. [13], Immediately after Liggett's purchase, Big Boy Restaurants Internationalthen known as Liggett Restaurant Enterprisesnegotiated an agreement with the other large franchise operator, Frisch's Restaurants. This includes McDonald's Big Mac,[76] Burger Chef's Big Shef[77] and Burger King's Big King. Today, Americans can find Shoney's restaurants in 17 states. That exchange, as it turns out, was originally scripted to play out much differently.