Big Boy® Restaurants history

It was designed by renowned architect Wayne McAllister, incorporating the 1940's transitional design of streamline modern style while anticipating the free-form 50's coffee shop architecture.

The oldest remaining Bob’s Big Boy in America is in Burbank, CA. It was established in 1949 and was designed as a drive-in where carhops brought the food out on trays.

The headquarters have remained in Warren, and the franchise is currently made up of more than 455 Big Boy Restaurants in the US and Canada. It was re-named Elias Brothers Big Boy® in 1952.

Frejlach’s (Illinois, 1954–196?, founded by Irvin Frejlach) Added Big Boy to their established chain of ice cream shops.

Arnold’s (Folsom, Pennsylvania, 1955–?, founders unknown) Arnold’s and Tune’s operated in the Philadelphia area.[140]

Unlike other franchisees, the stores did not directly use the Big Boy name; they remained Frejlach’s Ice Cream Shoppes not Frejlach’s Big Boy.[185] The company also owned rights to McDonald’s restaurants in Cook County (Chicago), Illinois which were sold back to Ray Kroc in 1956.

In 1958, the first location opened in Milwaukee.

Mady’s Big Boy of Windsor, Ontario, was not a franchisee, though sometimes identified as one and using a similar looking mascot.[251] In 1965 Bob Wian sued Mady’s for trademark infringement but failed because (his) Big Boy was judged not widely known in Canada.

In 1966-67, this operation lost $3 million, causing Bob’s board of directors to seek his resignation or the sale of the company.

The restaurants became so successful, they captured the attention of the Marriott Corporation, who bought the Big Boy chain in 1967.

Grew to four units before being acquired by and renamed JB’s in 1971, Hansen becoming a vice-president of JB’s Big Boy.[201]

Kebo’s (Seattle and Tacoma, Washington area before JB’s dba Bob’s, ?–1974, founded by W. Keith Grant.) “Kebo” came from the owners, Keith, Ed and Bob.

When the 25 year franchise agreement expired Eat’n Park dropped Big Boy, attributed to the loss of drive-in popularity but primarily motivated by the end of the $1 per year license fee the franchise had enjoyed.[161] Pittsburgh area Big Boy rights were reassigned to Elby’s in 1977.[162] [D]

Chez Chap (Westmount, a suburb of Montreal, Quebec, 1978–?, founded by Chapman Baehler) Baehler was Bob Wian’s stepson.[153]

By 1979, the Big Boy name was on display at over 1000 locations, led by Michigan, Ohio, and California, with over 100 restaurants apiece.

After Marriott refused granting additional territory, in 1984, JB’s sued to leave Big Boy.

Elby’s subsequently built new restaurants adjacent to several Franklin’s units.[182][183] The 12 unit chain was sold to Hershey’s Foods and Friendly’s Restaurants in 1985.[184]

Beginning in 1989, the Marcus Corporation that owned the Marc’s Big Boy Corp renamed itself to Marcus Restaurants Inc., and began distancing itself from the Big Boy image.

By 1995, seeking to prioritize other entertainment and dining ventures, the Marcus Corporation closed the last remaining Big Boy in the state on West Capitol Drive.

Manny Stallman followed by Bob Bindig worked to continue the series until 1996, making it one of the longest-running comics in American history.

Big Boy® makes a few memorable appearances in the 1997 comedy Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, a James Bond spoof, directed by Jay Roach starring Mike Myers.

The Elias Brothers operated the restaurants until they declared bankruptcy in 2000.

Kip’s territory was transferred to Big Boy Restaurants International in 2001.

In 2018, Liggett sold the company to a group of Michigan investors dedicated to refreshing, restoring and growing the Big Boy® brand.

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