Bob’s Big Boy

Big Boy Restaurants is a well-known name in American casual dining, famous for its double-decker hamburgers and classic American dishes. The brand's story began in August 1936 when Bob Wian opened a small hamburger stand called Bob's Pantry in Glendale, California. With an initial investment made possible by selling his car and borrowing from his father, Wian created what would become the brand's signature item: the double-decker Big Boy hamburger. This unique creation laid the foundation for the brand's identity and its subsequent national expansion.

In the late 1940s, Big Boy Restaurants became a pioneer in the restaurant franchising industry. Bob Wian started licensing the Big Boy name to operators in other states, ensuring the brand's trademark was protected nationally. By 1951, the franchising system was formalized by Alex Schoenbaum, enabling entrepreneurs to open Big Boy restaurants under a licensing agreement while maintaining the brand's standards. This strategy led to significant growth, with the chain expanding to 23 locations in California and six in Arizona by 1965. At its height in 1989, Big Boy operated over 240 locations across the country, making it a major player in the casual dining sector.

As of November 2025, the Big Boy brand has contracted significantly, with only four restaurants retaining the "Bob's Big Boy" name, all situated in the Los Angeles area. These include the original locations in Burbank and Downey, which are now designated historic landmarks, as well as sites in Norco and Northridge. The brand's current operations are primarily through regional franchise operators, such as Frisch's Big Boy in the Midwest, rather than direct corporate expansion.

Despite the contraction, Big Boy's legacy in the franchising world and its established presence in the casual dining market continue to hold relevance. The 2018 acquisition by an investor group marked the latest change in ownership, though it hasn't spurred new expansion efforts. The brand remains a fixture in the regions it serves, with its historic locations offering a nostalgic experience for diners and a stable presence for commercial real estate stakeholders.