Is there any other iconic restaurant in Burbank than Bob’s Big Boy? It was one of my favorite restaurants when I was growing up — remember the double-decker hamburgers and the cherry cokes?
Well, the Reunion Committee decided that if anyone wants to do any pre-reunion socializing, that we can all meet at Bob’s Big Boy in Toluca Lake (4211 Riverside Drive) from 11:30 to 2:00 on Saturday, October 12th.
I was surprised to find a Wikipedia entry for Bob’s Big Boy and learned that the restaurant chain was founded by Bob Wian in 1936. In fact the oldest remaining Bob’s Big Boy is the one in Toluca Lake. It was built in 1949 and designed by Los Angeles architect Wayne McAllister, who was credited with creating the restaurant’s drive-through design. I learned also that this restaurant has been named a California Point of Historical Interest and offers car-hop service on the weekends.
The double-decker hamburger.
Apparently the Toluca Lake location has been patronized by Bob Hope and many movie personalities such as Mickey Rooney, Debbie Reynolds, Jonathan Winters, Dana Andrews, Martha Raye, Alexis Smith and Craig Stevens. Even the Beatles visited the Burbank location during their 1965 U. S. Tour.
Hope to see YOU there!
Burbank High Class of 1968 
Hi, Kathy! Enjoyed your feature on Bob’s Big Boy. What great memories that brought back! Thought you might be interested that a couple of the famous Bob’s Big Boy patrons that you mentioned meany something to my family. Martha Raye was my dad’s girlfriend for a while back in the 30s, and my mom dated Mickey Rooney a couple of times around 1940 or so. My mom also went to school with Judy Garland, back when Judy was named Frances Gumm. I believe that was at Cherimoya Elementary School in Hollywood.
Please join us if you are in the area! I will be having a Big Boy, add avo, fries well done and a side of blue cheese. Maybe a chocolate coke, too!
That’s so funny, how many people can say they would like a chocolate coke! That drink is one of my favorite memories in Burbank and every once in awhile, I will make one because they taste so good…even though my kids thought it was a little strange, but not to me 🙂
Will try to get there, plane lands about 12:45 and picking up rental car. Anyone want to hang a little later than 2? And Bonnie Sjostrand is on the same flight.
I hear Smoke House is having Anniversary all of Oct, anyone want to do dinner?