Bob's Big Boy - Other Notable Locations

Other Notable Locations

• The first Phoenix, Arizona, Bob's Big Boy (established in 1954), was a notable exception to the California-based architecture. It was located at Central Avenue and Thomas Road. It quickly put two other nearby drive-in restaurants out of business. The building was modern, with horizontal overhanging roof lines and native stone at the entrance. Above was a large mural that resembled a Hopi sand painting of kachinas, and a covered area to the east of the building for car hop service.
• Several Bob's Big Boy locations were designed by Armet & Davis, an architectural firm noted for its contributions to Googie architecture.
• Bob's Big Boy Broiler in Downey, California is a Historical Landmark and good example of Googie architecture. Once Johnie's Broiler, this restaurant features original floor plans, car hops, a drive-thru and the neon sign from its early days.
• In 1980, West Los Angeles's location on La Cienga Blvd. was the scene of one of Los Angeles' worst crimes. On December 14, 1980, 11 people were forced into the walk-in freezer, robbed of approx. $1700.00 and shot, leaving three dead on the scene, one of whom died five months later, four others wounded and one in mental incoherency. Carletha Stewart, a former employee, and her companions, Franklin Freeman and Ricky Sanders were arrested in 1981, convicted in 1982 and sentenced ranging from death to 25 years to life. The 1986 TV film The Right of the People was allegedly based on this crime and raised issues about the Second Amendment right to bear arms and self-defense.