Bob’s Big Boy

The Bob’s Big Boy restaurant chain was started by Bob Wian in Glendale in 1936 as Bob’s Pantry. Number 6 in the chain, and the oldest location still in operation, was built by local residents Scott MacDonald and Ward Albert on Riverside Drive in Burbank in 1949. It was designed by renowned architect Wayne McAllister in a style transitioning from 40s streamline moderne to free-form 50s coffee shop style. This restaurant has served celebrities and movie stars ranging from Bob Hope to the Beatles and many, many more. The current owner, the MacDonald Family, acquired control of the restaurant in 1993. They launched a restoration project to add an exterior patio, rehabilitate the tower sign and remodel the dining room. It is listed in the California Points of Historical Interest.

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Bob's Big Boy, Burbank, Los Angeles County

Bob's Big Boy, Burbank, Los Angeles County

Bob's Big Boy, Burbank, Los Angeles County

Bob's Big Boy, Burbank, Los Angeles County

Bob's Big Boy, Burbank, Los Angeles County

Bob's Big Boy, Burbank, Los Angeles County

Bob's Big Boy, Burbank, Los Angeles County

Bob's Big Boy, Burbank, Los Angeles County

Bob's Big Boy, Burbank, Los Angeles County

Bob's Big Boy, Burbank, Los Angeles County

Bob's Big Boy, Burbank, Los Angeles County

Bob's Big Boy, Burbank, Los Angeles County

Bob's Big Boy, Burbank, Los Angeles County

Burbank, Los Angeles County
Images by Andrew Schmidt