BIG BOY
AMERICA’S ORIGINAL
BURGER MASCOT
Big Boy began in 1936 when restaurateur Bob Wian opened a small hamburger stand in Glendale, California. According to the brand’s origin story, a young customer suggested slicing a hamburger bun into three pieces to better hold a larger burger patty, inspiring Wian’s now-famous double-deck hamburger. He named the oversized sandwich the “Big Boy,” and it quickly became so popular that the restaurant adopted the name as its identity. The chain expanded through franchising and became known for its classic diner atmosphere, large burgers, and one of America’s most recognizable mascots—a cheerful overalls-wearing boy carrying a giant hamburger.
A MID-CENTURY
RESTAURANT ICON
During the mid-20th century, Big Boy grew into a major American restaurant chain with regional franchise variations including Shoney’s, Elias Brothers, Frisch’s, and others operating under the broader Big Boy family. The brand became a symbol of postwar roadside dining culture, known for its coffee shops, car-friendly locations, and family dining experience. Big Boy’s distinctive mascot and architecture made it a memorable part of the American restaurant landscape. Although ownership and regional branding evolved over the decades, Big Boy remains an enduring example of classic American diner culture and nostalgic fast-casual dining history.