Bob's Big Boy Grand Opening
October 19, 2009
Downey, California
[curly graphic]
This building is a great example of the "Googie style" coffee shops
and drive-in restaurants that once dotted the Southern California
landscape. Googie architecture called for buildings to read as signs
to attract customers. Built in 1958 by owner Harvey Ortner, "Harvey's
Broiler" exhibited many of the design features of Googie architecture,
including exagerated roofs, dazzling signs, bright lighting, and glass
walls. In 1966 Christos Smyrniotis, a former cook at the restaurant,
purchased the restaurant and operated it under the name "Johnie's
Broiler" until it closed in Frebruary 2002.
The building was operated as a used car dealership from 2002 until
2007 when it suffered extensive damage when the tenant illegally
demolished a large portion of the building. However, the City of
Downey and Bob's Big Boy, with the support from concerned citizens
and the Los Angeles Conservancy, devised a plan to preserve and
rebuild Johnie's Broiler. On August 12, 2008 the Downey City
Council voted to provide financial assistance to resurrect
this historic landmark under the name of Bob's Big Boy,
another Southern California icon.
Bob's Big Boy will continue the legacy of this great American
coffee shop and drive-in restaurant for all to enjoy.
Owner: Jim Louder, Bob's Big Boy
Architect: Paul B. Clayton • Reconstruction Architect: Archeion
City of Downey
Dn. Mario A Guerra
Mayor
[and other councilmember names]
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