The double-decker hamburger that started as a joke and built a restaurant empire
In short: In 1937, a casual request for something different at a California diner birthed the original double-deck hamburger. What began as a playful improvisation by Bob Wian became a national icon, inspiring the Big Mac and spawning a sprawling, complex network of regional franchises known as Big Boy Restaurants.
The Big Boy story began at Bob's Pantry in Glendale, California, where founder Bob Wian served his first double-decker hamburger to local musicians. Seeking a catchy name, Wian dubbed the creation Big Boy after a young customer, Richard Woodruff, who walked into the diner during the naming process. The sandwich, featuring two beef patties on a three-layer bun with special sauce, became the mandatory signature item for all franchisees. Its design was exacting: the bun's bottom section measured 1½ inches high, the center ¾ inches, and each burger included 1½ ounces of shredded lettuce.
As the chain grew, it functioned more like a 'chain of chains.' Regional operators like Frisch's in Ohio and Shoney's in the South joined the system, contributing their own signature items—such as the Slim Jim sandwich or strawberry pie—while often modifying the Big Boy mascot to suit local tastes. This led to distinct East and West Coast versions of the iconic chubby boy in checkered overalls. The mascot became so central to the brand that when Marriott Corporation, which owned the chain from 1967 to 1987, considered retiring it in 1985, a public vote overwhelmingly demanded its preservation.
The brand's structure shifted significantly over the decades. Following the bankruptcy of Elias Brothers' Big Boy in 2000, the trademark was split between the Big Boy Restaurant Group and Frisch's, which became an independent entity. Today, the system faces the challenges of a changing dining landscape, with many former franchisees rebranding or closing. Despite this, the legacy of the original double-decker remains, having served as the direct inspiration for industry giants like the Big Mac, the Big Shef, and the Big King.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Big Boy Restaurants
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