Big Boy Statues

The Big Boy restaurant chain was founded in California in 1936, but was soon franchised across the country under different names such as Bob's, Kip's, and Vip's. Outside of each diner stood the trademark statue of a rotund boy carrying a cheeseburger (actually a caricature of a real boy named Richard Woodruff, who also inspired the name when the founder affectionately called him "Big Boy"). Over the years, many of the statues suffered the indignity of being temporarily "kidnapped" by pranksters. Now, most are gone forever, victims of remodeling and modernization; sightings these days are a rare glimpse of a bygone era.

Tempe, Arizona

I photographed this Big Boy statue on display at the Arizona Historical Society Museum at Papago Park.
Directions: 1600 N. College Avenue.
Last Visited: January 2008.

Cincinnati, Ohio

I found this somewhat slimmer Big Boy outside of a Frisch's Big Boy restaurant in Cincinnati, Ohio. Probably an older vintage, because Cincinnati was the location of the first franchise.
Directions: Corner of Station Ave and Spring Grove Ave.
Last Visited: May 2008.

Calimesa, California

This extra-big Big Boy stands outside of a Bob's Big Boy restaurant in Calimesa, California.
Directions: 540 Sandalwood Dr. (south side of Interstate 10 at Calimesa Boulevard, exit 88).
Last Visited: July 2009.

Standard disclaimer: Sites are described for entertainment purposes only, as they were at the time of my last visit. I can not vouch for the current condition of the site or its accessibility.