Bob’s Big Boy in Downey hoping to restore statue with hairdo ripped off in crash

Residents in Downey are reeling after a high speed car accident damaged a beloved Bob’s Big Boy statue last month.

Security camera footage shared on social media by the restaurant shows a car slamming into a fire hydrant in front of the diner and causing an explosion.

The Downey Police Department said the driver suffered moderate injuries.

Keep up with LAist.

If you're enjoying this article, you'll love our daily newsletter, The LA Report. Each weekday, catch up on the 5 most pressing stories to start your morning in 3 minutes or less.

Subscribe

Why people care so much

Marisol Gutierrez has worked at Bob’s for about three years. She said the statue isn’t just another corporate mascot; people have actually proposed in front of the big guy at the mid-century, Googie-style diner on Firestone Boulevard.

Longtime fans weren’t happy to see him mangled, with part of his head lopped off. For now, the restaurant has put a big hat on Bob's to cover up the damage.

“One person actually started crying. People say ‘oh no!’ or ‘Bring Bob’s back. Or ‘Yes, he’s still standing!’ It really gets to people because people have been coming here for years,” Gutierrez told LAist.

She said the restaurant is still waiting on a police report and not sure if the driver had insurance. But the plan is to try their best to restore the statue. Original Big Boy statues can go for thousands of dollars so they’re working to draw attention to the accident and raise money through sales.

About the Downey restaurant

Charles Phoenix, L.A. cultural critic and so-called Ambassador of Americana, told LAist that the restaurant originally opened in 1958 as Harvey’s Broiler.

“It immediately became the absolute place to see and be seen in your custom car in the late '50s and '60s,” Phoenix said.

The location changed hands over the years and was almost lost to demolition in 2007. It was renamed as Bob’s Big Boy Broiler in 2009.

While it’s unclear exactly how old this particular Big Boy statue is, Phoenix said it’s a standout compared to different versions over the years.

“He holds his own place in Southern California pop culture,” Phoenix said. “I love the fact that he’s holding up his namesake hamburger like the Statue of Liberty holds up the flame.”

Benefit event

On Sunday, Sept 15, the restaurant is hosting a “Big Boy Bash” from 9 to 11 a.m.

Phoenix will be there and the restaurant is inviting folks with classic cars to attend.

Location:
Bob's Big Boy Broiler
7447 Firestone Blvd, Downey