Iconic Big Boy Turns 90 With Michigan Specials

Though founded in California, Big Boy has become a Michigan icon. The restaurant is celebrating its 90th anniversary with special deals, memories, and more.

The Enduring Legacy of Big Boy Restaurants

Photo by <a href= — Photo by Marc Snailum on Unsplash

The first Big Boy restaurant, originally known as Bob's Big Boy, opened in Glendale, California, in 1936. California remains home to the chain's original surviving locations.

Frisch's Big Boy is a separate franchise with dozens of locations across Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana.

Big Boy’s popularity took off in Michigan in 1952. Today the state is home to about 85% of the chain’s U.S. locations. The company's headquarters is in Southfield, while a handful of restaurants also operate in Ohio and Nevada.

Big Boy turns 90 on June 15, 2026, and plans to celebrate.

Big Boy Marks 90 Years With a Throwback Special

According to FOX 17, Monday is National Big Boy Day. To mark the chain’s 90th anniversary, the original Big Boy double-decker sandwich, featuring two beef patties, lettuce, cheese, and its signature sauce, will be offered for $1.90 with the purchase of a Pepsi product.

For the rest of the month, the Big Boy chain will offer throwback pricing, giveaways for guests, and other promotions. To celebrate Big Boy’s 90th birthday, here are four West Michigan locations: