Big Boy Opening Fast-Food Spinoff in Farmington

Big Boy, known for its doubledecker hamburgers and iconic mascot, is preparing to open a fast-food spinoff called Bob’s Big Boy at 32704 Grand River Ave. in Farmington, Metro Times reports. 

Formerly home to a Burger King, Bob’s Big Boy will retain the drive-thru window, as well as an indoor dining area with about 60 seats. There will only be counter, not table service.

Franchisee Ali Baydoun tells Metro Times items to be offered include the Classic Big Boy double-decker burger, Slim Jim sandwiches, fish and chips, shakes, and hot fudge cake.

Big Boy has 52 restaurants in Michigan and Ohio, and eight outlets in Wisconsin, North Dakota, Nevada and California.

In 1936, Bob Wian sold his prized DeSoto Roadster to purchase a 10-stool hamburger stand in Glendale, Calif., according to the company website. That was the start of something big.

In 1952, brothers John, Louis and Fred Elias became the first to  formally apply to Wian for a Big Boy franchise license. Their restaurant in Hazel Park became the first official franchise, according to the website.

The chain emerged from bankruptcy in 2000, and Michigan investors bought the company's assets in 2018 and paid off $34 million in debt, according to Crain's Detroit Business. The company is called Big Boy Restaurant Group and has offices in Southfield.