Bob's Big Boy was originally named what when founded in 1936?

Bob’s Big Boy was originally named Bob’s Pantry when Bob Wian founded it in 1936. The first location was a small, 10-stool hamburger stand in Glendale, California, rather than a restaurant initially called Bob’s Big Boy.

Wian purchased the stand after selling his 1933 DeSoto roadster for $300 and reopened it as Bob’s Pantry. About six months later, he created a double-decker hamburger with two patties and a three-slice bun. Its popularity led to the “Big Boy” name, which was then applied to the restaurant.

The original name is often confused with later descriptions such as Bob’s Drive-In, which reflected the chain’s curb-service era. Bob’s Big Boy also became associated with the famous Big Boy mascot and with the early development of the double-decker hamburger, a style later echoed by other fast-food chains.