By Kimberley Sander Diamond Bar – Bob’s Big Boy, the iconic diner-style restaurant located on Golden Springs Dr. in Diamond Bar, is amid some controversy. In an effort to preserve his beloved restaurant from extinction, franchise owner James Tsai has started the process to make Bob’s a historical landmark for the City of Diamond Bar. Why now? According to Tsai, the landlord of the center where the Bob’s Big Boy is located, is looking to force them out. After 30 years, Tsai has other plans. According to the National Historic Landmarks Program, “National Historic Landmarks (NHL) are exceptional places. They form a common bond between all Americans.” Wikipedia further characterizes NHLs as “Sites where events of national historical significance occurred; places where prominent persons lived or worked; icons of ideals that shaped the nation; outstanding examples of design or construction; places characterizing a way of life; or archeological sites able to yield information”. The process to have the U.S. Department of Interior declare Bob’s Big Boy in Diamond Bar an NHL is long and detailed. Tsai has already started the process by obtaining over 1,800 petition signatures from loyal customers. Reinforcing his plea, a large sign inside the restaurant reads, “PLEASE JOIN US TO HELP KEEP THIS BOB’S BIG BOY FROM BEING CLOSED. WE NEED YOUR SIGNATURE SO WE CAN BECOME A HISTORIC LANDMARK”. Built in 1981, Tsai took ownership of Bob’s in 1993. “The building is old, but well-kept,” said Tsai. With 24 employees, 14 of which have been with him for anywhere from 10 to 20 years, the Diamond Bar location is known for its customer loyalty. According to the restaurant’s manager, Lucy Bartlett, “We are concerned about the public and hear from hundreds of people that they love coming to Bob’s. They want us to stay in the community.” Is it possible for Bob’s Big Boy in Diamond Bar to become a Historical Landmark? It’s happened before. The Bob’s in Burbank is the oldest in the United States. It was built in 1949 by Los Angeles architect Wayne McAllister in the 1940s streamline modern style, and became a California Point of Historical Interest in 1993. Not a Historical Landmark, but certainly noteworthy, Bob’s Big Boy in Norco – Horsetown USA – has “Cowboy Bob”, the only one of its kind, greeting customers in a cowboy hat. The possibility for Diamond Bar is definitely there. James Tsai invites you to his restaurant to enjoy his food, speak with his employees and see for yourself if you’d like to help his cause. He says, “We have been at the same location in Diamond Bar for 30 years, and our customers are loyal from generation to generation. Thank you for your loyalty! We need your continued support to keep this Big Boy location alive.” Come to think of it, an Original Double-Deck Cheeseburger sounds pretty good! Check it out for yourselves. Bob’s Big Boy 21090 Golden Springs Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91789 (909) 595-9170.
