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NATIONAL BIG BOY DAY

6 min. read
June 15, 2026

NATIONAL BIG BOY DAY

National Big Boy Day on June 15 pays tribute to the iconic double decker burger and honors the creator of this American culinary delight, Bob Wian. Join us as we explore the creation of this delicious food holiday, learn about the vision of the man behind Big Boy Restaurants, and commemorate the founding of Big Boy Restaurants, too.

#NATIONALBIGBOYDAY

Very few restaurants have been able to withstand the hands of time like Big Boy Restaurants. This iconic chain has revolutionized the fast-food industry by providing a nostalgic experience to patrons through their innovative creations. The most iconic Big Boy creation is, of course, the double decker burger. Imagine, biting into two beef patties topped with a delicious sauce and three sesame seed buns piled with cheese, lettuce, and pickles. Delicious!

Early Years

Big Boy's story began in 1936 in Glendale, California, when Bob Wian created the first double-decker hamburger at his small diner. He named the burger and his diner after a chubby young customer fondly called "Big Boy." A sketch of the boy in overalls became the beloved logo. Today, Big Boy is a symbol of Americana, bringing joy to diners with its classic menu and welcoming atmosphere. It's no surprise people have been enjoying the double decker burger since!

As the popularity of the double decker burger grew, so did Bob's desire to continue improving things to make his burger stand better. He set his sight on creating a mascot for his burger stand after a regular customer sketched out a mascot on a paper napkin. Turns out, that customer was Wayne McAllister, a popular architect known for his innovative designs with futuristic flair. The duo worked together to create the most prominent feature found at any Big Boy restaurant today, the larger-than-life big boy statue.

DOUBLE DECKER CELEBRATIONS

Join us in commemorating the founding of Big Boy with a week full of exciting events and family-friendly activities. Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to Big Boy, there's something for everyone to enjoy during this special celebration. Celebrate Big Boy's 88th anniversary with us and make new memories with your family and friends.

  1. Visit a Big Boy restaurant with an influencer or food blogger and live stream your visit. Order the double decker burger and a few other menu items and share your taste testing review with your followers.

  2. Invite your friends over for a double decker burger grilling extravaganza. Don't forget to set up a condiment section so everyone can create their own perfectly crafted double decker burger.

  3. Invite your family or friends to your local Big Boy restaurant for a double decker burger eating contest! For an added bonus, you could offer a gift card to the winner for a future visit to Big Boy!

  4. Share your Big Boy Story on social media using the hashtag #NationalBigBoyDay for a chance to win a Big Boy merch basket valued up to $200.

  5. Post a picture next to a Big Boy Statue in-store and tag #NationalBigBoyDay and @itsyourbigboy for a chance to win free Big Boy for a year.

BEHIND NATIONAL BIG BOY DAY

National Big Boy Day began its creative journey after National Day Calendar welcomed the Big Boy Restaurant Group, LCC to our Founder Family. Beginning in 2024, National Big Boy Day will be celebrated on June 15 and each year after. Join us as we celebrate a new food holiday, learn about the vision of the man behind Big Boy Restaurants, Bob Wian, and commemorate the founding of Big Boy Restaurants, too.

About the Founder

The iconic Big Boy restaurants have been in operation since 1936, providing a nostalgic experience with delicious food for patrons. For over 88 years, Big Boy has serving communities more than just food. In fact, they are committed to helping communities grow by giving back to those in need.

2024 Special Events

Big Boy' Birthday Party - Celebrate Big Boy's 88th birthday at the Big Boy Arena in Fraser, Michigan from 11 AM to 4 PM for a carnival-style birthday party that will be fun for the whole family! Enjoy plenty of games and activities, including a bounce house, inflatable obstacle course, video game truck, foam party, and many other carnival-style Big Boy themed activities where you can win prizes. The Big Boy Food Truck will also be there offering FREE Big Boy burgers to the first 50 people (one per person). Plus, we are offering $5 Big Boy, fries and a Pepsi for purchase after that.

The Big Boy Food Truck Tour - The Big Boy Food Truck will be touring Michigan, stopping at six cities and offering 50 free Big Boy burgers at each location. Follow our social media channels to vote on where the food truck should go next and to keep up with the tour schedule. The food truck menu includes $5 Big Boy and Fries with Pop, the Slim Jim, and chicken nuggets. A few stops will include Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Romeo, and Fraser.

Big Boy Specials - Participating Big Boy locations will be offering the following specials to all customers during the week of National Big Boy Day:

  • Supercharged Bingo Monday: Win exciting prizes like $50 and $25 gift cards, free Big Boy and fries, or custom Big Boy Bingo Winner Keychains. Plus, seniors can enjoy breakfast all day for $5.

  • Ultimate Kids Eat Free Tuesday: Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal AND get a free kids' dessert. Receive a special edition Big Boy Birthday Comic Book, with a chance to win aPS5/Xbox/Nintendo Switch in a special sweepstakes.

  • 99 Cent Big Boy Wednesday: Get a Big Boy burger for just 99 cents with a purchase of a Pepsi. Dine-in or carry-out.

  • $7 Sandwiches Thursday: Enjoy any sandwich and fries for only $7. Dine-in or carry-out.

  • Free Pie Friday: Get a free slice of pie with any purchase of $8.99 or more. Dine-in only.

  • National Big Boy Day Saturday: Celebrate Big Boy's birthday with $5 Big Boy and fries with a purchase of a Pepsi after 12 PM.

  • Sundae Funday Sunday: Get 1/2 off any dessert after 4 PM. Dine-in only.

Visit www.bigboy.com for more information and to stay up-to-date on all their offerings for National Big Boy Day!