Downey, CA - Johnie's Broiler has been a Downey landmark for almost 50 years. Its first 8 years were run under its well remembered name Harvey's Broiler, named after its original owner Harvey Ortner. In 1966, its current owner Christos "Johnnie" Smyrniotis purchased the property from Ortner in 1966 and changed the name to Johnie's Broiler. It has remained Johnie's Broiler since.
Johnie's Broiler
Downey, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
A sweeping roof and a big neon sign make Johnie’s Broiler quite a sight along Firestone Boulevard in Downey. Check out the long canopy and bold lettering, giving passing motorists plenty to look at before reaching the driveway. This was a restaurant built to get noticed, and the cars gathering outside added another attraction.
The story began in 1958, when Harvey Ortner opened Harvey’s Broiler. Architect Paul B. Clayton designed the combination coffee shop, restaurant, and drive-in, bringing a little space-age imagination to a meal along the boulevard. Broad windows and an expansive canopy gave the place a look that belonged to Southern California’s growing car culture.
Harvey's Broiler
Downey, CA Photo courtesy Adriene Biondo
Then there was the sign. Stretching some 65 feet in length, the enormous display gave Harvey’s a roadside introduction that was difficult to miss. After dark, its glow helped turn the property into a destination. Finding the restaurant probably wasn’t much of a challenge once the lights came on.
Harvey’s opened as the largest drive-in restaurant in Southern California. Customers could pull into the covered parking area, order something to eat, and watch the activity around them. The lot became a favorite gathering place for cruisers, making a trip to the Broiler about more than what was on the menu.
Johnie's Broiler Neon during happier times
Downey, CA Photo courtesy Adriene Biondo
A gleaming bumper or a set of polished fins fit right into the scene. Cars rolled through, friends met up, and an ordinary dinner stop could stretch into an evening of looking around. The building and the automobiles seemed made for one another, each showing off a bit of the era’s enthusiasm for chrome, curves, and things that caught the eye.
The restaurant became Johnie’s Broiler in 1968, but the familiar gathering place carried on. The name changed above the boulevard while the drive-in kept its place in the memories of customers who had been coming since the Harvey’s days. For others, Johnie’s was the name they grew up knowing.
Is the Sun Setting on Johnie's?
Downey, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
Its appearance also attracted movie and television crews. The Broiler offered a ready-made setting for scenes calling for an old coffee shop or a little cruising-era atmosphere. Years later, the rebuilt restaurant would appear in Mad Men, putting its familiar dining-room surroundings to work once again.
In 2001, the coffee shop/car hop closed down and proceeded to convert into a used car lot a year later. When the changeover to the used car lot occurred, much of the interior of Johnie's was destroyed. But the building, carhop area, and sign remained.
Balloons marked the opening of the Car Outlet Inc used car dealership
Downey, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The original restaurant served its last customers on New Year’s Eve in 2001. A used-car dealership subsequently occupied the property, keeping vehicles on the lot while changing the reason for their visit. The old restaurant stood through those years, but its future was far from settled.
Johnie's, partially demolished on January 7, 2007
Downey, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
On January 7, 2007, an unpermitted demolition began tearing the building apart. Community members raised the alarm, and the work was stopped, but much of the restaurant had already been destroyed. The sign and surviving portions of the frontage stood above the wreckage, leaving a painful reminder of what had been there only hours earlier.
Fortunately, longtime supporters kept working to bring the Broiler back. The Friends of Johnie’s and the Los Angeles Conservancy joined the preservation effort, and Bob’s Big Boy operator Jim Louder stepped forward in 2008. With help from the City of Downey and Clayton’s original drawings, the restaurant began its remarkable return.
After tremendous support from the Friends of Johnie's as well as the Los Angeles Conservancy's Modern Committee, the California Historic Resources Commission voted unanimously to include Johnie's Broiler in the Register of Historic Places. Placement is contingent on the property owner's support and agreement, which was not received from the Smyrniotis.
Johnie's Broiler Clean-up July 2008
Downey, CA Photo courtesy Adriene Biondo
Reconstruction brought back the sweeping lines and recognizable roadside appearance. This was a substantial rebuilding effort, giving the surviving pieces a restaurant to announce again. The project returned a familiar gathering place to a boulevard that had come close to losing it altogether.
UPDATE: Bob’s Big Boy Broiler opened on October 19, 2009, giving the former Harvey’s and Johnie’s site another chapter. The reconstruction earned a Los Angeles Conservancy Preservation Award in 2010. The big sign and distinctive coffee-shop shape once again welcome motorists along Firestone Boulevard, with burgers back on the menu beneath the neon. Quite a comeback for an old cruising stop. 10-26
More Photos from the unpermitted demolition
A view from the Back end of Johnie's Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The Car Hop Area Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The demolition was halted facing Firestone Blvd Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
What's left of the entranceway Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The community mourning the wreckage Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The venerable sign still standing amidst the destruction Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
05.19.09 Downey, CA - Here are more construction photos from the site of the new Bob's Big Boy Broiler. As you can see, things are just humming along as work continues to make the new Broiler a reality.
Welding activity underway at the Bob's Big Boy Broiler in Downey on May 14, 2009
Downey, CA Photo courtesy Adriene Biondo
Broiler sign
Downey, CA Photo courtesy Adriene Biondo
To the right is a shot of the new brush script lettering for the "broiler" portion of the new marquee
Below are many more photos taken on May 14, 2009. Many thanks to Adriene Biondo for the continual updates from the site and for these photos.
See all of the Bob's Big Boy Broiler construction photos and updates here.
Here's the original history write-up two decades ago
According to the January 8, 2007 issue of the Long Beach Press-Telegram, Smyrniotis' lessee filed a request in October 2006 to tear down the building with plans for a small retail strip center. The request was denied due to deficiencies, including the lack of an environmental impact report.
Johnie's Broiler Sign covered
Downey, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
Then 2007 began on a sour note. On January 7, 2007, a couple of bulldozers suddenly appeared on site and started razing the carhop area and structure. By the time alert citizens contacted the authorities, it was too late. The carhop and a good portion of the restaurant area had already been demolished. The police stopped the demolition due to lack of permit. According to the January 9, 2007 Press-Telegram, numerous possible OSHA violations occurred. "According to police reports, the gas and electricity were not switched off at the time of the razing nor was the area fenced off from the general public, creating an unsafe environment for bulldozing contractors."
Johnie's demo
Downey, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
For those who stood by the remains of Johnie's the evening of January 7, 2007, the smell of the demo was undeniable and unforgettable. The sign still stood, strong as ever as it faced Firestone Blvd defiantly. But the aura of sadness permeated the air, as residents, fans of Johnie's, and onlookers stared at the what was left, trying to understand and determine whether this was now farewell.
Memories
Many current and former residents remember both Harvey's and Johnie's Broiler fondly. One patron remembers cruising Harvey's in 1960-1963 after graduating from Lynwood High in '63 and tasting the hot chocolate on a cold night and even the gravy fries. She remembers doing "the cruise" which was a roundabout from Long Beach Blvd and Compton Blvd, taking them from Jerry's BBQ north to South Gate "where we would end up at the donut show on Tweedy Blvd." They would then make their way to A&W at Tweedy and Atlantic. Then everybody headed for Harvey's.
Here are the email addresses to members of the Downey City Council. Recommendation is to send a copy to the Downey City Clerk for record keeping. Source: LottaLiving.com
03.15.09 Downey, CA - The rebuilding of Johnie's Broiler to the new Bob's Big Boy Broiler continues with completion scheduled for August 2009, barring unforeseen issues.
Johnie's 2nd Anniversary Cruise
Downey, CA
Photo courtesy Adriene Biondo
Here are photos from the 2ndAnniversary Cruise on January 11, 2009 which remembered the two year anniversary of the illegal demolition. Jim Louder allowed the attendees a final look at the site before construction began and Kevin Preciado organized the event.
See here for more photos from the event courtesy Adriene Biondo. Many additional photos of the event can also be found at the Jalopy Journal. Many thanks to Adriene Biondo for update.
Johnie's Broiler Clean-up Downey, CA Photo courtesy Adriene Biondo
07.20.08 - Check out the photos from the Monday morning, July 7th, 2008 kick off of the "clean-up" Johnie's Broiler.
There was some work to be done at Johnie’s Broiler before burgers could return to the menu. The clean-up brought supporters together around the damaged Downey landmark, clearing debris and giving the old drive-in a little much-needed attention. Check out the people lending a hand where cars and hungry customers once gathered. With portions of the restaurant in ruins, the effort showed how much this place still meant to the community. Bringing back the Broiler would take more than a clean-up, but getting together to help was a welcome start.
Analisa, Kevin, and Adriene with the award outside of Bob's Big Boy Torrance Photo courtesy John Eng
05.05.08 Torrance, CA - A little celebrating was in order outside Bob’s Big Boy in Torrance. Analisa, Kevin, and Adriene gathered with the award, taking a moment to mark the occasion out front. Check out the smiles that came with this roadside gathering. Quite a nice souvenir to bring home from a trip to Bob’s.
Congratulations to Adriene Biondo, Analisa, and Kevin Preciado for winning the California Preservation Foundation President's Award at the foundation's conference in Napa in late April for their tireless work on Johnie's Broiler. Well deserved!
Johnie's Broiler 50th Anniversay Event
Downey, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
04.20.08 Downey, CA - From a first hand account, the 50th Anniversary Celebration was a success. The new owner of the coming Bob's Big Boy Jim Louder, Adriene Biondo Chair of the MODCOM, as well as many friendly folks from the Friends of Johnie's and locals joined in the celebration of both Johnie's 50th Anniversary and the recent good news that Bob's Big Boy has signed a long term lease. According to Bob's owner Jim Louder, every attempt will be made to keep as much of the huge landmark marquee intact while the change over to Bob's Big Boy signage is made.
04.17.2008 - The Los Angeles Conservancy's Modern Committee, together with the Friend's of Johnie's and the Coalition to Rebuilt the Broiler, has announced a classic car cruise to celebrate Johnie's 50th anniversary and the news that Bob's Big Boy is coming to town. Please see the flyer below for more details.
Thanks to Adriene Biondo for information. modcom.org
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04.10.2008 - The news is official that Johnie's Broiler in Downey will now be replaced by Bob's Big Boy. A long term lease has been agreed upon between Bob's Big Boy and Johnie's owner Smyrniotis, 15 months after a saga that began when Johnie's was illegally partially demolished by a lessee. A historic preservation consultant has been hired to determine what pieces of Johnie's are still salvageable, including the fat boy sign. More information can be found at the Press Telegram's article.
Good news and many thanks from all Harvey's and Johnie's Broiler fans to those who helped make this happen and keep the spirit of Johnie's alive, including the Friends of Johnie's, the Coalition to Rebuild Harvey's, and the Modern Committee of the Los Angeles Conservancy.
Many thanks to Adriene Biondo for the alert to this update as well as her tireless efforts working with the local preservation groups, city officials, and the public towards this successful outcome.
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02.25-2008 - The Los Angeles Conservancy Modern Committee (MODCOM) just sent out an action alert that MODCOM, Friends of Johnie's, and The Coalition to Rebuild the Broiler are announcing that Bob's Big Boy is in negotiations to rebuild Johnie's Broiler.
According to the alert, MODCOM receive an official announcement from City of Downey that Bob's and the owner of Johnie's are working to come to terms to rebuild this 1958 landmark.
Your attendance is being requested at a Downey City Council meeting on Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 7:30pm
Downey City Hall
11111 Brookshire Avenue
Downey, CA 90241
(562)904-7274
Here is the action alert from MODCOM. If questions, please contact Adriene Biondo, chair of the Los Angeles Conservancy Modern Committee or call (818)943-6621.
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According to multiple reports, the Ghost Cruise for Harvey's Broiler on February 25, 2007 was a success. Almost 40 cars cruised from the starting point at Bob's Big Boy in the morning and other joined in during the various stops on the way to Johnie's/Harvey's Broiler. Given the short notice and cold weather, an estimated turnout of 80 participants was a phenomenal showing.
Just added: Photos from the Ghost Cruise, courtesy of John Eng.
Many thanks to Adriene Biondo for update
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The Friends of Johnie's in coordination with the Los Angeles Conservancy Modern Committee, support of local Southland car clubs, and outraged citizens staged a "Black Sunday Cruise-in" on Sunday, Jan 14th from 3:30pm to 5:30pm which is the exact time the illegal demolition occurred. Many classic cars arrived to cruise around the block.
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According to the Long Beach Press-Telegram article, the City Council expressed outrage at a Downey City Council meeting on Tuesday 01/09/07, and vowed to take action against those responsible for the illegal demolition. Many residents were present at the crowded council chambers and spoke up in favor of preserving what's left of Johnie's and/or rebuilding the coffee shop as well as expressed outrage at the events of January 7.
Johnie's Broiler
Harvey's Broiler
Johnie's Broiler Neon during happier times
Is the Sun Setting on Johnie's?
Balloons marked the opening of the Car Outlet Inc used car dealership
Johnie's, partially demolished on January 7, 2007
Johnie's Broiler Clean-up July 2008
Johnie's Broiler Sign covered
Johnie's 2nd Anniversary Cruise
Analisa, Kevin, and Adriene with the award outside of Bob's Big Boy Torrance
Johnie's Broiler 50th Anniversay Event
