Big Boy Turns 90: Celebrating a Michigan Icon

For 90 years, Big Boy has been woven into the everyday moments that become family memories.

This month, the iconic restaurant chain is celebrating its 90th anniversary, marking a milestone that few brands ever reach. Founded in 1936, Big Boy has spent nearly a century serving families across Michigan, becoming a familiar backdrop for countless memories—from post-game meals and late-night burger runs to weekend breakfasts with grandparents and special family celebrations.

To commemorate the anniversary, Big Boy is bringing back a few reminders of its past. On June 15, designated as National Big Boy Day, guests can purchase the restaurant's signature Big Boy sandwich for $1.90 with the purchase of a Pepsi product. Leading up to the celebration, diners can also enjoy special throwback pricing, including a Classic Blockbuster Breakfast for $7.36, a Slim Jim or Big Boy sandwich with fries for $9.36, and a milkshake added to any meal for $2.36. Select locations will also offer a breakfast buffet during anniversary weekend.

But for company leaders, the anniversary is about more than discounted meals.

"For many people, Big Boy isn't just a restaurant—it's part of their family tradition," said CEO Tamer Afr. "From post-game dinners and weekend breakfasts to celebrations with grandparents and grandchildren, we've spent 90 years being a place where memories are made."

That sentiment helps explain why Big Boy continues to hold a special place in Michigan culture. While restaurant brands have come and gone over the decades, generations of families have continued to return to the familiar red-and-white checkered décor, the iconic Big Boy sandwich, and the welcoming atmosphere that has defined the brand since its earliest days.

The anniversary also offers an opportunity to reflect on the people behind the restaurant's success. During recent anniversary celebrations, company leaders including Afr and Vice President of Operations Frank Alessandrini have emphasized the importance of loyal guests, dedicated employees, and franchise operators who have helped keep the brand relevant through changing times.

As Big Boy enters its tenth decade, the company is celebrating not just a restaurant's longevity, but the relationships and traditions built around it. For many Michiganders, a visit to Big Boy isn't simply about ordering a burger or a slice of pie. It's about revisiting a piece of their own history—and creating new memories for the next generation.

Ninety years after opening its doors, Big Boy remains what it has always been: a gathering place where families come together, stories are shared, and traditions continue.