Johnie's Broiler

Johnie 's Broiler was a coffee shop and drive-in restaurant in Downey, in Southern California. It is a striking example of the Googie style.

It was opened on Firestone Boulevard in 1958 by Harvey Ortner first with his name as " Harvey 's Broiler ". Intention of the owner was to build with the help of the architect Paul B. Clayton a building that the passing motorists quickly responds by its extraordinary contemporary style elements and invites you to linger.

The restaurant was an instant success and quickly became known far beyond the region. 1966 took over the former chef, Johnnie Smyrniotis, the restaurant and changed the name to " Johnie 's Broiler ". There is a legend that the shortening of the first name only one " n" its basis in the missing length of the existing font panel would.

The then-popular in the U.S. especially in adolescents evening motorcades Johnie 's Broiler and Firestone Boulevard was the great meeting place for the region. Up to 3000 participants should be counted per night. The striking vehicle was (eg, hot-rods, custom cars, dune buggies ), the greater was the general admiration. When Johnie 's Broiler could insert a stop can be operated by young waitresses on roller skates and socialize with the guests in the neighboring cars.

Because of the authentic 1950s appearance to the restaurant has repeatedly selected as a location for film scenes and television shows. The end of 2001 was Johnie 's Broiler however closed. The owner leased the premises subsequently to a used car dealer. Due to the general disappointment with this development, an initiative formed to include Johnie 's Broiler in the official list of the California monuments.

However, without approval construction workers began suddenly on Sunday, January 7, 2007 to demolish the building. The police ended the work on very short notice. Nevertheless, the damage was already very high. Meanwhile, a citizens group has formed that has a reconstruction of the goal.

On 19 October 2009 the diner under the name " Bob 's Big Boy Broiler " was re-opened.