David Lynch’s love for Bob’s Big Boy went far beyond casual visits. For years, the fast food chain served as his creative haven where ideas flowed as freely as the coffee he drank. Lynch’s frequent visits turned Bob’s Big Boy into an unofficial extension of his artistry.
Even after his passing, the connection between Lynch and the restaurant endured. Fans often gather at the Burbank location to pay their last respects, leaving flowers and tokens of respect at the feet of the Big Boy statue.
David Lynch ate lunch at Bob’s Big Boy every day
For seven years straight, David Lynch made Bob’s Big Boy in Burbank a cornerstone of his daily routine. Starting during his work on Eraserhead and continuing through his 1984 adaptation of Dune, Lynch arrived every afternoon at 2:30 p.m. He ordered chocolate milkshakes and drank endless cups of coffee. Armed with a napkin and a pen, he jotted down ideas that would later take shape in his projects.
He held meetings there, discussing ideas and collaborating with others in the industry. Laura Dern shared memories of meeting Lynch and Kyle MacLachlan at the restaurant. Even though he eventually gave up this habit for health reasons, the restaurant remained a key part of his image.
The rise and fall of Bob’s Big Boy’s franchise
Bob’s Big Boy played a major role in shaping the fast food industry and is known for its smiling mascot in checkered overalls and the invention of the double-decker hamburger. The chain’s signature burger inspired giants like McDonald’s and Burger King, cementing its place in American dining history.
At its peak, the franchise operated hundreds of locations across the United States, drawing families and road-trippers alike. However, the chain’s dominance did not last forever, as competition from newer and faster options led to a decline in popularity. Today, only a handful of Bob’s Big Boy locations remain, and they are all in Los Angeles.