Big Boy’s history dates back to 1936 in Glendale, California, when founder Bob Wian sold his prized DeSoto Roadster to purchase a small hamburger stand. With a simple yet innovative vision, he created the first-ever double-decker hamburger, which quickly became a customer favorite. The restaurant’s success led to expansion, and in the late 1930s, a young patron inspired the now-famous Big Boy mascot, solidifying the brand’s identity. As Big Boy grew, it became a staple of American dining, known for its hearty meals and welcoming atmosphere. Throughout the decades, Big Boy has remained a beloved part of American food culture, serving generations of families with its classic menu and nostalgic charm.
After nearly 30 years, Big Boy is back in Wisconsin, bringing a taste of nostalgia to those who grew up with its iconic flavors and diner scene. In 2021, owner Chaz Hastings reintroduced Big Boy to the state, opening Wisconsin’s first location in decades near Milwaukee. Then, in 2024, Big Boy made a splash by moving to Wisconsin Dells—the Waterpark Capital of the World—where visitors can now take a break from the waterslides and dive into America’s first and best double-decker hamburger.
For many, Big Boy isn’t just a meal—it’s a memory. It’s a place where parents and grandparents can step back in time, reliving childhood moments of enjoying a Big Boy burger and an ice-cold shake, now shared with a new generation. Whether you’re revisiting an old favorite or discovering it for the first time, Big Boy in Wisconsin Dells is where nostalgia meets new traditions, proving that some classics never go out of style.
For many, Big Boy isn’t just a meal—it’s a memory. It’s a place where parents and grandparents can step back in time, reliving childhood moments of enjoying a Big Boy burger and an ice-cold shake, now shared with a new generation. Whether you’re revisiting an old favorite or discovering it for the first time, Big Boy in Wisconsin Dells is where nostalgia meets new traditions, proving that some classics never go out of style.