Bob’s Big Boy with Dave Ferguson

"Bob’s Big Boy with Dave Ferguson" is Episode 61 of *Doughboys*, hosted by Mike Mitchell and Nick Wiger. "Bob’s Big Boy with Dave Ferguson" was released on July 14, 2016.

## Synopsis

Birthday Boy and *Comedy Bang! Bang!* vet Dave Ferguson hops in studio to discuss an American classic, Bob’s Big Boy, and to participate in an impromptu Diner Draft. Ferg offers his preferences for his Last Meal.

## Nick's intro

The Las Vegas Strip: a 4.2-mile stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard South, it's one of the most famous streets in the world, but up through the 1930s, it was nothing but a dusty, sun-scorched strip of Nevada desert highway.

In 1941, architect Wayne McAllister was commissioned to build what would become the Strip's very first hotel and casino, El Rancho Vegas - a resort that had just two blackjack tables. McAllister, one of the leaders of a Space-Age futurist style of architecture known as Googie, seen most famously in Disneyland's Tomorrowland, subsequently designed such classic Vegas staples as the Desert Inn and the legendary Sands Hotel (home base of the Rat Pack and the setting of the original *Ocean's 11*).

While many of his creations have since been redesigned or demolished, arguably his most famous building is still intact: the oldest operating location of a sit-down burger chain founded by Robert C. Wian in Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley. In 1949, on Riverside Drive in Burbank, McAllister constructed a stylishly curved carhop-friendly drive-in branch of Wian's restaurant, anchored by an oversized statue of its cherubic mascot. The location became so famous that The Beatles would dine there during their U.S. tour.

The chain grew throughout the U.S., at one point operating under two dozen different brands across different regions, including Elias Brothers, Frisch's, Kebo's, Manners, Mr. B's, Shap's, Vip's, and Yoda's. Its iconic mascot statue made a bigger impression on American culture than its chili, spaghetti, and milkshakes, and later served as the escape pod and hibernation chamber for the villainous Dr. Evil in the original *Austin Powers*.

By 1967, founder Wian cashed out his initial 350-dollar investment in spectacular fashion, selling his company to hotel chain Marriott for seven million dollars, the equivalent of $50 million today.

Now, after a bankruptcy scare at the turn of the century, there remain 93 restaurants in the U.S. - 83 of which are in Michigan - and a staggering 279 locations in Japan.

This week on *Doughboys*: Robert C. Wian's large son, Bob's Big Boy.

## Ferg's intro

"*Howdy-ho!*"

So goes the famous greeting of *South Park*'s Mr. Hankey the Christmas Poo, and so goes the pilfered trademark drop of Mike Mitchell, an L.A.-based comedian formerly known for his work with underground comedy legends, The Birthday Boys.

    That is, until he paired up with a sharp-tongued wordsmith and fellow Upright Citizens Brigade alum, Nick Wiger, to record a podcast that would offer a refreshing and sincere alternative to the posh foodie culture that had consumed the 2000s.

Capitalizing on Wiger's masochistic work ethic, and Mitchell's begrudging, but necessary, presence, the pair set out to treat chain restaurants with the same passionate and critical eye Mitchell had once reserved for *Star Wars* sequels and anything new or progressive. With a meandering and self-admitted unprofessional flair, Spoonman and Burger Boy, as they would dub themselves, won over audiences in hundreds with a broadcast that was equal parts glut and gab.

Since their first 'cast on May 20, 2015, Wiger and Mitchell have gorged their self-proclaimed soft bodies at over sixty franchised eateries, all the while exponentially growing in their mutual hatred for both themselves and each other.

Meanwhile the Spoon Nation and Burger Brigade fan factions have only lapped it up, as the *Doughboys* podcast has chowed its way to the upper crust of the Feral Audio charts and five-fork ratings from critics and #hashtag-loving fans alike.

How long can it last?

It's a question the hosts ask of their very lives.

I hope you like cucks, because today, we're talking *Doughboys*.

## Fork rating

* Pappy Parker's Fried Chicken
	+ Dinner Salad
	+ French Fries
	+ Steamed Vegetables
 Mike Mitchell
* "Original" Big Boy Combo
	+ Dinner Salad with Ranch
	+ French Fries
 Dave Ferguson
* "Original" Big Boy Combo
	+ Dinner Salad with Ranch
	+ French Fries
* Thick Milkshake
 shared
* California Melt (Northridge Melt)
* Chili Cheese Fries

## 2016 Diner Draft

Mitch spontaneously has them draft their favorite diner foods, and they take it very seriously.

Ferguson trades his first pick of "Hamburger" for Nick's next two picks. This throws the whole snake order off (see the numbers for the ordering).

## Last Meal

Last Meal is a segment where Mitch comes up with the reason that the guest is to be executed, who in turn gets to describe his choices for his last meal.

In a future where air is money, Dave Ferguson puts his life on the line by placing a large air bet on the Dayton Flyers in the NCAA Championship. Betting against a corrupt government proves to be a bad move and Dave is placed under arrest. Initially he does not receive a death sentence, but the public demands his head after he makes fun of Mitch too much. Sentenced to death by crushing under the weight of unsold *Birthday Boys* DVDs, Dave must choose his last meal:

* steal Mitch's lunch, depriving him of happiness
* fried chicken from Plan Check Kitchen + Bar in LA
* Annie's Macaroni & Cheese
* small side salad
* grilled pork belly with asparagus
* craft IPA
* milkshake

Fortunately, right before the truckful of DVDs is dumped on Dave, Dayton alum Jon Gruden floats down in an hovercraft and rescues Dave. They ride away together, as Dave gives his wife to Mitch.

## #hashtags

* #DinerDraft
* #TeamSpoon vs. #TeamCuck or #WigersWinners vs. #DaytonFlyers
* #DinersSoWhite
* #ProsVsJoes
* #DoesFrischsCrinkle
* #DreamDiner

## Plugs and Drops

* *The Birthday Boys*
 * *Duck Tales*
* *South Park*
* *Saturday Night Live*
* *Austin Powers*
* "Duck Tales Theme"

## Related Episodes

* 25. Rock & Brews (Feedbag Question)
* 61. **Bob's Big Boy**
* AD2. After Dough with Joe 2
* DD. U Talkin' DMB 2 Me? Deep Tracks Only!
* THON21. Doughathon 2021

## Photos (via @doughboyspod)

Pappy Parker's Fried Chicken with French Fries and Steamed Vegetables"Original" Burger Combo with French FriesCalifornia MeltVanilla Coke and Cherry CokeDinner SaladBob's Famous Onion RingsChili Cheese Fries