It has been a long wait since a Big Boy Restaurant was first proposed its Royal Oak location in May of 2021 and received approval in the following month. More than three years later, the project is finally moving forward with significant progress. According to a story published in DBusiness Journal, demolition of the old Pasquale’s space on Woodward Ave has been completed to make way for the new restaurant, which is anticipated to open by the end of 2024.
Located at 31555 Woodward Ave, the site will turn into what Big Boy Restaurant Group in Southfield refers to as a new Flagship location. “We call it a new flagship meaning it is the future of the brand,” Frank Alessandrini, VP of Operations at Big Boy Restaurant Group told What Now Detroit in a text. “We will continue to expand the brand further by opening new locations all over.”
According to the original plans submitted to Royal Oak’s planning commission, the next step is to construct a 4,503-square-foot restaurant with a drive-thru facility for Big Boy. The development will also construct a 5,818-square-foot commercial building with retail sales and install “landscaped islands for
residential accessory off-street parking lot.” The project is led by Bingham Farms-based Rogvoy Architects.
Founded in 1936, Big Boy was purchased by a group of Michigan investors in 2021 and was renamed Big Boy Restaurant Group. In addition to classic menu items including the original Big Boy burger, the Slim Jim, and the Classic Blockbuster Breakfast, the operators have since added various new items. According to DBusiness Journal, the new restaurant will have a buffet and serve beer and wine.
As of January 2024, Big Boy has 61 locations in the United States, some of which are operated by franchisees. However, The new flagship location planned for Royal Oak will be company-owned, confirmed Alessandrini.
The new flagship Big Boy is slated to open later this year. The group is also eyeing other markets to continue its growth. “Right now, we have Bay City, Ludington, Lansing, and Royal Oak,” Alessandrini replied when asked about the group’s current target markets.
