April to June 2008

Welcome to Roadside Peek News. This section will feature a news peek of what's happening out on the road. While not pretending to be comprehensive, we hope you'll visit this section from time to time to keep up on just a sample of issues that are roadside related. Don't forget to check out the Roadside Peek main page for the day's update.

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LATEST NEWS

Another Southern California Bowling Alley Closes Down

05.25.08 Santa Fe Springs, CA - Premiere Lanes in Santa Fe Springs closed it doors for good on May 18th, 2008.  The bowling center lost its land lease and will be torn down.

Many thanks to Lloyd Stone for update.

Historic El Raton Theatre Reopens

05.25.08 Raton, NM - The El Raton Theatre in downtown Raton, NM has been purchased and is slated to be re-opened on May 23, 2008.

According to the April 22, 2008 edition of The Raton Range, new owners Kerry and Kristie Medina, Ted and Traci Kam, and Neil and Donna Emiro, became the new owners of the El Raton Theatre after the sale was completed in mid-April. The theatre was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in January 2007.

Many thanks to Neil V. Emiro for update.

Johnie's 50th Anniversary Celebration a Success

04.20.08 Downey, CA - From a first hand account, the 50th Anniversary Celebration was a success. The new owner of the coming Bob's Big Boy Jim Louder, Adriene Biondo Chair of the MODCOM, as well as many friendly folks from the Friends of Johnie's and locals joined in the celebration of both Johnie's 50th Anniversary and the recent good news that Bob's Big Boy has signed a long term lease. According to Bob's owner Jim Louder, every attempt will be made to keep as much of the huge landmark marquee intact while the change over to Bob's Big Boy signage is made.

See photos from the celebration here.

In addition, here's a link to yesterday's KPCC 89.3 Off Ramp broadcast. Adriene Biondo is interviewed announcing the news about Bob's rebuilding Johnie's. http://www.scpr.org/programs/offramp/

Johnie's Broiler Celebration Cruise Saturday April 19th

04.17.2008 - The Los Angeles Conservancy's Modern Committee, together with the Friend's of Johnie's and the Coalition to Rebuilt the Broiler, has announced a classic car cruise to celebrate Johnie's 50th anniversary and the news that Bob's Big Boy is coming to town. Please see the flyer below for more details.

Thanks to Adriene Biondo for information. modcom.org

Johnie's Broiler to become Bob's Big Boy

04.10.2008 - The news is official that Johnie's Broiler in Downey will now be replaced by Bob's Big Boy. A long term lease has been agreed upon between Bob's Big Boy and Johnie's owner Smyrniotis, 15 months after a saga that began when Johnie's was illegally partially demolished by a lessee. A historic preservation consultant has been hired to determine what pieces of Johnie's are still salvagable, including the fat boy sign. More information can be found at the Press Telegram's article.

Good news and many thanks from all Harvey's and Johnie's Broiler fans to those who helped make this happen and keep the spirit of Johnie's alive, including the Friends of Johnie's, the Coalition to Rebuild Harvey's, and the Modern Committee of the Los Angeles Conservancy.

Many thanks to Adriene Biondo for the alert to this update as well as her tireless efforts working with the local preservation groups, city officials, and the public towards this successful outcome.

Palm Desert Lodge Shuts Doors

04.09.2008 - According to the Desert Sun, the Palm Desert Lodge closed its doors for the last time on April 1, 2008 and will soon be demolished to make way for redevelopment and a Longs drug store. The marquee has now been listed on eBay. The Palm Desert Lodge dates back to the 1950's.

Stan Kite's Restaurant to Reopen as The Waffle Factory

04.08.2008 - The Stan Kite Restaurant in Los Angeles is another great example of Googie Coffee Shop architecture. However, the Kite has been closed and the building has sat vacant for over a decade. Over time, the distinct kite shaped marquee disappeared off the roof and the building appeared to be headed for oblivion.

For once there is good news on the coffee shop front. Instead of mourning yet another loss of a roadside treasure, the news is the former Kite restaurant building is still intact and will be reused as a new 24 hour restaurant.

According to Adriene Biondo who happened upon the new owners of The Waffle Factory while they were installing a gigantic granite countertop, the two owners were very proud that they're contributing something positive to the community and wanted to preserve the uniqueness of the architecture, yet adapt it to work for the community.  The one owner is also a general contractor and said he was raised in Inglewood and has invested in property there. It seems they're using high quality materials throughout.  Take a look at the bathroom sinks.

The plans are for The Waffle Factory to open between April - May 15th of 2008. The place appears to be worth a visit and hopefully will be a fixture in the community for many years.

Many thanks to Adriene Biondo for update on The Waffle House.