Johnie's Broiler, a Googie treasure on Firestone Boulevard in Downey, will reopen as a Bob's Big Boy on Sept. 19, according to a website dedicated to saving the historic diner. The interior of the diner was demolished without permits in 2002, but preservationists rallied to save what remained of the architectural character and Bob's Big Boy stepped in. There's also an article (not online yet) on Johnie's in the current issue of Los Angeles magazine.
