#3: Big Boy (1936)
Big Boy started in 1936 as Bob’s Pantry. But once people wouldn’t stop buying their Big Boy Hamburger, they changed their name. Throughout the next few decades, Big Boy grew even bigger, but diners weren’t as popular as they used to be. Currently, there are around 55 locations in the US.
Big Boy is not to be confused with Frisch’s Big Boy. Frisch’s was originally a franchisee but became the owner of any Big Boy restaurants in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Frisch’s has had more success, with 85 locations in total.