Background

Originally opened in 1958 under the name Harvey's Broiler after the owner, Harvey Ortner, the Broiler was in the right place at the right time.  Situated on a prime location on Firestone Boulevard in Downey, it was an integral part of everything having to do with Southern California teenage cruising culture.  Designed by architect Paul B. Clayton, the Broiler had ample space to serve hungry customers in the coffee shop or outdoors in the 98 covered car spaces.  It was the largest drive-in ever built in southern California.

In 1965, Harvey Ortner retired and sold the Broiler to Christos John Symrniotis and the name on the sign was changed from Harvey's to Johnie's to reflect the change in ownership.  Formerly a chef at the Broiler, Smyrniotis encouraged the use of the Broiler for on-location filming of movies and music videos and it can be seen in such films as "Reality Bites" and "What's Love Got To Do With It?".

Even though the restaurant started to go downhill in the 80s and 90s, the cruisers still came, evolving from the "kustom kar" fans of Ed "Big Daddy" Roth and the like to Lowrider car clubs like The Duke's.  On December 31, 2001, Johnie's stopped operating as a restaurant when Symrniotis closed the Broiler and leased it out.  Ultimately it played host to a used car lot.  During this time, several unauthorized alterations were made, including the dismantling of the kitchen and removal of the terrazzo floors.

A coalition calling itself "Save Harvey's Broiler" was established in 2002 and began the process to get the building nominated for the California Register of Historic Resources.  Johnie's was determined to be eligible for listing, but as the owner Smyrniotis declined to pursue the work necessary to get the Broiler formally declared a Historic Resource.

January 7, 2007 saw the unauthorized destruction of the building by one man and a bulldozer.  No fence, no asbestos abatement, no permits.  Horrified Broiler enthusiasts and police put a stop to the demolition, but much of the restaurant had already been destroyed.  The city then put a one year moratorium on further development.  Ardas Yanik, the lessee at the time, pleaded no contest to three misdemeanor charges involving unpermitted destruction of a structure, conducting the demolition in the presence of live wires and illegal dumping.  He was sentenced to three years of probation and community service.

In a December 11 meeting, the Downey City Council voted not to extend the moratorium and to hire a preservation consultant at Smyrniotis's expense.  Notwithstanding the findings of the preservation consultant, members of the Coalition are still not sure of what the ultimate fate of the Broiler will be.  In October they held a "Holy Ghost" fundraiser cruise with the hope of attracting a benefactor that would be interested in purchasing and restoring the half-destoryed landmark.  They are currently involved in raising money for community design charette to explore options to save the Broiler.

25 January 2008

Since the illegal demolition of the Googie icon Johnie's Broiler in January of 2007, the fate of the building has rested in the hands of the Downey City Council.  After the demolition was halted, the City Council voted to put a one-year moratorium on any further development on the property.  In December 2007, the Council subsequently voted not to extend the moratorium, which expired on January 23, 2008.

25 February 2008

Bob's Big Boy is working with the owner of Johnie's Broiler, Christos Symrniotis, on an agreement to rebuild the iconic Downey diner that was illegally destroyed in 2007.  The issue is to be discussed at a Downey City Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, February 26 at 7:30 p.m.  The meeting will be held in the City Council Chamber at the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, CA, for anyone wishing to speak or show their support!

 12 March 2008

An agreement in principle has been reached between Bob's Big Boy and Johnie's Broiler owner, Christos Smyrniotis for the chain to take over and rebuild the partially-demolished diner, restoring the googie architecture and carhops.  The two sides must now wait for the historical architectural consulting firm to present its findings.  The firm was hired by the city of Downy two weeks ago to survey the property.
 

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Source:  California Preservation Foundation Newsletter, Cruising for Johnie's
By Mike Buhler, Esq, Winter 2007/2008

Source:  LA Times, Getting fired up over Johnie's Broiler
By Daniela Pedromo, 23 December, 2007

Source:  The District Weekly, The Future of Johnie's Broiler
By Theo Douglas, 14 December, 2007

Source: Press-Telegram, Pact signed with an eye to Johnie's restoration
By Samantha Gonzaga, 11 December, 2007

Source:  The District Weekly, Saving Johnie's Broiler
By Theo Douglas, 10 December, 2007

Source:  Press-Telegram, Riding to resurrect Johnie's Broiler
By Samantha Gonzaga, 11 October, 2007

Source:  Recent Past Preservation Network, Johnie's Broiler, Downey California--Endangered!
By Chris Nichols

Source:  California Register of Historic Resources nomination for Johnie's Broiler
By Peter C. Moruzzi, 20 April, 2002

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Source: Press Release, Los Angeles Conservancy Modern Committee
"BOB'S BIG BOY is in negotiations to REBUILD THE BROILER!"
25 February, 2008

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Source: The Downey Patriot Online, Tentative deal reached to bring Bob's Big Boy to Downey
By Eric Pierce, 29 February 2008

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Source:  johniesbroiler.net