Johnie's Broiler, 7447 Firestone Blvd., Downey, CA.
The Googie landmark Johnie's Broiler in Downey, CA (known as Harvey's Broiler when it opened in 1958), was ground into dust overnight last weekend, to expand a used car lot. Local preservationists were not pleased, and said the demolition was "illegal." As of today, the Johnie's sign is still standing, but the building has been destroyed.
Moviegoers may remember it as Lily Tomlin's place of work in Robert Altman's "Short Cuts." It was also featured in "Reality Bites," "What's Love Got To Do With It" and "Unstrung Heroes."
More reports on the demise of Johnie's at The LA Times and Roadside Peek, which is where I found the picture used here.
Anybody know of other movies in which Johnie's played a role?
Johnie's was also featured in the movie "Heat" (1995) with Robert DeNiro & Al Pacino, "Country Bears" (2002), "One Hour Photo" (2002) with Robin Williams. Johnie's was also converted into a bus station for an episode of "X-Files"
JOIN US AT JOHNIE'S THIS SUNDAY, JAN. 14th -- we'll be meeting up with the Friends of Johnie's & a few classic car clubs & circling Johnie's Broiler from 3:30-5:30pm -- in honor of the one week anniversary of the brutal & illegal demolition of Johnie's.
Wear a black armband & bring a token of tribute to leave at Johnie's. It can be a flower, a photo, a child's drawing, a note, a balloon...something you can leave in memory of Johnie's/Harvey's.
We should get some media coverage -- KCAL-9/CBS-2 has been GREAT covering the story for us.
JUSTICE FOR JOHNIE'S!
REBUILD JOHNIE'S!
Johnie's Broiler
7447 Firestone Boulevard
Downey
"License to Drive" was another movie. It was called "Archie's" in the movie...but it is the same landmark.