Two patties, an extra slice of bun in the middle and secret sauce.
The Marc’s Big Boy burger was a burger for the ages. And for folks who remember the heyday of the Marc’s Big Boy restaurants, the flavors conjure a wealth of fond memories.
There’s only one place in town where you can find a classic Big Boy burger these days: on the lunch menu at Kil@wat restaurant in the Intercontinental Hotel Downtown (read more in our Burger Trail feature). However, thanks to Ovation Communities, a bit of that nostalgia will return for one special day during the Big Boy Reunion.
The Reunion will take place at Ovation Sarah Chudnow, 10995 N. Market St. in Mequon on Wednesday, Aug. 9 beginning at 6 p.m.
During the event, attendees will enjoy a dinner comprised of numerous favorite dishes including the Big Boy Burger, onion rings, fries and strawberry pie. The burger feast will be followed by a presentation from Marcus Corporation President Steve Marcus and Chairman of the Board, Greg Marcus, whose family company operated more than 60 Big Boy restaurants throughout the Midwest.
Big Boy restaurants first opened in California in the 1940s. In 1958, The Marcus Corporation opened their first Marc’s Big Boy in Milwaukee. During their talk, Steve and Greg will transport attendees on a journey through the Big Boy experience and how the restaurant concepts paved the way for the Marcus Corporation today.
"As an organization dedicated to Milwaukee families, we’re thrilled to have father and son duo Steve and Greg out to celebrate one of our city’s best-loved hangouts," said John Lawson, Ovation Sarah Chudnow executive director. "We hope people will dig out their Big Boy mementos and join us for a fun evening reliving those happy days."
Tickets for the Big Boy Reunion dinner are $10 per person, and reservations are required. For more information, call (262) 478-1500. Event attendees are encouraged to bring their Big Boy memorabilia.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
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