Fast Food – Larry Johnston, Nostalgic Artist

BBF – Burger Boy Food-O-Rama

October 28, 2020January 24, 2021 Admin

BBF

Burger Boy Food-O-Rama

Columbus, Ohio

BBF first opened in Columbus, Ohio in 1961 competing with the McDonald’s fast food chain. They eventually opened 48 BBF restaurants in Ohio West Virginia and Kentucky before it was sold in 1970 to Bordon, Inc. The revolving neon Rotospheres on top of their sign always fascinated me and I’m sure it helped attract business. I painted the BBF to accept the sign, as well as the nostalgic history of one of the 15 cent hamburger pioneers. I also included a few classic cars of the time to add to the nostalgia.

**Prints:**

**ALL PRINTS** are printed on **canvas and stretched on wooden stretcher bars** and prices vary according to size ordered. Most are 2:3 proportion

**Options:**

**wrapped print-** part of the image is wrapped

around the sides of the wood.

**Non-wrapped print-** The full image is on the face, with white or black edges

**(frames and hardware are not included)**

**8″ x 12″ Black Edge**………. $109.17

**8″ x 12″ White Edge**………. $109.17

**8″ x 12″ Wrapped Edge**………. $109.17

12” x 18” White Edge ………. $168.07

12” x 18” Wrapped Edge ………. $168.07

16” x 24” White Edge ………. $226.14 (Most popular)

16” x 24” Wrapped Edge ………. $226.14 (Most popular)

20” x 30” White Edge………. $314.34

20” x 30” Wrapped Edge………. $314.34

24” x 36”Black Edge ………. $335.65

24” x 36”White Edge ………. $335.65

24” x 36” ………. $1,295.00 Original Painting on stretched canvas

Silver Diner-Pink

October 23, 2020January 24, 2021 Admin

Silver Diner (Pink)

This silver diner was a request from a customer that saw my original Silver Diner. The original painting had Red trim, but the couple had their kitchen trimmed in Pink, so they would like the painting to match the colors in their kitchen. Here is the original RED trimmed Silver Diner Painting.

12” x 18” White Edge ………. $168.07

12” x 18” Wrapped Edge ………. $168.07

16” x 24” White Edge ………. $226.14 (Most popular)

16” x 24” Wrapped Edge ………. $226.14 (Most popular)

20” x 30” White Edge………. $314.34

20” x 30” Wrapped Edge………. $314.34

24” x 36”Black Edge ………. $335.65

24” x 36”White Edge ………. $335.65

24” x 36” ………. Original Painting on stretched canvas is not available.

Superdaug

October 19, 2020February 22, 2021 Admin

Superdaug

Chicago, Illinois

One of the few original drive-in restaurants left, this one being a Hot Dog Stand, complete with Car Hop service has been at the intersection of Milwaukee, Devon and Nagle in the Norwood Park section of Chicago.

Years ago, while exhibiting at street fairs in the Chicago area, such as the well known Wells Street Arts Festival, I was asked if I had ever painted Superdaug. After hearing about the two 12 ft. male and female hot dogs on the roof, with blinking eyes, I had to check it out.

The Hot Dog Stand opened in 1948 and became a popular spot for years to come. It could have been the crinkle-cut French Fries accompanied by the signature pickled green tomato, or maybe it was the winking and blinking eyes of the two roof icons that may have not only been flirting with each other, but even to the passersby, in need of something to satisfy their hunger cravings.

I eventually added a painting of the Drive-in Hot Dog Stand to my collection. Other Chicago paintings I have done are: Hot Diggity Dog; Chicago Theatre; Wrigley Field

Although the painting is not from Chicago, my McDonald’s prints were popular.

around the sides of the wood.

11″ x 14″………. $148.82

16″ x 20″ ………. $204.72

16″ x 20″ ………. $375.00 Original painting on stretched canvas is not available.

Varsity #2

October 18, 2020February 22, 2021 Admin

The Varsity #2

Atlanta, Georgia

The first Painting of the Varsity, in Atlanta, was so popular, that I had a couple approach me and commissioned me to paint their” his and her” cars in a Varsity picture. Hers was the Camero. I was participating in quite a few festivals and art shows in the Atlanta, GA area during that time, so the Varsity prints were very popular.

around the sides of the wood.

8″ x 12″ white Edge………. $109.17

8″ x 12″ wrapped Edge………. $109.17

Varsity #1

October 16, 2020February 22, 2021 Admin

“The Varsity”

Atlanta, GA.

The first thing you hear when you arrive at the Varsity are the words, “What’ll ya have?” If you don’t know about the varsity, I need to bring you up to date. The date was 1928, when the varsity was opened, just a couple of blocks from Georgia Tech, in Atlanta, GA. It has become to be the World’s Largest Drive-in Restaurant. It can accommodate 600 cars and 800 people inside.

I have heard the drive-in restaurant serves 2 miles of Hot Dogs, a ton of Onions, 2500 pounds of Potatoes, 5000 Fried Pies and 300 gallons of Chili, made from scratch daily. That’s a lot of food they would have to have ready!

So, you see why I had to paint this painting. Of course, I had to include a well-known classic car to add to the picture, as if the Varsity needed to have anything added. By the way, the chili cheese dogs are outstanding! So, if you’re heading south on I-75 through downtown Atlanta, the Varsity will be on your left side.

You can learn more about the history and menu of the Varsity Drive-In Restaurant at:

www.thevarsity.com

16” x 20” ………. Limited Edition Paper Print $45.00

around the sides of the wood.

24″ X 36″ original painting on canvas not available.

Bonnie Doon Drive-in South Michigan St

October 13, 2020February 22, 2021 Admin

Copyright Larry Johnstobn — Copyright Larry Johnston

**Bonnie Doon Drive-in, S. Michigan St.,**

**South Bend, Indiana**.

Bonnie Doon Ice Cream started in 1941 and in 1944, they opened their first drive-in. One of their most popular locations was on S. Michigan Street, in South Bend, Indiana. At the time, when I frequented that location, there were 5 locations in the area.

During my High School days, Michigan Street was a one-way street going north and the next street over, Main Street was one way going south. Bonnie Doon and Azar’s Big Boy sat next door to each other, so they became the hang out as the cars would drives through both establishments, go around the block and back through, over and over, eventually referred to as the merry-go-round. The teenagers would sit on their cars in the parking lot and watch the cars go by. I remember the cars stopping along Main Street to meet. I am sure many romances started at Bonnie Doon.

I have decided to bring back some of these historic buildings that have since become vacant or torn down. This painting on S. Michigan Street, in South Bend, Indiana, brought back memories and stories from the people who saw it. I asked my customers if they could find the Corvette Stingray in the painting. Most couldn’t find it, until I pointed out the reflection in the side of the car in the foreground. I have since painted Bonnie Doon – US 31, South Bend, Bonnie Doon 4^th St, Mishawaka 1940, Bonnie Doon 4^th St., Mishawaka 1950s, Bonnie Doon- Lincolnway, Mishawaka, Indiana.

**Prints:**

**ALL PRINTS** are printed on **canvas and stretched on wooden stretcher bars** and prices vary according to size ordered. Most are 2:3 proportion

**Options:**

**wrapped print-** part of the image is wrapped

around the sides of the wood.

**Non-wrapped print-** The full image is on the face, with white or black edges

**(frames and hardware are not included)**

**8″ x 12″ Black Edge**………. $109.17

**8″ x 12″ White Edge**………. $109.17

**8″ x 12″ Wrapped Edge**………. $109.17

**12” x 18” Black Edge** ………. $168.07

**12” x 18” White Edge** ………. $168.07

**12” x 18” Wrapped Edge** ………. $168.07

**16” x 24” Black Edge** ………. $226.14 (Most popular)

**16” x 24” White Edge** ………. $226.14 (Most popular)

**16” x 24” Wrapped Edge** ………. $226.14 (Most popular)

**20” x 30” Black Edge**………. $314.34

**20” x 30” White Edge**………. $314.34

**20” x 30” Wrapped Edge**………. $314.34

**24” x 36”Black Edge** ………. $335.65

**24” x 36”White Edge** ………. $335.65

**24” x 36”Wrapped Edge** ………. $335.65

Copyright Larry Johnston

**Bonnie Doon Drive-in, S. Michigan St.,**

**South Bend, Indiana**.

Bonnie Doon Ice Cream started in 1941 and in 1944, they opened their first drive-in. One of their most popular locations was on S. Michigan Street, in South Bend, Indiana. At the time, when I frequented that location, there were 5 locations in the area.

During my High School days, Michigan Street was a one-way street going north and the next street over, Main Street was one way going south. Bonnie Doon and Azar’s Big Boy sat next door to each other, so they became the hang out as the cars would drives through both establishments, go around the block and back through, over and over, eventually referred to as the merry-go-round. The teenagers would sit on their cars in the parking lot and watch the cars go by. I remember the cars stopping along Main Street to meet. I am sure many romances started at Bonnie Doon.

I have decided to bring back some of these historic buildings that have since become vacant or torn down. This painting on S. Michigan Street, in South Bend, Indiana, brought back memories and stories from the people who saw it. I asked my customers if they could find the Corvette Stingray in the painting. Most couldn’t find it, until I pointed out the reflection in the side of the car in the foreground. I have since painted Bonnie Doon – US 31, South Bend, Bonnie Doon 4^th St, Mishawaka 1940, Bonnie Doon 4^th St., Mishawaka 1950s, Bonnie Doon- Lincolnway, Mishawaka, Indiana.

**Prints:**

**ALL PRINTS** are printed on **canvas and stretched on wooden stretcher bars** and prices vary according to size ordered. Most are 2:3 proportion

**Options:**

**wrapped print-** part of the image is wrapped

around the sides of the wood.

**Non-wrapped print-** The full image is on the face, with white or black edges

**(frames and hardware are not included)**

**8″ x 12″ Black Edge**………. $109.17

**8″ x 12″ White Edge**………. $109.17

**8″ x 12″ Wrapped Edge**………. $109.17

**12” x 18” Black Edge** ………. $168.07

**12” x 18” White Edge** ………. $168.07

**12” x 18” Wrapped Edge** ………. $168.07

**16” x 24” Black Edge** ………. $226.14 (Most popular)

**16” x 24” White Edge** ………. $226.14 (Most popular)

**16” x 24” Wrapped Edge** ………. $226.14 (Most popular)

**20” x 30” Black Edge**………. $314.34

**20” x 30” White Edge**………. $314.34

**20” x 30” Wrapped Edge**………. $314.34

**24” x 36”Black Edge** ………. $335.65

**24” x 36”White Edge** ………. $335.65

**24” x 36”Wrapped Edge** ………. $335.65

24” x 36” Original Painting on stretched canvas……….Not Available

White Castle

January 1, 2015February 22, 2021 Admin

White Castle

Chicago, Illinois

The White Castle Restaurants started in 1927, as the first one opened in Cincinnati, Ohio. The first White Castle in Chicago was located at Wabash and Cermak, in 1930. The restaurant chain offered small hamburgers that sold for 5 cents until the 1940s. The American term for a small sandwich 3 inches across or smaller was called a “Slider”, which became a common term for a White Castle Burger.

The original Chicago building has become a landmark, as the building has been restored to the original design but is no longer a White Castle restaurant.

The painting was done in my early years, when I started exhibiting at the Chicago area shows. It was a popular item, especially in the Midwest area. It was also included in my set of 4 Chicago prints, along with Billy Goat Tavern, Superdawg and Hot Diggity Dogs, which were horizontal paintings. I added the Chicago Cubs panting later, but it was a vertical painting.

Steak n Shake

January 1, 2015February 22, 2021 Admin

Nostalgia Painting Larry Johnston

“Steak and Shake”

St. Louis, MO.

While exhibiting in the area of St. Louis, I decided to see what they had in their area that was nostalgic. After some discussion with area locals, we found that the oldest Steak and Shake still in existence, was just off of Hwy 55, in St. Louis. Of course I had to check it out, along with some other possible places.

The Steak and Shake painting drew attention wherever I went. I put the cars into the painting to add to the time period of the building. Many people bought prints, some of the building and others for the classic cars.

I managed to do some of my painting at the shows, but customers kept me busy with questions. I liked the questions. The painting just drew the attention.

around the sides of the wood.

Silver Diner-Red

December 31, 2014February 22, 2021 Admin

The Silver Diner (Red)

This painting is my version of a silver diner, looking in from the outside, complete with the soda fountain, black and white checkered floor a booth, bar stools and yes, a jukebox, It was a fun project to make up my own Silver Diner. I sold this painting, but not without conditions. Check out those conditions in my second painting (here).

around the sides of the wood.

24” x 36” ………. Original Painting on stretched canvas not available

Skyline Chili #2

December 31, 2014February 22, 2021 Admin

Skyline Chili

Cincinnati, Ohio

Founded in 1949, the first Skyline Chili on Glenway Avenue, in Cincinnati, Ohio is an area now known as Price Hill. The building is no longer there, however around the corner at 3714 Warsaw Ave (above painting), is a combination restaurant and drive through Skyline Chili.

Famous for their special chili, coney dogs and my favorites, the 3-way, 4-way and 5-way which offers a combination of Spaghetti, topped with their special Chili, covered with cheese. Onions and beans can be added.

While exhibiting in the Cincinnati area Art shows, we discovered Skyline Chili and soon after, I painted two versions of the restaurant on Warsaw Avenue. In the first version, I painted the first wienermobile in the painting, as it was leaving the restaurant. (Click to View). I guess the driver was craving a Skyline coney dog. A couple, I met at an art festival, wanted me to paint the painting without those vehicles and wanted theirs in the painting instead. I have personalized other paintings over my career, especially at their favorite restaurants or places they grew up around.

around the sides of the wood.