Manners Ad – Sept. 15, 1966

Manners has been a favorite topic on this blog since its beginning, with multiple posts devoted to how the Northeast Ohio Big Boy franchise bought and rebranded the chain of Hoop Restaurants. For those of us that grew up in this area, the name 'Manners' was synonymous with the famous double-decker burger.

There were several Manners Big Boy locations in our area. By the end of the 1960s, there was one at the end of Oberlin Avenue at Cooper Foster Park Road; one on Henderson Drive on the east side; one at the corner of Leavitt Road and West Erie (Route 6); and a new one on North Ridge Road near Route 57. There were also outlets in Vermilion and Elyria.

We favored the two nearest our house, the one on Oberlin Avenue and the one on West Erie – mainly to get our free Big Boy sandwiches for getting all A's on our report cards.

Anyway, in 1966, there were just three Lorain locations as noted in this ad that ran in the Journal on September 15, 1966. 

Although the ad is promoting its all-you-can-eat perch dinners, the Big Boy is included in the ad as a subtle reminder of their specialty.

It's still fascinating to me how Manners developed its own version of the mascot. I still prefer him over the two versions that are used today – a Bob's Big Boy version and a Frisch's Big Boy version.

A recent discussion at work about Oh Boy's and Big Boy's planted that (sesame) seed in my mind about having a double decker burger soon. So when I recently found myself at dinner time just a short ten minute drive from the Big Boy on Brookpark Road, I just had to stop.

I love the fact that the well-known statue is on the roof, a veritable beacon for burger lovers.

And another statue is inside and well-protected from pranksters who might have kidnapping in mind.

As I experienced on previous visits, my carry-out order was prepared quickly by the well-managed, friendly staff. It's always fun to sit at the counter while waiting, and watch the warm interaction between the team of employees and their regular customers. And as expected, my Big Boy was great.