Bob Newkirk, working for Aerojet after graduating from UC Berkeley, went for lunch with a friend to the West Covina Bob’s Big Boy. Lois was the hostess.

Bob remembers the encounter: “She was so cute in her Bob’s hostess outfit with a smile more beautiful than I could have imagined. By the time we left, I had convinced her that she should see me.”

Many people have fond memories about youthful outings to Bob’s. After 40 years of marriage, two grown children and one grandchild, Bob and Lois have more fond memories of Bob’s Big Boy than most.

Ever since Bob was in high school, he...