Grisinger's/George's Drive-In Diner
George’s 50’s
Diner, located at 4390 Atlantic Ave. in Bixby Knolls, was honored with historic
landmark status.
The restaurant, originally
named Grisinger’s Drive-In, was built in
1950 and designed by architect Wayne McAllister, well known for his mid-century
coffee shop designs like the Bob's Big Boy in Toluca Lake. Grisinger's along
with Clock's, Harvey's and The Wich Stand drive-ins were part of the hot
rod cruising "circuit" during the 50s & 60s.
George’s is listed as an example of Googie architecture. Typically,
Googie-style diners would themselves serve as a huge sign, with futuristic
geometric shapes styled right into the building. Large parking lots surrounded
the building, where visitors could park their cars and be served by a carhop.
George’s, said the Long Beach Cultural Heritage Commission in its nomination,
represents this style and reflects the culture of the 1950s.
