When demolition crews ripped into the former Azar’s Big Boy at 6800 Bluffton Road on Nov. 18, it closed the book on one of Fort Wayne’s great restaurant chains.
The Azar brothers (Alex, David, and George) launched their first Big Boy in 1954, opening the Waynedale location 10 years later at Lower Huntington and Bluffton roads.
By the mid-1980s, they owned more than two dozen locations in northern Indiana and Colorado.
In the 1990s, Azar closed locations around northeast Indiana, and when COVID-19 and its cautionary restrictions gripped the nation, the Waynedale store was temporarily closed in April 2020. Two months later, owners waved the white flag, ending 76 years of a Big Boy in Fort Wayne.
The space would later house Top Notch Diner in 2021 and later Mary’s Diner.
Like most of their local restaurants, Waynedale was a local landmark. Their burgers, pies, ice cream, and later breakfast bar united a community.
In its wake, it leaves behind a legacy of first dates, first jobs, impromptu reunions, or a bite after a trip to the airport, a game, or informal family gatherings.
All isn’t gone: Community Harvest Food Bank has some of the original Azar’s Big Boy signage and artifacts, and there are discussions about some items going to The History Center.
They are working with a few local antique stores to sell the memorabilia, with proceeds benefiting Community Harvest.
The charity welcomes inquiries to sell other pieces but say they want to preserve the memories and honor the Azar family. Proceeds will help with the mission of the food bank.
Organizations serve Thanksgiving meals
Several local groups prepared Thanksgiving meals for the needy last week.
Culinary arts students with Fort Wayne Community Schools prepared and distributed about 350 turkey or chicken dinners at the Career Academy cafeteria on Barr Street. It’s the eighth year students have been serving up Thanksgiving.
FWCS says it took about eight to 10 hours in the kitchen to get it all together.
As they’ve done since 1978, St. Mary of Mother of God Catholic Church, 1101 S. Lafayette St., served a feast for more than 1,500 visitors. More than 150 volunteers are involved.
Of course, The Rescue Mission, 404 E. Washington Blvd., was also busy, serving more than 5,000 meals.
Fire does not keep steakhouse grounded long
It didn’t take long for BakerStreet Steakhouse, 4820 N. Clinton St., to reopen following a fire last week.
About 9:15 p.m., on Monday, Nov. 25, a small fire ignited in the kitchen hood ventilation system. Firefighters had it controlled in about 15 minutes. There were no injuries.
Workers quickly got to work cleaning up minor damage from smoke, fire, and water. They were already back at it Tuesday evening like nothing happened.
Local Apple Cart opens at Glenbrook
Local Apple Cart is now open in Glenbrook Square on the second floor overlooking the food court.
Getting their start as a food truck then setting up inside Union Street Market at Electric Works, Local Apple Cart features homemade, handcrafted ice cream and chocolate-dipped bananas.
Owner Rachel Nally says it’s a throwback to her favorite stand growing up in Cleveland.
Santa visits doughnut stand
When Santa visits Tiny Little Donuts, 10300 Maysville Road, it’s a big deal.
On Saturday, Dec. 21, from 8 a.m.-noon, the Airstream-turned-doughnut shop in Chapel Ridge Shopping Center will host a meet and greet with the jolly elf.
Kids can get a photo and everyone 12 and younger will get a treat — a bag of cinnamon sugar donuts.
News and Venues covers Northeast Indiana’s music and arts organizations, venues, and colleges, from large to small. Send your news items to info@whatzup.com.
