Where is the Big Boy? WDRB searches for missing face of Louisville's last Frisch's restaurant

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The iconic Big Boy statue outside of Louisville's last remaining Frisch's restaurant off Poplar Level Road has been missing since November. In fact, police are investigating after Big Boy statues were stolen from both the Louisville location and another Frisch's in central Kentucky.

A manager at the location on Poplar Level Road said a police report was filed after the statue was stolen. The restaurant said the theft was caught on security video, and the Louisville Metro Police Department said it received a call about the theft Nov. 16.

An LMPD spokesperson said police are still investigating the case.

"It disappeared," one Frisch's-lover said outside the restaurant Friday.

"Probably on eBay," another customer suggested.

WDRB honed in on a clue that the stolen statue might be at a business on Dixie Highway, and, after following through on the tip, found that there was, in fact, a similar Big Boy statue situated atop Rockford Speed's garage, a vehicle tuning shop just off of Dixie

Highway. However, the business obtained its Big Boy legally, purchased at a Street Rod Nationals event in Louisville years back.

Big Boy at Rockford Speed — Rockford Speed garage on Dixie Highway has their own Big Boy, which the owner said was purchased at a Street Rod Nationals event in Louisville years back. Jan. 5, 2023. *(WDRB Photo)*

"I saw that and I was like 'We got this (Big Boy) on top of the roof. Someone is going to start saying something,'" said Chris, a Rockford Speed employee.

And police in Georgetown, Kentucky, are also investigating after thieves there made off with another Big Boy statue. Customers noticed right away.

"Monday morning, I came in, and it was like something's missing," Linda Allen said. "And I looked around, and everybody is saying 'Where's the Big Boy?' It was like 'Oh my gosh, somebody took him!'"

Representatives from Frisch's corporate office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Frisch's fanatics are hopeful the Big Boy will be returned to its rightful place soon.

"That's the icon," said a hungry customer. "That's the icon. Since this is the only (Louisville) one still open, they need to get it back."

LMPD is asking anyone with information to come forward or call the anonymous tip line at 574-LMPD.

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