Big Boys, Denny McLain and Johngy

When we last saw this particular Big Boy, JayHawk Evans (an American Legend) was trying to wrestle the hamburger from his grip. This time, I was checking his left ear for wax buildup or other such abnormalities.
This was the Big Boy restaurant where we thought we saw Denny McLain. Other people said it was McLain, too. I never actually talked to him to confirm it that day however.
Later last year, when I met McLain at the Ultimate Collectibles Show, he denied being in that Big Boy. McLain said he rarely gets to the Detroit area and could not remember ever going to a Big Boy there.
In a couple months, I will be back in the Detroit area and quite possibly back at this Big Boy. If I see the McLain impostor, I will confront him for my peace of mind. I might even ask him for a photo for this blog.

Big Boy and me in Novi, MI-May 2009.

Friendly Encounters

This is another in a series of meetings of my friends and celebs.

When we last saw Big Boy, JayHawk Evans was trying to outmuscle him for a burger (I think it was the bacon that drove him to do it). Today, Big Boy is back with my sister and a few of her posse.
Of course, her husband Scott is in the picture. Scott is always up for some travel and fun. Plus, rumor has it that being on Johngy's Beat is one of his guilty pleasures.
Laurie Nicola (wife of Jim, sister-in-law of Rick) and Rose Nestlehut (wife of Tom) are making their Johngy's Beat debut. What a proud moment for them.
That brings us to Tom Nestlehut. I have known Tom for about 25 years. Tom is a laugh riot. One of my proudest moments in life occurred in a bar in a small Wisconsin town. The details can be found in an online piece I wrote for Global Traveler, but in short, I rose up to a challenge from the Nes and crowned him with a new moniker (at least temporarily).
Tom is the President of Nestlehut Finanacial Services, Inc. and is an avid fisherman. I am looking to rejoin Tom and the gang for Canada 2015, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of my last trip (and the one and only fish I ever caught in my life).

Jean Parker, Rose Nestlehut, Scott Parker, Big Boy, Tom Nestlehut and Laurie Nicola in St. Joseph, MI-Summer 2009.

Friendly Encounters

This is another in a series of meetings of my friends and celebs.

When last we were graced by the presence of JayHawk Evans, he was seen with Mr. Potato Head. Today, I am presenting Evans pictured with another cultural icon.
Recently, Evans and I were both in Novi (MI) for the Motor City Comic Con. Evans is a big collector of Star Wars memorabilia.
Evans is also a big fan of bacon. This might be why he is seen trying to take a bacon burger from Big Boy.
Who won the battle of the burger? I don't quite know, but I really think that the ever-smiling Big Boy had no chance against the red-haired fury!

JayHawk Evans and Big Boy in Novi, MI-May 2009.