Richmond landmark to get new home

By Joey Hislop

February 11, 2005 | RICHMOND -- For nearly 46 years Big J's restaurant in Richmond has served locals from its small roadside location.

Times have now changed and so will they.

If you've driven past Big J's lately you may have noticed some construction going on next door. That is the new roughly 3,000-square-foot facility that will house Big J's, Pizza Villa and a new Taco Maker franchise.

Dave Johnson, general manager of both Big J's and Pizza Villa, said the new facility will be able to seat upwards of 70 people and will offer three different "food concepts." No official date has been set for the grand opening of the new facility, but Johnson said "we're hoping to be in the new building around March 3rd."

According to the city newsletter, The Richmond Record, Richmond's Historical Preservation Commission is planning a "pre-demolition party" slated for the afternoon of Feb. 26.

Elaine Ward, secretary of the commission, said the festivities will last from 1 to 8 p.m. and will include drawings for prizes and old car rides. A '60s retro dance is set for later on that evening. Throughout the week of Feb. 21-26 Big J's will be offering retro prices on menu items.

Also, Big J's will be selling "Vote for Pedro" T-shirts as a fundraiser for the local library. The shirts have become somewhat of a local must-have since the release of the movie Napoleon Dynamite. Big J's received some big-time exposure by being the backdrop for a scene in the movie.

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