Bob Wian

Wian was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Robert E. Wian and his wife Cora. The Wians moved to Glendale in 1924 while the younger Wian was still a child.[6] Wian served as the mayor of the city of Glendale from October 1948[7] to April 1949[8] replacing a mayor who was removed by a recall election.[9] He continued on the city council but resigned in August 1948,[10][11] citing conflicts with Bob's Big Boy and "a desire to make an occasional fishing trip".[12] Wian was also a member of the service organization 20-30 Club, serving as president of the local Glendale club, governor of the Southern California district,[13] and as national trustee.[14]

After selling Big Boy, Wian remained as a Marriott vice-president and president of the "Big Boy Restaurants of America" division for about a year, then sat on the Marriott board for an additional year before retiring. As a board member, Wian recommended Marriott approach his friend Roy Rogers about the use of his name to rebrand the corporation's RoBee's Roast Beef chain.

Wian married Frances Abbott in 1935,[1] who bore his only natural son, Robert Paul "Bobby" Wian (1936–1973). Following his divorce from Abbott in 1956,[2] he married June Ealey-Baehler in 1957, becoming step-father to her son, Chapman "Chappy" Baehler, and daughter Barbara Baehler.[3] The couple also adopted a son, Casey, and daughter, Julie. His joy in Casey and Julie, and his time with them too limited by business, influenced his decision to sell Big Boy.[15][16]

Wian retired in the 1970s and enjoyed outdoor activities on his 800-acre ranch in Valyermo, CA where he lived until relocating to Newport Beach in 1985.[11]

Wian died in Newport Beach, California, in 1992.[17]