Hundreds Visit Burbank Diner to Honor Legendary Filmmaker David Lynch

The late filmmaker David Lynch often spoke about his love for Bob’s Big Boy – enjoying “a damn fine cup of coffee,” the milkshakes and the retro ambiance. For seven years in the late 1970s and early 80s, he would visit the restaurant at 2:30 p.m. every day to have a milkshake and coffee, using the napkins as his notepads to jot down ideas. 

Upon learning of the surreal storyteller’s passing on Jan. 16, just five days shy of his 79th birthday, the cult following of fans began making the pilgrimage to Bob’s Big Boy in Burbank. A vigil led by Diva Corp under the restaurant’s neon sign that evening kicked off a week of visitations. 

Lynch was a visual artist, musician, filmmaker and actor, known for the hit television series “Twin Peaks,” and for cinematic works including “Blue Velvet,” “Mulholland Drive” and “Eraserhead.” Born in Missoula, Montana, his career spanned over 50 years and earned him recognition as one of the most important filmmakers of his era.

“We all get to kind of mourn together, and it’s very beautiful,” said Erin Sutterthwaite, who was visiting the memorial after not being able to make the vigil.

“No one challenges audiences like he did,” Sutterthwaite said, adding that people have been leaving notes with messages praising Lynch for inspiring them to make their own films. “We just hope that his legacy will live on.”

Now an alter of sorts has formed at the base of the Big Boy statue outside the restaurant, where admirers left American Spirit cigarettes, donuts, slices of pie, cups of coffee, Bob’s milkshakes, cans of Coca-Cola, bags of Cheetos, blue roses, artwork and hand-written letters. 

“David Lynch is near and dear to our heart,” said Ashley Miller, who came to pay homage to the filmmaker with her husband. “Our first date was to ‘Blue Velvet’ 30-something years ago.”

With Lynch still in their hearts, they introduced their teenager to “Mulholland Drive” the night prior. 

Perhaps a new generation of fans will make their own films with surrealist and dreamy inspiration that carry on Lynch’s legacy.