The story of "Johnie's Broiler Restaurant" which was famous for Nightly Cruises in Downey, California was wrecked down without explanation on Sunday January 7th., 2007 In middle of the day at about 3 in the afternoon, and they didn't even have authorization from city either.
It was originally called "Harvey's Broiler" when it opened in 1958 and then changed it's name to Johnie's Broiler Restaurant in 1966. About 20 years ago I went to see the cruise night and had dinner at this restaurant and dreamed of opening MOON Cafe.
MOON Equipment Company use to sponsor this Cruise Night back then. The 50's style Restaurant like this no longer exist. "Ships" and still on business "Pann's" near LAX, it was important historical building but was Used Car dealer from 2001. The City tried to keep this restaurant building as a Land mark. Maybe the new owner did it without applying for a demolition permit in fear it wouldn't be authorized? The restaurant was almost broken down but the famous big sign is still there.
http://www.johniesbroiler.com/
http://la.curbed.com/
http://photos1.blogger.com/
What a mysterious take down story. Unbelievable.

Today January 25th, I went to see the Johnie's Broiler to check it out and here are the latest pictures.
From west side on Firestone Blvd, the big sign and a part of restaurant is saved and still there.
But from East side the whole building is knocked down and nothing is left.
The Cruise Night poster in picture has "Drive in" drawn at this angle in picture.
The poster represented times when Firestone Blvd in front of Johnie's Broiler was in a cheerful atmosphere. It is sad to see the "Googie" style building disappear which boomed in Southern California from late 1940s to through 60s.