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March 28, 2007
Who Is Big Al? - CI Investigative Report
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| Who is Big-Al? That's a question that's
been asked around Chico for decades. This elusive corn-dog magnate has
been a fixture in Chico politics for years. His 1989 purchase of Bidwell
Mansion caused turmoil over expected transformation of that landmark into
a burger joint. At the time Big-Al quietly moved into the mansion's attic
and hasn't been seen since. Big-Al's burger fueled finances still work their magic silently in the background of our fair city. For example, Big-Al funds the annual manicure for the Big-Hands down at City Hall, and paid for the team of Clydesdales to move the Silver Plow onto Park Avenue. Big-Al came onto the scene here in Chico just after World War II as a destitute veteran looking for work. At the time he just went by "Al". "Al's Dogs and Dames" was his first foray into the restaurant business. It was a success. His natural ability to marry fluffy dough corn dogs with scantily clad dancing girls is made more clear by today's news. At its height "Al's Dogs and Dames" had 35 establishments throughout the U.S. But during the 1960's Al seemed to pull back from socially questionable endeavors. He sold the "Dogs and Dames" trademark to MGA Entertainment who would later re-brand it "Bratz". In the mean time he adopted the moniker "Big-Al" and focused on family related work. For years Chicoans speculated on Big-Al's background. Where did he come from? Who were his parents? The crack team of CI's investigative reporter (me) has spent days evaluating this very question. The science of DNA testing for cartoon characters has not progressed to the point where its results are definitive. However, graphic design software has reached the point where it may provide answers. Professional analysis of existing logos and cartoon characters suggest that Big-Al may be the love child of Betty-Boop and The Pillsbury Dough Boy (see images below). Boop's history is one plagued by illicit sex, drug addiction, and serial rehab attempts. The dough boy, on the other hand, has long been an icon of the religious right in this country. But it is interesting to note that he began calling himself the "Pillsbury Dough Man" at around the time Big-Al would have been conceived. The details of this relationship and Al's early years will be part of a follow up story as more investigative research is completed. But for now one piece of the puzzle that is "Big-Al" has been uncovered. The dichotomy of Big-Al's early and later life can be explained to some degree by the contrasts in his lineage. |
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| SATIRE ALERT: There is no actual evidence that Big-Al is related to other cartoon characters, or has ever owned "Dogs and Dames". Betty Boop did not have issues with drugs or sex, as she is a cartoon character. The Pillsbury Dough Boy is not an icon of the religious right. This is all just for fun. |
Posted by Lon at March 28, 2007 08:35 AM
Comments
What a wonderfully entertaining piece of reporting, I look forward to reading many more!
Posted by: meagan dixon at March 28, 2007 11:35 AM
I smell a free lunch somewhere in this posting.
Posted by: Anthony at March 28, 2007 03:40 PM
I do not know the facts... but, I believe that it was run by a fellow named Al Regier (spelling?), then later, perhaps in the early 90's it was run by a fellow with the last name of Bell. Not sure who owns it now.
I can remember going there in the 60's and 70's... It seems like it had a different name before Al Regier (spelling?)started running it sometime in the early to mid 70's.
Though, your story has much more intrigue :- )
Posted by: Mark Sorensen at March 29, 2007 02:38 PM
I do not know the facts...
Then you're just the kind of reporter were looking for here at the Commission Impossible news room.
Lon
Posted by: Lon at March 30, 2007 03:22 PM