History

1970
The Beginning of a Dream
Where it began

Bob Johnson began his career in the fast-food industry as an assistant manager at “Mr. Quick” in Bolingbrook, Illinois. After only eight months on the job, Corporate Headquarters offered him the opportunity to become a Franchise Partner.

1973
Moved to Iowa
Newton

A couple of years later, in 1973, Johnson accepted the offer, moving to Newton, Iowa to open his first “Mr. Quick”. From there, he went on to open stores in both Fairfield, Iowa and Muscatine, Iowa respectively.

1983
Continued Success
Name Change

Then, in 1983, after a decade of success, Johnson and his partners decided to change the name of the restaurants from “Mr. Quick” to “Sizzlin' Sam’s.”

1986
Double Drive-Thrus
The Idea was Born

Three years after that, in 1986, “double drive-thru’s” were becoming popular across the sunbelt states and their success got Bob’s attention. He immediately began studying the available data and developing his own complimentary ideas, knowing that one-day he would pursue the opportunity.

1988
The First & Not the Last
B-Bop's is Introduced on East Euclid
The Original B-Bop's

Not long after that initial spark of interest, in 1988, Johnson became aware of a building located at 1500 E Euclid in Des Moines, Iowa that was up for sale. His research and intuition told him that this would be an ideal location to open a double drive-thru.

After six months of renovation, branding, product development, and promotion, the first B-Bop's location opened to the public and the rest, as they say, is history.

1992
The Second B-Bop's Opens
Windsor Heights
Windsor Heights

In 1992, four years after B-Bop’s opened our first location on E.14th and Euclid, we added a second location, this one being on 73rd Street in Windsor Heights. With its proximity to Sam’s Club, Wal-Mart, Dowling Catholic High School, and the WDM 8th street exit, it didn’t take long for the Windsor Heights store to explode in popularity.

2015
Good-Bye Long John's, Hello B-Bop's!
Fleur Opens
B-Bop's Fleur

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2016
We Got the Westside Covered
Mills Civic/Jordan Creek
B-Bop's Jordan Creek

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2019
Covering Fast Growing Communities
Waukee Opens
B-Bop's Waukee

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2020
The Grand Opening
New Ames Location Opens

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2022
By Popular Demand
Grimes Opens
B-Bop's Grimes

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2023
Give Us an Upgrade
Ames Remodel

Remodel on Duff

2024
32 Years - But Who's Counting
Windor Heights Redevopment
Windsor Heights Construction

After 32 years of faithful service, it's time to upgrade the facility. And by “upgrade”, we mean tearing the old building down and erecting a new one. Construction has began and the work is projected to be completed sometime in late September 2024.

October 23, 2024
Updated Double Drive-Thru
Grand Opening
Windsor Heights

Come and check it out!