Big Daddy’s

Hey everyone, welcome back to *Brooklyn Echoes*, the podcast that keeps the borough’s legends and memories alive. I’m your host, Robert Henriksen.

# Big Daddy’s: The Forgotten Brooklyn Chain That Rivaled Nathan’s

In the vibrant culinary landscape of mid-20th-century Brooklyn, few spots captured the essence of casual, fun dining quite like Big Daddy’s. Founded in 1964 in the Sheepshead Bay neighborhood, this restaurant chain started as a bold competitor to the iconic Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs and grew into a multi-location empire spanning several states and even international outposts. Though its doors have long since closed, Big Daddy’s remains a nostalgic touchstone for locals who remember its crinkle-cut fries, celebrity-studded walls, and Coney Island-inspired vibe.

## Origins in Sheepshead Bay: A Humble Beginning

Big Daddy’s story begins on Coney Island Avenue between Avenues X and Y in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. The first location opened in 1964 on the site of former eateries Charcolette and Chow Chow Cup. Founded by Robert “Big Daddy” Napp and Murray L. Handwerker—the nephew of Nathan Handwerker, who established Nathan’s Famous—the restaurant positioned itself as a direct rival to the hot dog giant. Napp, a charismatic figure, brought flair to the operation, while Handwerker’s family ties added credibility in the competitive world of New York fast food.

The original spot was designed to evoke the excitement of Coney Island, complete with red-and-white candy-striped decor, kiddie rides in the parking lot, and walls adorned with photos of Napp alongside celebrities of the era. It quickly became a neighborhood staple, drawing crowds with its affordable, hearty fare. However, after 13 years, the Sheepshead Bay location closed in 1977. The building was later repurposed as a fruit and vegetable market, hosted various restaurants and a used car lot, and was eventually demolished to make way for a TD Bank branch.

## Expansion: From Brooklyn to Beyond

What started as a single Brooklyn outpost soon expanded under Napp’s ambitious vision. Additional locations popped up across the borough, including at 529 Utica Avenue (now a gas station), 23 Hillel Place near Brooklyn College (now Hillel Bagel Corporation), 908 Flatbush Avenue, and 497 Nostrand Avenue (both now Golden Krust Bakery & Grill outlets). The chain ventured into Queens with a spot at 90-58 Sutphin Boulevard in Jamaica (also now a Golden Krust), and Long Island at 315 Rockaway Turnpike in Lawrence (currently Tobacco Road).

Napp saw potential in South Florida, opening a flagship on Miami Beach’s Lincoln Road Mall in 1974, which served as headquarters until its 1986 closure (now a French bakery called Paul). Other Florida sites included NW 27th Avenue at 116th Street in Miami (opened 1968, near Miami-Dade Junior College), 9045 SW 107th Avenue at Kendall Mall (now Carlito’s Cafe), and several on Washington Avenue in Miami Beach. A short-lived franchise in Lauderhill Mall operated from 1975 to 1976, in what was then the nation’s first indoor air-conditioned mall (now a men’s clothing store).

The chain even went international, with locations in Reston, Virginia; the Kings Inn Hotel in Nassau and Freeport, Bahamas; and 1249 Rue Metcalfe Street in Montreal, Canada. Napp’s political aspirations in Miami Beach, including unsuccessful runs for commission in the 1970s and 1980s, reflected his belief in South Beach’s tourist boom.

## Menu and Atmosphere: A Taste of Nostalgia

Big Daddy’s menu was a crowd-pleaser, featuring hot dogs, crinkle-cut french fries, pizza, chow mein on a bun, roasted pork sandwiches, a full deli selection, and a clam bar. It mirrored Nathan’s offerings but carved out its own identity with a fun, family-oriented atmosphere. The kiddie rides and celebrity photos added to the charm, making it a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike.

## Decline and Closure: The End of an Era

The chain’s decline began in the late 1970s, with the original Sheepshead Bay site shuttering in 1977. The Lincoln Road Mall location closed in 1986, and the final outpost on Washington Avenue in Miami Beach lasted until 1992. A South Beach spot on Washington Avenue closed around 1991. While specific reasons for the closures aren’t detailed in records, shifting tastes, competition, and urban changes likely played roles.

## Legacy: A Tribute to Brooklyn’s Culinary Past

Today, Big Daddy’s lives on through nostalgic Facebook groups and a tribute website, bigdaddysconeyisland.com, which chronicles its history with photos and stories. For Brooklynites of a certain age, it represents an era when local chains could challenge giants like Nathan’s. Though the buildings have been repurposed, the memories of those hot dogs and fries endure, a slice of Sheepshead Bay’s flavorful heritage.

If you like this podcast, Check out our new Brooklyn Echo’s Audio podcast at The Brooklyn Hall of Fame were we have been recording episodes to stream  at your favorite streaming services like Apple or Spotify.