Doggie Diner

Location: Sloat Boulevard at 45th Avenue

(Possible plaque inscription for the Doggie Diner Head):

"'THE DOGGIE'

"This sign from the last operating Doggie Diner (later called Carousel Restaurant) once stood at the northeast corner of 46th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard.

"It was designed c. 1960 by graphic artist Harold Bachman for the popular Bay Area chain of 30 unionized drive-in restaurants. Its whimsical style has delighted generations.

"A massive, grassroots effort to preserve it, chronicled nationally in the comic strip, "Zippy the Pinhead," led to its acquisition by the City of San Francisco in March, 2000.

"Toppled by wind April 1, 2003, it was restored to its original site by SF Central Shops and the Department of Public Works. In January 2005, the Doggie was relocated to this spot to welcome all who visit Ocean Beach.

"'Long Live the Doggie!'"

The last Doggie Diner head (on a pole) makes its home in the Outer Sunset district, and with talk of official landmark designation, it has transcended its origin as a whimsical advertising icon.

Started in 1949, the chain of Doggie Diner restaurants were everywhere by the 1960s. The Richmond district alone had three of them, and a three-dimensional (and once rotating) dog head with chef hat glared down gleefully at each of them.

Designed circa 1960 by illustrator Harold Bachman (who is still surprised at all the hubbub and said in early 2005 he just thought the darned thing would help sell hamburgers), this San Francisco institution has found a new location a block from its old home. The Doggie Diner Head now welcomes visitors to Ocean Beach from 45th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard, giving his sardonic grin to all who come west. (Probably a nice change of view, after looking south at the Zoo for over 40 years.)

On February 14, 2005, under threatening skies, a small, happy crowd welcomed the Doggie to its new home. Ed Lee, the head of San Francisco's Department of Public Works, presided and welcomed third-graders from Ulloa Elementary School, some real canines (and their guardians), a couple of jugglers, and a passel of media. The Mayor couldn't make it, but Supervisor Sean Elsbernd said how the Doggie was a great memory of his childhood, and Supervisor Fiona Ma's representative talked of official landmarking!

Doggie saviors Diana Scott and Joel Schechter of the Ocean Beach Historical Society attended and Diana gave a few words of thanks along with the exclamation of the day: "Long Live the Doggie!"

No sign of Zippy the Pinhead, but likely the Doggie will find its way into his world soon enough...

The Doggie was actually moved on January 28, 2005, and these great photos of city workers moving the Doggie are courtesy of Diana Scott of the Ocean Beach Historical Society.

More Doggie:

The 2001 Doggie Dedication --- a recap and photos from Arnold Woods.

See Zippy the Pinhead and the Doggie!

Anna Conti: Doggie Artist!

Read more about the Doggie Diner head toppling at the San Francisco Chronicle site.

Image Credits: 1) Diana Scott recognizes the Doggie on February 14, 2005. (WNP photo) 2) & 3) Doggie moving, January 27, 2005, (Diana Scott photos).

Contribute your own stories about western neighborhoods places!

Page updated 14 February 2005