Kingsport, Tennessee -
Muffler Man Holding a Hamburger

Big Man

The "Big Man" on top of the Pal's #2 Lynn Garden has been updated to a blue shirt and black pants. He is dressed like one of the Pal's employees now and still holds tight to the giant burger! [Jodie K, 07/22/2010]

Big Pal- muffler men!

The Big Pal's Man at the Lynn Garden Pals was added as a marketing ploy in 1962. Every single Pal's store now features a huge hamburger, fries and hot dog made out of fiberglass. Upon questioning, the folks at Pal's said they have all their fiberglass food made at a boat manufacturer in Elizabethton, TN. [Emily M, 05/24/2001]

[RA: The Pal's franchise, distingished by it giant roof-straddling hot dog, fries and drink, was started by Fred "Pal" Barger. There are currently 17 locations. The Lynn Garden Pals was #2, and seems to be the only one featuring a muffler man.]

Muffler Man - Big Pal

I grew up with a Muffler Man in Kingsport. I knew him as "Big Pal," though. He is located on Lynn Garden Drive just before crossing into Weber City, VA. Pal's is a local fast food restaurant and Big Pal is dressed in white pants and shirt (like a gas station attendant's uniform), and is holding -- you guessed it -- a Big Pal burger. Imagine my surprise when I went on vacation in the 5th grade and saw another "Big Pal" out west. Only he was wearing a cowboy hat and had tires hanging off his arms! I just assumed it was a relative. [Lisa Fedele, 03/30/1997]