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Chico, California: Freaky Papa Burger

An old A&W Papa Burger statue painted with a crazy new face. He still holds a big burger, but now has a big mug of beer instead of a root beer.

Madison Bear Garden

Address:
316 W. 2nd St., Chico, CA
Directions:
Inside Madison Bear Garden. Downtown, on the southwest corner of W. 2nd and Salem Sts.
Hours:
Daily 11-9:30 (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
530-891-1639
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Visitor Tips and News About Freaky Papa Burger

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Root Beer Dad.

A&W Root Beer Family - Papa Burger

At one of my favorite breakfast spots, the Costa Mesa Omelette Parlor, they have a "Papa Burger" statue in the entry way to the restaurant. The 'Papa Burger' statue is one of the A&W Root Beer family members, but this one has been modified from its original form. Blond hair has been painted on, and the eyes and mouth have been modified. Also, what used to be a mug of A&W root beer has been painted to resemble a mug of beer.

I was told by one of the employees that the statue has been there since the restaurant opened in 1983. At Christmas time they have a giant Santa hat they put on him.

[Greg Kopp, 04/01/2009]
Not a Big Boy - A Root Beer Man

There is a molded caricature figure of a stout man, with a disproportionately large head, about 7 feet tall, holding a foaming mug of [root?] beer in his right hand at waist level, and hoisting a plated hamburger skyward with his extended left arm. The one I can locate right away is in the lobby of the Chester Drawers Inn in Costa Mesa, CA and I have seen at least one other somewhere in the state. I know the statue is definitely not a Bob's Big Boy.

[Bill Wright, 07/22/2001]

It is almost certainly an A&W "Root Beer Man," variations found in several spots around the country. Many of the originals were created by International Fiberglass.


Nearby Offbeat Places

World's Largest Yo-Yo and National Yo-Yo MuseumWorld's Largest Yo-Yo and National Yo-Yo Museum, Chico, CA - < 1 mi.
Big HandsBig Hands, Chico, CA - < 1 mi.
Medieval MonasteryMedieval Monastery, Vina, CA - 19 mi.
In the region:
Museum of the Forgotten Warriors, Marysville, CA - 46 mi.

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