Googie Hoodies
Description: Village Inn Pizza Parlor was a chain of pizza restaurants that is believed to have been founded in 1963, however there are a few competing origin stories out there. Some say that the chain was first established in North Carolina in 1967, while another account suggests that the chain's origins began in Arizona in 1966. What we do know is that by 1969, the chain had over 70 locations across America, all with an iconic steeper-roofed architectural design. The restaurants appear to have been inspired by the design of Foxy's Restaurants, as both featured an A-frame style with a mix of rock and siding materials. While the chain is now long gone, several Village Inn Pizza Parlor locations are still in business today.
Description: After spending the last 25 years entombed beneath a dull drop ceiling and the beigest of beige drywall, Santa Monica’s vintage 1959 Penguin coffee shop is being restored to its Googie glory. The jaunty-roofed dining room was designed by architects Armet & Davis (you know their work from Norms, Pann’s, and Johnie’s on Wilshire) and served up burgers and malts for generations before the building became a dentist’s office in 1991.
Description: The La Concha Motel was a motel that opened in 1961 and closed in 2004. It was designed by architect Paul Williams[6] who was one of the first prominent African American architects in the United States and was also the architect who designed the first LAX theme building.It was located at 2955 Las Vegas Blvd South, on the Las Vegas Strip, in Winchester, Nevada, and was considered one of the best-preserved examples of 1950s Googie architecture. It is believed to be named after the Beach of La Concha in Spain.
Description: Pink Elephant Since 1955. Immerse yourself in the nostalgic charm of this Mid Century Modern design. Featuring a glossy, stylized pink elephant with gold tusks and atomic starbursts, this piece embodies the retro 1950s aesthetic. Perfect for vintage kitsch collectors and fans of Googie graphic style. Majestic by Design for those who appreciate unique retro flair.
Description: A humorous, retro-style logo for "Perform-O Premium Tire Air," a satirical take on automotive marketing gimmicks. Designed with a mid-century "Googie" aesthetic, the emblem features a cheerful mascot holding an air hose and bold, script typography. The design leans into the joke by proudly advertising a "78% Nitrogen Standard Blend"—which is the exact composition of normal Earth atmosphere—and technical data specifying a "0% HP Increase." With its "Atmospherically Extracted" tagline and "Works Instantly Upon Inflation" promise, this logo is a perfect nod to car enthusiasts who enjoy poking fun at overpriced "premium" nitrogen fill services.
Description: Winkie's on Sunset Blvd. is the Googie style diner where much of the 2001 film Mulholland Drive's action takes place. In real life, it's neither actually a restaurant called Winkie's, nor is it on Sunset Blvd. It was actually shot at an old restaurant, which at the time was called Caesar's, though it was located a long ways from Sunset Blvd. in Los Angeles. The actual location was about 20 miles south at 1016 W. El Segundo Blvd. in Gardena.
Description: Richland, Washington, was established in the early 20th century as a small agricultural community along the Columbia River, but its trajectory changed dramatically when it became part of the Manhattan Project. In 1943, the government transformed the town to support workers at the nearby Hanford Site, where plutonium for the atomic bomb was produced. Post-war, Richland transitioned from a company town into a permanent city, with many residents staying to work the Hanford Site. It wasn't until the early '60s when Richland finally got a deluxe motel with full amenities, including air conditioning. When the tiki inspired Bali-Hi opened its doors in '61, it became the best motel in town and had no problem staying booked with Tri-Cities visitors.
