Not everybody in Cuyahoga Falls may know about or have eaten at Jimmy’s Backyard BBQ, but we’d wager almost everybody has noticed their mascot, a 7 1/2-foot tall Bigfoot statue that stands outside the restaurant at 526 Graham Rd. This familiarity caused a stir Saturday morning, when passersby began to notice that the 200-250 lb. cryptid had mysteriously walked away.
“It’s hollow, so he’s not as heavy as he looks, but it’s still [at least] a two-man job,” explains Judy Blair, co-owner of the Graham Rd. location. “It’s more awkward.”
The statue was anchored into the ground with 6 inch lag bolts to prevent it from toppling over on pedestrians or into the road, proving that the thieves were aware of the tools necessary for the heist.
Blair stated that multiple customers contacted her with possible eyewitness sightings, including one person who noticed a white truck with a flatbed boat trailer late Friday evening. Other customers, however, said that they thought he was still in front of the restaurant early Saturday morning.
“They drive by and they see Sasquatch,” Blair said. “It’s a great conversation piece that people can relate to.”
While many have suggested possible leads on their Facebook page, including a chance fraternity prank, the restaurant has placed a $1,000 reward for Bigfoot’s return home. Those who have tips about the statue’s whereabouts or the thieves are encouraged to contact the restaurant by phone or text at (330) 349-6949.
