For fans and lovers of the Fox adult animated sitcom Bob’s Burgers, Jimmy Pesto is a familiar character and an unforgettable one. He is a businessman who owns Jimmy Pesto’s Pizzeria and serves as the main business rival to Bob Belcher, the owner of Bob’s Burgers. Jimmy is divorced and the father of three children: Jimmy Pesto Jr. and twins, Andy and Ollie.
Originally, the character was voiced by American actor and comedian Jay Johnston. However, following Johnston’s arrest and charges related to the United States Capitol attack on January 6, 2021, Eric Bauza took over the role. Bob’s Burgers has been airing since January 2011 and is currently in its 15th season.
Quick Facts You Need To Know About Jimmy Pesto
1. He Choose An Italian Surname To Attract Customers To His Business
Jimmy Pesto Sr. hails from Eastern Europe; his real name is James “Jimmy” Poplopovich, Sr. However, he changed his surname to Pesto, an Italian name, to increase the appeal and attract more customers to his restaurant, Jimmy Pesto’s Pizzeria. This is because Italians are renowned worldwide for their cuisine.
2. He Dresses in Italian Colors
Besides changing his surname to claim he’s Italian, he also dresses in a way that enhances this image. Most often, he wears a shirt with his sleeves rolled up. On top of that, he adorns his signature Italian flag design tie and a waist apron. It was later discovered that even his underpants are Italian flag-designed. What an obsession with Italy!
3. Pesto Is Divorced
In the first episode of season two (“Belchies”), it was revealed that he is divorced. He was previously married to the mother of his children. After the divorce was finalized, he moved into a different apartment.
4. He Has Three Children With His Ex-Wife
Although the show never revealed how long Jimmy Pesto was married, he has three children with his ex-wife. They are his eldest, Jimmy Pesto Jr., who works as a busboy at Jimmy Pesto’s Pizzeria and loves to dance, and his youngest, twins Andy and Ollie, who are fond of each other and inseparable.
5. Jimmy Is Unconcerned About His Children
Pesto is generally unconcerned about his three children. He never seems interested in what they do personally and has a terrible habit of rebuking them in public. On one occasion in Season 3, Episode 19 ( Family Fracas), he referred to his bartender, Trev, as the son he would rather have, right in front of them. He also tried to stop Jimmy Jr. from dancing. It is unclear whether this behavior stems from animosity towards his children’s mother or if he is simply being unkindly rude.
6. He Has No Real Friends
How strange is it to have no real friends in your life? It’s when you’re down and in need of help, yet no one is around. The show strongly suggests that Jimmy has no real friends. This was evident when Bob brought him pain medication at the pizzeria because his assistant couldn’t think of anyone who liked him.
7. Jimmy Pesto Is A Better Businessman Than Bob
Jimmy Pesto is by far a better businessman than Bob. This is evident in the way he manages to attract customers to his restaurant and make his business more appealing as mentioned earlier. Funnily, he doesn’t know how to cook, and his food tastes bad. Bob, on the other hand, is a better cook and always receives praise for his food. Jimmy once tried to create a new burger entrée at his restaurant, but he wept bitterly after tasting it and discovering that it was actually bad.
8. He Is A Bully
One major character trait of Pesto is bullying. As seen in the show, he constantly antagonizes Bob by using his words and actions to bully him. If he is not bullying Bob, then he is bullying Trev, who remains loyal to him despite his hostility.
9. Despite Being Bob’s Arch-Enemy, He Still Showed Good Faith To Him
Jimmy remains Bob’s number one arch-enemy, as the show establishes. Nonetheless, there are a few instances where he put all that aside and was good to Bob. In Season 10, Episode 22 (Prank You for Being a Friend), he had a good time with Bob and his wife Linda by playing slot cars with them. He also admitted, after much hesitation, that Bob’s food is good and recommended their restaurant to cater at the yacht club, in Season 11, Episode 10 (Yachty or Nice).
10. The Character Was Initially Voiced by Jay Johnston and Now by Eric Bauza
Since the start of Bob's Burgers in 2011, actor and comedian Jay Johnston voiced Jimmy Pesto until 2021. In 2023, the producers replaced him with Canadian voice actor Eric Bauza. This change occurred after Johnston was fired for participating in the January 6, 2021, United States Capitol attack.
According to reports, he was identified by friends after the FBI tweeted a photo seeking information about one of the protesters. He was arrested, charged, and pled guilty in July 2024. He faces a maximum snestence of five years in prison. He is scheduled for sentencing in October 2024
Comments