From its establishment until 2024, the diner was named Kelly's from the original owners. It was renamed "Bobbie's" in 2024, to honor the recently deceased Bobbie Spencer, and her late actress, Jacklyn Zeman.
In 1986, the financially ruined Quartermaine family moved into the boarding rooms above Kelly's, much to Edward and Alan's chagrin. During their time at the diner, Lila Quartermaine founded a new venture named "Pickle-Lila" to restore the family's wealth.
In 1992, Jagger Cates and a group of gang members, including Cal Atkins, invaded Kelly's and attacked Ruby Anderson. During the robbery, Jagger was shot in the neck as he attempted to shield Ruby. Ultimately, Ruby forgave Jagger for his part in the crime and aided in his recovery by providing him with accommodation above Kelly's and employment. Additionally, Ruby consented to Jagger and Karen Wexler holding their wedding at Kelly's, an event that drew numerous attendees from Port Charles.
In 1994, Lily Rivera got a teaching job and moved into a room over the diner.
While living in Port Charles, Keesha Ward moves into one of the boarding rooms for a short time.
In 2002, Ric Lansing took up a room above the diner.
In February 2004, Ruby's nephew and niece, Spencer siblings Luke and Bobbie enlisted Mike Corbin to manage Kelly's and reside above the diner. Mike gained a reputation for dispensing wisdom akin to Ruby's and for his signature chocolate chip cookies. He also employed several Port Charles residents at Kelly's.
In December 2004, uncertain about pursuing a relationship with Jason, Sam McCall moved out of Harborview Towers and into the boarding rooms.
In 2006, after being ousted from the Quartermaine mansion, Dillon QuartermaineandGeorgie Jones took jobs at Kelly's and moved into the boarding rooms.
In January 2008, the police began closing in on Cooper Barrett, suspected to be the "Text Message Killer." After stealing DNA evidence that incriminated him from the PCPD, Maxie Jones agreed to leave town with him. However, when Maxie arrived at Coop's room at Kelly's, she discovered him hanged. Mike and Jason Morgan rushed to assist upon hearing Maxie's screams. The PCPD declared it a suicide, but Maxie was not convinced. She did not believe Coop had taken his own life or that he had killed her beloved younger sister, Georgie Jones. It was later revealed that the true Text Message Killer was Diego Alcazar, who had also murdered Coop, believing he was close to uncovering his identity. Coop had suspected Lorenzo Alcazar, not his son Diego.
In February 2012, Shawn Butler was appointed as the new manager. Shortly after assuming his role, he discovered T.J. Ashford breaking into Kelly's and stealing food. Shawn then decided to mentor T.J., offering him employment and accommodation at the diner.
In 2023, following her breakup with Spencer, Esme Prince - in her pursuit to seduce his father, Nikolas Cassadine - attempted to convince him to allow her to reside at Wyndemere Castle. Nevertheless, he provided her with a room above Kelly's instead. This living arrangement was short-lived as Esme, citing a potential pregnancy and apprehension of Sonny Corinthos' retribution for covertly recording Cameron and Josslyn, persuaded Nikolas to permit her relocation to Wyndemere, with Spencer joining her.
On July 24, 2023, Bobbie sold the diner for $1 to her daughterCarly Spencer so she can go to Amsterdam to help settle her late brother Luke's messy affairs. Carly plans to refurbish the upper floors for tenants or students, not for personal use.
On January 9, the eve of the funeral for Bobbie - who passed away NYE in Amsterdam, a storm damaged the diner's iconic sign. Nurse and artist Elizabeth Baldwin volunteered to create a new one, aiming to honor Bobbie's memory. She crafted the sign with "Bobbie's" emblazoned on it, a gesture Carly and Lucas Jones, Bobbie's surviving children, embraced, thus the diner was renamed.
When Jason Morgan is discovered alive in March 2024, Carly offers him the room above Bobbie's, which he moves into.
In late October, while Sam is in the hospital donating part of her liver to the comatose Lulu Spencer, the kids, Rocco Falconeri, Danny Morgan, and Scout Quartermaine, go to stay at the Quartermaine mansion. Upon Sam's untimely death following the transplant, and her motherAlexis Davis, Danny's father Jason, and his twin and Scout's fatherDrew Quartermaine have to put their animosity aside to decide on custody and living situations. While he is still living in the boarding room, Jason is firm and clear that he will accept whatever Danny wants to do, and if that's living with him, he will ensure it works.
By December 19, Jason has moved into the mansion, much like Danny, Rocco, and Dante, and Monica is thrilled - stating she feels better than she has in a long time.
