Mike Anton of the Los Angeles Times wrote an excellent story about the attempts by Albert Okura, owner of the Juan Pollo restaurant chain, to resuscitate the historic Roy’s in the lonely Route 66 desert down of Amboy, Calif.
Okura hoped to be further along in fixing up the property, but progress has been slow:
Turns out Buster Burris’ desert oasis isn’t up to code. The county told Okura he’ll need to redo Amboy’s electric, water and septic systems — all fashioned by Buster himself. The motel rooms may have a problem with asbestos and lead paint.
So far, Okura has spent $100,000 on upgrades, and hasn’t even scratched the surface. He recently fired a second contractor. Resuscitating Amboy could easily cost a million or more, Louden estimates.
“It’s been a struggle,” Okura said. “It’s been difficult for me to even get anyone to work out there because it’s so remote.”
But at least Roy’s has a caretaker: Larry Stevens and his dogs. And Roy’s does have emergency stocks of gasoline for sale at cost if motorists really need it. Stevens also sells T-shirts and bottled water.
That’s considerably more welcoming than the notoriously rude previous owners.
This is one of those extremely rare moments when I wish I lived in California. If I did, I’d be out there at Roy’s every weekend if Okura wanted.
As I think about the glare of ice in front of our house, I suddenly wish I had enough vacation time to fly out there for a week or two and help. Especially after reading that bit about them keeping gas on hand at cost for folks who don’t have enough to make it to the next station. If we had a Juan Pollo in Tulsa, I would eat there every day, just to show my appreciation for Okura and his efforts.
I have visited your site and could have some ideas to get this project back on tract I am a gereral contractor I have left my business card with the caretaker…I have subs that will work there etc call me or email your response…thank you John Revell
My husband and I make it a point to drive through Amboy every chance we get. That stretch of 66 is one of our favorites. It would be so wonderful to drive through at night and see the Roy’s sign lit up again. And like the first commenter, if we were able to donate our time and efforts into helping we certainly would.
My wife and I also drive thru Amboy whenever we are in the area. I had read the article about Okura and was excited that things could change. I was disappointed to see it still closed but did notice it was noticably cleaner around the grounds. Hope he is able to make it fly!