The Summit Inn, just off Route 66 at the Cajon Summit in Oak Hills, Calif., has changed hands, and its new operator says he’ll use revenues from the historic restaurant for two area charities, reported the Victorville Daily Press.
Local developer Daniel Tate took over operations last week from C.A. Stevens, who owned the restaurant since 1966. Tate says he’s leasing the Summit Inn until he raises enough cash to close the escrow.
Summit Inn opened in 1952 along Route 66 and now attracts tourists from around the world. Stevens kept the diner essentially the same as when he bought it. The restaurant is decorated with memorabilia and has a Route 66 gift shop.
Tate said he will renovate the 3-acre property by adding military and patriotic exhibits while maintaining the restaurant’s heritage. He hopes to attract some of the 30,000 visitors that the California Route 66 Museum gets every year.
Profits from the restaurant will go to the Don Ferrarese Charitable Foundation and the Victor Valley College Foundation after he closes escrow, Tate said. Tate is the president of the Don Ferrarese foundation.
This video about the Summit Inn and former owner Stevens does a good job showing how unique the restaurant is:
The Summit Inn on Route 66 – Interview with owner C.A. Stevens from A. Jimi Jimenez on Vimeo.