The historic Coney Island restaurant in Springfield, Ill., has reopened in the equally historic Sonrise Donuts building, according to the Springfield State Journal-Register. Both restaurants boasted long tenures on Route 66.
Emilio and Rosa Lomeli reopened The New Coney Island this month at Sonrise Donut at 1101 S. Ninth St. (aka Route 66).
It is at least the fourth stop for the Coney Island name since the restaurant left 114 N. Sixth St. in 2000 to clear the way for construction of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. […]
The Sonrise Donut building has been vacant for nearly two years. The Lomelis said they plan to keep the history of both restaurants, including a menu that combines corn dogs, burgers and fries and Mexican-American fare. […]
The Lomelis said the vintage Sonrise Donut signage, old-style Formica counter, bright red counter stools and the interior design will remain. They also plan to add The New Coney Island signage.
Alas, no doughnuts are being served yet. Hours at the restaurant are 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Coney Island dates to 1919 in Springfield, with most of its years on 114 N. Sixth St. I had the pleasure of eating those coney dogs during the International Route 66 Festival in 2002.
Sonrise Donuts opened in 1947 and closed in 1998 after the owner’s death.
The State Journal-Register also provided this other newsworthy tidbit from Atlanta, Ill.:
The commission and a local contractor are working on restoration of a home that served as a Route 66 rooming house in the 1940s. Plans are to reopen next summer.
“It will be operated as a rooming house,” Thomas said, “if you want to come and experience a night along the road before the days of motels.”
I’m curious to know if this is the house at the far north end of Atlanta, just off the curve where the original alignment meets the newer alignment. About 7 or 8 years ago there was discussion about restoring that house. Atlanta is a great little town to visit; they’re very aware of their history.
Google Alerts does a great job in getting your news to me every week. Thanks for all the updates and breaking news Ron. You are appreciated.
Great combination of two places I really like.
All those years Sonrise sat vacant had me worried. Could a wrecking ball be far behind? And, they’re keeping all the neat stuff.
Also love the food at Coney Dog.
Dear Ron, Emilio’s has been closed on 23rd May as published on the Emilios Coney Island FB page (1st june) : “and there is no plans to reopen at this location. It is due to a combination of the building being sold and Emilio’s health”. Sadly… What about the sign ?? Best regards, E. Freiburghaus, route-66.tv
what sign are you refering to?