After almost three years of planning and construction, the Topock 66 Spa and Resort in Topock, Ariz., opened for business July 19 at the old Topock Marina location, reported the Mohave Daily News.
Owner Chet Hitt saved some relics from the old building and has collected other memorabilia to highlight the area’s connection with Route 66 and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad that pass by the resort.
Staff was hired July 18 and the restaurant, bar, and retail store opened the next day to big crowds. “It was word of mouth. We had no plan. We just wanted to get open and see what happens and we got bombarded,” said Hitt.
The building is getting electricity from a generator until it is hooked up to the local utility.
The restaurant’s hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The bar is open until at least midnight most days of the week.
Hitt said about $3.5 million has been spent on the project so far. Phase II of the Topock 66 complex includes a hotel, spa, and brewery, which is estimated to cost another $10 million.
Topock 66’s address is at 14999 Historic Route 66 in Topock. More about the restaurant and bar may be found at its Facebook page.