The landmark Palms Grill Cafe in Atlanta, Illinois, closed Sunday after the effects of the coronavirus pandemic left its management “no choice” but to shut down.
The restaurant’s Facebook page made the announcement on Facebook on Sunday afternoon.
It stated, in part:
Looking ahead, our current management team and staff have plans to move on to other positions. It is our hope that our landlord, the Atlanta Public Library – which owns the Grill and all its equipment/contents – will find a new management team to reopen after the pandemic is behind all of us. Being apart of the Route 66 community is a unique opportunity and we believe that the Grill should continue to be a part of the quintessential American road trip. […]
In the meantime, we sincerely thank each of you for your patronage and support over the years. The memories and friends are great and numerous. It’s been great serving you!
They urge people to contact the Atlanta Public Library to encourage them to make plans to reopen the restaurant to call (217) 648-2112 or email apldinformation@gmail.com.
The Palms Grill, built in 1934, was closed for many years but restored and reopened in 2009. It quickly became a must-stop for Route 66 travelers — especially for folks who like its small-town atmosphere and pie.
Alas, the restaurant has seen at least three operators in the last 10 years or so. It’s either been unlucky, or it’s harder to make a profit in that space than it appears.
(Image of the Palms Grill Cafe in Atlanta, Illinois, by Jim Grey via Flickr)
Truly sad, but understand completely. Really a nice/fun place to stop and eat at. Here at Henrys Ra66it Ranch,were normally we would be averaging 25 vehicles a day and 2 motorcycle groups of about 20 each on Saturdays, now 3 vehicles average and all the Saturday motorcycle group tours been cancelled for all of 2020. I am keeping no set hours, even after recovery from surgery. Hopefully in time will eventually reopen to set hours.
This pandemic got affected to many businesses including culinary
I really hope this place reopens in the future. Although I’ve never been there, I would love to visit it someday, I just love how much history it brings to life and that’s something that deserves to be cherished always.