While passing through Arcadia, Okla., on Tuesday to go to POPS, we learned that Hillbillee’s, a colorful restaurant and bed-and-breakfast on Route 66 in Arcadia since 1993, had closed on Aug. 2.
“We decided to retire,” said Norma Braxton, former co-owner of the establishment with her husband, Wade. “It’s bittersweet for us, but we’re just tired.”
Wade Braxton also has been battling health problems in recent years.
Norma Braxton said the property was purchased by Aubrey McClendon, CEO of Chesapeake Energy Corp., in May. The Braxtons agreed to keep Hillbillee’s open until POPS opened, namely because its employees needed a place to eat.
About five years ago, we spent a night in the Shady Lady, one of the Old West-themed rooms that the Braxtons had created. The room was extremely comfortable, and the made-to-order breakfast was delicious. And it was all about $50.
There’s no word on what McClendon will do with the property. An e-mail to him had not been returned as of this writing.
(Photos of Hillbillee’s courtesy of Guy Randall.)
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