The historic Weezy’s Route 66 Bar & Grill in Hamel, Illinois, has been placed on the market for nearly $700,000.
Andrew Milkovich of Milkovich Premier Realty is listing the property, which sits at 108 S. Old Route 66.
Here is the description of the business:
Take a look at this wonderful opportunity to own a well established restaurant/bar off of the Historic Old Route 66! This sale includes everything you need to have your own business. All equipment and inventory will remain with the sale. Fantastic bar area with additional seating in back room. Main level full kitchen with extra storage downstairs in basement. Upstairs can be used as an opportunity to have tenants or office area. Back patio to entertain guests. Restaurant area measures 2166 sq ft. Upstairs area measures 1533 sq ft. Home next to restaurant is included in sale and has a longtime tenant. Please allow 24 hours notice to show. Showings will not be held during business hours. Must see to appreciate all the Route 66 charm this business has to offer.
The establishment’s operator, Karen Wiesemeyer, said in a phone interview she’s putting it up for sale because her common-law husband, Coleman Weissman, is very ill.
“We’ve had such a great relationship with the Route 66 travelers,” she said. “But it’s time to move on.”
The restaurant has seen only five owners in its 85 years.
According to Madison Historical, the restaurant previously was named Tourist Haven, Earnie’s Roadhouse and Scotty’s Route 66 Bar and Grill.
It posted more history about the restaurant:
The U.S. Route 66 and Illinois 140 intersection is located in the middle of Hamel. George Cassens purchased all four corners of the intersection, placing different businesses on each corner. The original intersection had a gas station, automobile showroom, office building, and a small white building called the Village Inn. Soon the Village Inn was replaced with the Tourist Haven. The Tourist Haven first opened its doors in 1938. The yellow-and-brown tweed brick building was said to have “FRESH FRIED CHICKEN prepared the good old fashion way while you wait.” In 1965, Route 66 ceased running through the town, moved to the alignment of present I-55. However, Weezy’s has not lost the spirit of Route 66. Inside Weezy’s today you can still see the old Tourist Haven sign hung on the wall for display. Weezy’s is home to Route 66 memories where current travelers embarking on the long 2,451-mile journey stop to grab a bite to eat and learn about the rich history of Madison County.
(Image of Weezy’s Route 66 Bar & Grill from the online real estate listing)