The Chili Parlor in Springfield is under new ownership

The Chili Parlor, a mainstay in Springfield, Illinois, for almost 80 years, is under new ownership. Roy and Stephanie Beal for now haven't revealed the new owner's identity, but they confirmed to the Springfield State Journal-Register that the restaurant had changed hands. The Beals put The Chili Parlor up for sale in 2022 but pledged … Continue reading The Chili Parlor in Springfield is under new ownership

Man who’s revived Biti Pies in Amarillo wants to expand its reach on Route 66 corridor

The man who has revived Biti Pies in Amarillo, Texas, says he wants to expand the brand's production along the entire length of Route 66's 2,400-mile corridor. According to a lengthy story by the Amarillo Globe-News, Antonio Charles revived Biti Pies after the company's three-year hiatus, including its so-called Maryland House just of the Sixth … Continue reading Man who’s revived Biti Pies in Amarillo wants to expand its reach on Route 66 corridor

New historical marker recognizes El Reno’s fried onion burger heritage

A new “Hungry for History” historic marker recently was planted in El Reno, Oklahoma, that recognizes the city's heritage as the birthplace of the fried onion burger. The marker, facilitated by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, was placed at the northeast corner of Wade Street and Choctaw Avenue, which also is Route 66, in El … Continue reading New historical marker recognizes El Reno’s fried onion burger heritage

Ted Drewes Jr., longtime owner of Ted Drewes Frozen Custard in St. Louis, dies at 96

Ted Drewes Jr., the longtime proprietor of the iconic Ted Drewes Frozen Custard in St. Louis, died Monday, according to several media outlets in the St. Louis region. He was 96. Ted Jr. and his son-in-law, Travis Family members confirmed his death Wednesday to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Here's a Buzzfeed video from a few … Continue reading Ted Drewes Jr., longtime owner of Ted Drewes Frozen Custard in St. Louis, dies at 96

TeePee Drive-In in Sapulpa to host hotdog-eating contest on July 4

The TeePee Drive-In theater in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, will host a hotdog-eating contest on the evening of July 4, the birthday of the United States. The contest begins at 7 p.m. The TeePee will hold a small fireworks display that night at 8:50, with a moving screening to follow. The venue claims it is the first … Continue reading TeePee Drive-In in Sapulpa to host hotdog-eating contest on July 4

New plaque commemorates the birthplace of the horseshoe sandwich in Springfield

The Visit Springfield tourism bureau on Thursday commemorated the birthplace of the horseshoe sandwich with a new plaque at the historic Leland Hotel building at Capitol Avenue and Sixth Street (aka Route 66) in Springfield, Illinois. For the uninitiated, a horseshoe sandwich consists of thick slices of toast, a hamburger patty or another type of … Continue reading New plaque commemorates the birthplace of the horseshoe sandwich in Springfield

Pineapple Whip, which started in the Ozarks in Springfield, marks its 50th year

As summer arrives in earnest, Route 66ers' thoughts understandably will go to Ted Drewes Frozen Custard in St. Louis. But another Route 66 city 200 miles west of St. Louis boasts its own frozen treat and considerable longevity -- Pineapple Whip, marking its 50th season this year in its hometown of Springfield, Missouri. The Springfield … Continue reading Pineapple Whip, which started in the Ozarks in Springfield, marks its 50th year

Progressively warmer winters affect harvest at Funks Grove Maple Sirup

CBS News in Chicago recently did a story about Funks Grove Maple Sirup in Shirley, Illinois, and how repeatedly warmer winters are shortening the sap flow of the family farm's maple trees. The gist is that climate change definitely is affecting Funks Grove's annual harvest. https://youtu.be/N6OKuhKXwZA?si=mBzoSoN9uBL6hNwy Funks Grove tends to sell out of its maple … Continue reading Progressively warmer winters affect harvest at Funks Grove Maple Sirup

Aussie eats 13 1/2 pounds of fudge at Uranus Missouri contest

James Webb of Sydney, Australia, devoured 13 1/2 pounds of chocolate fudge in eight minutes to win the title and $2,500 in prize money during the inaugural Eating Uranus Fudge Galactic Championship at the Uranus Missouri complex. James Webb prepares to devour a piece of fudge from Uranus. The contest took place last week at … Continue reading Aussie eats 13 1/2 pounds of fudge at Uranus Missouri contest

Professional eaters to compete in fudge-eating competition at Uranus Missouri

Uranus Missouri, no stranger to novel ways to promote the complex, has a new one in store this month -- the inaugural Eating Uranus Fudge Galactic Championship at 1 p.m. March 30 featuring a host of competitors from the Major League Eating circuit. The contest will take place at Uranus Fudge Factory and General Store … Continue reading Professional eaters to compete in fudge-eating competition at Uranus Missouri