Trailer Perk Coffee of Springfield, Missouri, is graduating from a trailer operation to a retro-styled permanent location at the former site of Red's Giant Hamburg restaurant. The Springfield Daily Citizen reported Trailer Perk will hold a grand opening on Sept. 18 at its new spot at 2848 W. Chestnut (aka Route 66). Owner Amber Ottoson … Continue reading Retro-styled coffee shop opening Sept. 18 at the former site of Red’s Giant Hamburg
Category: History
Ike’s Chili in Tulsa to mark its 115th anniversary on Sept. 9
Ike's Chili in Tulsa will celebrate its 115th anniversary on Sept. 9 with a car cruise, coney-eating contest, live music and giveaways. The restaurant at 1503 E. 11th St. (aka Route 66) will hold the event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. that day. Ike's will include a mini-chili cheese coney and a soda, both … Continue reading Ike’s Chili in Tulsa to mark its 115th anniversary on Sept. 9
‘CBS Sunday Morning’ takes a closer look at history of Muffler Men, new museum
The long-running "CBS Sunday Morning" program recently produced a 4-minute segment about the history of Muffler Men, including those on Route 66, and Joel Baker, who has dedicated years to documenting and preserving them. It also talks about the American Giants Museum that recently opened along old Route 66 in Atlanta, Illinois. https://youtu.be/dj_s9C8LBDY?si=60WHPFUd8CC9Ca2A The American … Continue reading ‘CBS Sunday Morning’ takes a closer look at history of Muffler Men, new museum
Big numbers exist around the Big Texan Steak Ranch
The Lubbock (Texas) Avalanche-Journal recently published a statistics-laden article about the iconic Big Texan Steak Ranch in nearby Amarillo. The gist -- a lot of big numbers are involved in running the former Route 66 restaurant. That's what happens when you feed 500,000 customers per year. The whole article is worth reading, but here are … Continue reading Big numbers exist around the Big Texan Steak Ranch
Roadside marker in Bethany commemorates musician Tommy Collins
The Oklahoma City/County Historical Society and the City of Bethany, Oklahoma, recently placed a roadside marker on Route 66 to commemorate the late songwriter and singer Tommy Collins. Collins probably is best known for writing "If You Ain't Lovin' (You Ain't Livin'), which was a big hit both for Faron Young and George Strait. Here's … Continue reading Roadside marker in Bethany commemorates musician Tommy Collins
Weezy’s Route 66 Bar & Grill in Hamel put up for sale
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 … Continue reading Weezy’s Route 66 Bar & Grill in Hamel put up for sale
Red Cedar Inn Museum and Visitor Center to hold its grand opening on Aug. 26
The Red Cedar Inn Museum and Visitor Center, housed in a former Route 66 restaurant in Pacific, Missouri, will throw a long-awaited grand opening celebration on Aug. 26. The museum, visitors center and children's museum at 1047 E. Osage St. (aka Route 66) will hold a ceremonial ribbon-cutting at 10 a.m. that day. Hours that … Continue reading Red Cedar Inn Museum and Visitor Center to hold its grand opening on Aug. 26
Route 66 town of Brooklyn, Illinois, added to Landmarks Illinois’ Most Endangered Places list
The oft-overlooked but historically rich town of Brooklyn, Illinois, recently was added to Landmarks Illinois' annual Most Endangered Places list. For the uninitiated, Brooklyn (aka Lovejoy) sits on Illinois Highway 3 between East St. Louis and Madison in the metro-east area of St. Louis. Illinois 3 was an alignment of Route 66 from 1929 to … Continue reading Route 66 town of Brooklyn, Illinois, added to Landmarks Illinois’ Most Endangered Places list
Fred & Red’s Chili in Joplin to celebrate its centennial next month
Fred & Red's Chili in Joplin, Missouri, will mark its 100th year in business with a vintage car show, giveaways and other events on Sept. 23. The number of restaurants on Route 66 that have hit the 100-year mark likely can be counted on one hand. Ike's Chili in Tulsa comes to mind, as do … Continue reading Fred & Red’s Chili in Joplin to celebrate its centennial next month
Albuquerque, county to move to revitalize an original stretch of Route 66
The City of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County each approved resolutions to improve an original stretch of Route 66 running south of the city before the highway's centennial in 2026. The Albuquerque Journal reported the efforts will involve Sunset Road and Isleta Boulevard, from Central Avenue to the Pueblo of Isleta. The two roads started as … Continue reading Albuquerque, county to move to revitalize an original stretch of Route 66