The Muffler Man temporarily erected during Mobil 1's "Keep Route 66 Kickin'" campaign last summer soon will become a permanent part of the Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita, Oklahoma. The Route 66 restaurant made the announcement during the relighting ceremony for its refurbished neon sign, then put it out on social media the next day: The … Continue reading Mobil 1 Muffler Man to become a permanent fixture at Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita
Category: Restaurants
About 200 attend relighting of neon sign of Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita
Approximately 200 gathered Saturday evening to view a relighting ceremony for the neon sign of the Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita, Oklahoma. It was the first time in about 30 years the sign experienced a glow from its neon tubing. Tom Schwartz, who built the Route 66 restaurant and its sign in 1963, threw the switch … Continue reading About 200 attend relighting of neon sign of Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita
Original co-owner of Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner in Kingman dies
Scott Dunton, one of the original owners of the iconic Mr. D'z Route 66 Diner in Kingman, Arizona, has died. He was 72. Dunton's death was announced on Facebook last week by ROUTE Magazine, and the Original Chillin' on Beale Street group also reported it. Mr. D’z is housed in the former Kimo Cafe that opened … Continue reading Original co-owner of Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner in Kingman dies
Cozy Dog Drive-In earns Gold Award from county for outstanding food-safety practices
The Cozy Dog Drive-In in Springfield, Illinois, was one of several dining establishments that received a Gold Award for 2022 from the Sangamon County Department of Health. According to the Springfield State Journal-Register, the Route 66 landmark and other restaurants met these criteria from the health department: Being certified food manager compliant; No more than … Continue reading Cozy Dog Drive-In earns Gold Award from county for outstanding food-safety practices
Former Eat-Rite Diner in St. Louis attracts notice from two area publications
Fleur STL, better known as the former Eat Rite Diner, recently received more attention from two St. Louis-area publications, including a favorable review from the daily newspaper. Experienced local chef Tim Eagan, who acquired the building not long after it closed in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, opened the small eatery primarily as a brunch spot in … Continue reading Former Eat-Rite Diner in St. Louis attracts notice from two area publications
National Trust offering another round of grants for historic small restaurants
The National Trust for Historic Preservation and American Express are offering another opportunity for restaurants to receive up to $40,000 from the Backing Historic Small Restaurants Grant Program. The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership stated in a news release it is encouraging the many small, historic restaurants along Route 66 to apply for the grant, … Continue reading National Trust offering another round of grants for historic small restaurants
Butcher BBQ Stand in Wellston expands on tradition from old Pioneer Camp site
Though the historic Pioneer Camp restaurant in Wellston, Oklahoma, has been closed for more than a decade after a fire, Butcher BBQ Stand set up camp at the property eight years ago and has proven to be phenomenally popular. The Oklahoman newspaper recently published a feature about Levi Bouska and his establishment at 3402 W. … Continue reading Butcher BBQ Stand in Wellston expands on tradition from old Pioneer Camp site
Route 66 features prominently in Oklahoma Tourism’s new “Imagine That” campaign
Oklahoma Tourism earlier in the week announced the launch of its "Imagine That" campaign where Route 66 features prominently in the mix. According to a news release, it is the first television campaign showcasing the new state branding, and it marks the first time since 2015 the agency has released a campaign of this scale … Continue reading Route 66 features prominently in Oklahoma Tourism’s new “Imagine That” campaign
Notable Route 66 enthusiast and educator Becky Ransom dies at 61
Becky Ransom, a Route 66 fan who used that enthusiasm for years in the classroom and at the Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo, died suddenly in Wyoming on Feb. 8. She was 61. According to her obituary, a joint celebration of life will be held for Ramsom and her father, Wayne Ransom, on July … Continue reading Notable Route 66 enthusiast and educator Becky Ransom dies at 61
Partial teardown begins of Glancy Motel in Clinton
A partial demolition of the historic Glancy Motel in Clinton, Oklahoma, began a few days ago, likely making way for a new state police station. Route 66 enthusiast Nick Gerlich happened to be driving through town when he encountered the demolition crews at work on the site at 217 W. Gary Blvd. (aka Route 66). … Continue reading Partial teardown begins of Glancy Motel in Clinton