The owners of Roy's Motel & Cafe in Amboy, California, hope to have the restaurant and it six small cottages reopened by Route 66's centennial in 2026. That factoid was part of a feature in The Guardian newspaper in London about Roy's and the Okura family, who own the complex and the town. Albert Okura, … Continue reading Roy’s in Amboy hopes to have cafe, cottage open by 2026
Category: Restaurants
Sweetwater BBQ in St. Robert closing down after 25 years in business
The family-owned Sweetwater BBQ restaurant in St. Robert, Missouri, is closing permanently on Dec. 22 after a quarter-century in business. The owners stated they were retiring. The restaurant put out this message on Facebook earlier this month: The post generated more than 40 comments, wishing the owners well and lamenting they would no longer have … Continue reading Sweetwater BBQ in St. Robert closing down after 25 years in business
Forthcoming Hotrod Hangout in Galena soon will include an operating Valentine diner
The Hotrod Hangout Speed Shop & Diner, which will open soon in Galena, Kansas, will include an original Valentine diner operating as soon as this spring. The speed shop inside will include elements of an old-time Fina gas station and a drive-in theatre, complete with a ticket booth, which the owner hopes will become a … Continue reading Forthcoming Hotrod Hangout in Galena soon will include an operating Valentine diner
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
Trader Vic’s returning to Southern California next year, this time on Route 66
Trader Vic's, a famed Polynesian restaurant chain that dates back at least 70 years, is returning to Southern California next year with a location on Route 66. The famed Trader Vic's at the Beverly Hilton closed in 2007, but a new one is slated to open in West Hollywood, reported Los Angeles Magazine. Rhett Rosen, … Continue reading Trader Vic’s returning to Southern California next year, this time on Route 66
Retro diner going into former Sonrise Donuts building in Springfield
After being a Mexican restaurant for years, the former Sonrise Donuts building along Route 66 in Springfield, Illinois, will be transformed into a retro diner called The Fountain on 66. The Springfield State Journal-Register (subscription required) reports that Tom Hart signed a lease effective Jan. 1 to take over the building, Hart will have to … Continue reading Retro diner going into former Sonrise Donuts building in Springfield
Ida Red General Store in Tulsa is selling a Route 66 snow globe
Ida Red General Store, specializing in Oklahoma-made gifts, is selling a handpainted, Route 66-themed snow globe featuring several Route 66 landmarks in the Sooner State. Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association who helped get clearances for the creation, showed the snow globe in a video: The landmarks I spotted in the snow … Continue reading Ida Red General Store in Tulsa is selling a Route 66 snow globe
Gemini Giant returns to Wilmington with a big welcome-home bash
The Gemini Giant fiberglass statue, which once stood at the closed Launching Pad Drive-In restaurant, returned to Wilmington, Illinois, when it was dedicated Saturday at its new location at South Island Park. The event featured live music, a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, a mobile diner and commemorative memorabilia. The 28-foot-tall Gemini Giant returned to Wilmington with a … Continue reading Gemini Giant returns to Wilmington with a big welcome-home bash
Grant helps give a retro-styled sign for Old Tascosa Brewing Co. in Amarillo
Thanks to a Business Improvement Grant, or BIG, from the City of Amarillo, Texas, the Old Tascosa Brewing Co. recently installed a retro-styled sign in front of its brewery. The sign doesn't have neon, but the chasing lights and big arrow hearken to another era. The Old Tascosa Brewing Co. sits in the middle of … Continue reading Grant helps give a retro-styled sign for Old Tascosa Brewing Co. in Amarillo
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