The Johnny Rockets restaurant chain plans to open four types of Route 66-themed prototype restaurants -- including drive-ins, food trucks and drive-in theaters -- as soon as this year, according to a news release Monday from the company. The restaurant stated: Established in 1926 as one of America's original highways, Route 66 became the major path … Continue reading Johnny Rockets to open four types of Route 66-themed restaurants
Category: Theaters
A look at downtown Los Angeles
With the help of a quad-copter, filmmaker Ian Wood produced this video about the landmarks of downtown Los Angeles, which was the western end of Route 66 until the highway was extended to Santa Monica. Downtown Los Angeles from Ian Wood on Vimeo. Wood's description of the video: Above the grit and noise of the … Continue reading A look at downtown Los Angeles
The miracle of the Coleman Theatre’s restoration
The history and eventual revitalization of the historic Coleman Theatre in Miami, Oklahoma, is one of the most inspiring and interesting stories you'll hear on Route 66. It continues to amaze how a town of just 13,000 people with nominal funding could return an opulent theater back to its old glory. And who better to … Continue reading The miracle of the Coleman Theatre’s restoration
Neon restored on historic theater in downtown Los Angeles
The marquee of the historic Globe Theatre in downtown Los Angeles was relighted during a ceremony Tuesday night. It reportedly was the first time in 30 years that the marquee has glowed. The theater is on 740 S. Broadway in downtown L.A., which served as the western terminus of Route 66 until it was stretched … Continue reading Neon restored on historic theater in downtown Los Angeles
Rialto Theatre in South Pasadena on the market
The historic but shuttered Rialto Theatre of South Pasadena, California -- after sitting in limbo for many months -- finally will be put up for sale. According to a Facebook post Monday by Escott O. Norton of Friends of the Rialto: BIG NEWS! The Rialto will be going up for sale! It was announced today … Continue reading Rialto Theatre in South Pasadena on the market
Car crashes into Webb City theater
A vehicle accidentally struck and damaged the box office of the Route 66 Movie Theater in downtown Webb City, Missouri, last weekend, according to a report in the Joplin Globe. The newspaper said the driver hit the vehicle's accelerator instead of the brake pedal. No one was injured, and the theater was able to continue … Continue reading Car crashes into Webb City theater
El Rey Theater in Albuquerque closes
The historic El Rey Theater in downtown Albuquerque closed a few days ago because the operator was encountering cash-flow problems with another venture, according to KOB-TV. Here's the station's report: The report makes it clear that El Rey, located on Central Avenue (aka Route 66), could reopen quickly if another operators signs a lease there. … Continue reading El Rey Theater in Albuquerque closes
Tucumcari theater reopens Friday after renovations
The historic Odeon Theatre in downtown Tucumcari, N.M., reopens Friday with a 7 p.m. screening of the animated film "Frozen" after months of interior renovations by its new owners. Improvements included upgrades to the long-substandard sound system and a conversion to digital projection, including 3-D capability for the theater's next film, "The Hobbit: The Desolation of … Continue reading Tucumcari theater reopens Friday after renovations
Gillioz Theatre has a new owner
The historic Gillioz Theatre in downtown Springfield, Mo., has a new owner, and it's not the local community college, as expected. According to the Springfield News-Leader, Springfield resident Robert Low, owner of the Prime Inc. trucking company, purchased the theater that sits on an old alignment of Route 66. Low also signed a lease agreement … Continue reading Gillioz Theatre has a new owner
Gillioz Theatre auction postponed; agreement reached
An auction planned Friday for the financially troubled Gillioz Theatre in downtown Springfield, Mo., was postponed at least a week amid a pending agreement. According to the Springfield News-Leader reported Friday: “The Board of the Springfield Landmarks Preservation Trust has reached a significant milestone today,” board president Philip Rothschild said in an emailed statement. “As a … Continue reading Gillioz Theatre auction postponed; agreement reached