CBS-TV's long-running "60 Minutes" news program aired its 13-minute feature about famed sportswriter Dave Kindred, where he was interviewed in the soon-to-reopen Palms Grill Cafe in his hometown of Atlanta, Illinois. The Route 66 restaurant's exterior makes only a brief appearance, though much of the interview was conducted inside. Though it contains little Route 66 … Continue reading “60 Minutes” airs its interview with famed sportswriter Dave Kindred at Palms Grill Cafe
Tag: Atlanta IL
Soon-to-reopen Palms Grill Cafe hosts upcoming “60 Minutes” interview
The Palms Grill Cafe in downtown Atlanta, Illinois, which is scheduled to reopen next month, hosted an interview for an upcoming 12-minute segment on CBS-TV's long-running and popular "60 Minutes" news show. The Bloomington Pantagraph broke the story about acclaimed Illinois sportswriter and Atlanta native Dave Kindred talking about his new book, "Leave Out the … Continue reading Soon-to-reopen Palms Grill Cafe hosts upcoming “60 Minutes” interview
Lease on historic Palms Grill Cafe in Atlanta now available for applicants
The interior of the Palms Grill Cafe in 2014 The historic Palms Grill Cafe along Route 66 in downtown Atlanta, Illinois, is available to lease for prospective restaurateurs. According to a news release Wednesday from the Atlanta Public Library, which owns the property: The Palms Grill Café is a turnkey operation. It is fully equipped … Continue reading Lease on historic Palms Grill Cafe in Atlanta now available for applicants
Atlanta, Illinois, votes to create tourism development director position
The city council of the Route 66 town of Atlanta, Illinois, voted last week to create the position of tourism development director and has begun advertising to fill it. According to a news release from Bill Thomas, chairman of the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership who is based in Atlanta: The Tourism Development Director will … Continue reading Atlanta, Illinois, votes to create tourism development director position
Effects of COVID-19 close Palms Grill Cafe indefinitely
The landmark Palms Grill Cafe in Atlanta, Illinois, closed Sunday after the effects of the coronavirus pandemic left its management "no choice" but to shut down. The restaurant's Facebook page made the announcement on Facebook on Sunday afternoon. It stated, in part: Looking ahead, our current management team and staff have plans to move on … Continue reading Effects of COVID-19 close Palms Grill Cafe indefinitely
Chubby’s Bar and Grill in Atlanta is up for sale
The historic Chubby's Bar and Grill in downtown Atlanta, Illinois, is up for sale because its owners wish to retire. The bar at 111 Southeast Vine St., also described as being on 111 Southwest Arch St. (aka Route 66), lists for $79,900. The price has been reduced several times, and acquiring a working restaurant and … Continue reading Chubby’s Bar and Grill in Atlanta is up for sale
Tips for Route 66 tourism success
The Macoupin County Enquirer-Democrat published a comprehensive report about two experts giving a presentation in Gillespie, Illinois, about how to parlay Route 66 into tourism dollars. The experts were Bill Kelly, executive director of the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway, and Bill Thomas, economic development director for Logan County, tourism booster for Atlanta, Illinois, and chairman … Continue reading Tips for Route 66 tourism success
Paul Bunyon statue in Atlanta gets a new coat of paint
The oft-photographed Paul Bunyon fiberglass statue in downtown Atlanta, Illinois, received a touch-up last Saturday from the Illinois Route 66 Association’s Preservation Committee. According to The New Herald News, about 10 volunteers repainted the 19-foot-tall statue, also called Tall Paul. By 10:30 a.m. the scaffolding was in place and the preservation was underway. Everyone had a … Continue reading Paul Bunyon statue in Atlanta gets a new coat of paint
Atlanta levies six-figure fines against ordinance violators
Atlanta, Illinois -- citing its wish to keep its town attractive to Route 66 tourists -- has levied fines totaling over $100,000 each to two property owners it says violated ordinances. The Bloomington Pantagraph reported Mark Armstrong of Choctaw, Oklahoma, is dealing with a total of $112,500 in fines for his alleged failure to repair a building at 205 … Continue reading Atlanta levies six-figure fines against ordinance violators
“How to Make Your Community a Route 66 Destination Hot Spot”
By Emily Priddy Pontiac, Illinois, was struggling in 2008. The nearby Vermilion River overflowed its banks in January. A local prison closed. And the country had fallen into a recession. A year later, about 150 muralists known as the Walldogs gave the community a much-needed boost, Pontiac tourism director Ellie Alexander said during a panel … Continue reading “How to Make Your Community a Route 66 Destination Hot Spot”