Man returns coins he stole from Clifton’s Cafeteria 70 years later

A poor shoeshine boy who took coins from a wishing well at Clifton's Cafeteria in downtown Los Angeles returned to the restaurant many decades later to repay it "with interest." The LAist got the scoop on this remarkable story about Willie Gordon, who later became a successful attorney and detective novelist and married another author, … Continue reading Man returns coins he stole from Clifton’s Cafeteria 70 years later

California Route 66 group may partner with Needles group

The California Historic Route 66 Association is examining the possibility of a permanent partnership with the Needles Downtown Business Alliance in Needles, California. Sharon Foster of the California association attended a meeting of the alliance earlier this month, reported the Needles Desert Star. Part of what she wanted to accomplish was to bring Needles back … Continue reading California Route 66 group may partner with Needles group

Route 66 Festival in 2016 will have a new twist

Organizers say the 2016 International Route 66 Festival in downtown Los Angeles on Nov. 10-13 will be the first time the festival is in a metropolitan setting. To that end, co-organizer Scott Piotrowski in an email noted another big difference potential attendees should to know: It is important to note that for the first time, … Continue reading Route 66 Festival in 2016 will have a new twist

Arroyo Seco Parkway marking 75th anniversary

The Arroyo Seco Parkway will mark its 75th year of existence this month. The 8-mile stretch of highway, aka Pasadena Freeway or 110 Freeway, opened Dec. 30, 1940. The Los Angeles Daily News provided background on that day: The occasion was marked by parades and proclamations. Rose Queen Sally Stanton cut the ceremonial ribbon, opening it … Continue reading Arroyo Seco Parkway marking 75th anniversary

Southwest Museum’s possible future laid out in report

A National Trust for Historic Preservation steering committee soon may make recommendations for the future of the long-troubled Southwest Museum in Los Angeles. Those include adding a restaurant to the grounds and expanding its focus beyond displaying Native American artifacts. An LA Curbed report summarized some of the proposals. The National Trust interviewed dozens of stakeholders for their ideas for the Southwest … Continue reading Southwest Museum’s possible future laid out in report

CBS takes a closer look at Clifton’s Cafeteria

"CBS Sunday Morning" recently devoted nearly five minutes to the recently reopened Clifton's Cafeteria in downtown Los Angeles. The segment provides as good of an overview of what Clifton's Cafeteria now is as anything: View More: U.S. News|Live News|More News Videos   Based on what I've heard from longtime Route 66 advocate Scott Piotrowski, you'd … Continue reading CBS takes a closer look at Clifton’s Cafeteria

Clifton’s Cafeteria reopens to huge crowds

The long-awaited reopening of Clifton's Cafeteria in downtown Los Angeles last week brought huge crowds in which diners waited an hour to get a meal, according to the Los Angeles Times. Here's short video from opening day via L.A. Weekly: The landmark restaurant, which opened in 1935, underwent an extensive remodeling that took five years … Continue reading Clifton’s Cafeteria reopens to huge crowds

Clifton’s Cafeteria reopens Thursday

Clifton's Cafeteria, a mainstay in downtown Los Angeles since 1935, will reopen Thursday after a massive renovation that took $14 million and four years. The restaurant was supposed to reopen Sept. 22, but owner Andrew Meieran and its operators decided to delay it a few days after a ceremonial ribbon-cutting Sept. 17 apparently revealed a few kinks … Continue reading Clifton’s Cafeteria reopens Thursday

Clifton’s Cafeteria reopens Sept. 17

The historic Clifton's Cafeteria of downtown Los Angeles will reopen Sept. 17 after a $10 million, multiyear remodeling, reported Los Angeles Magazine. A few days ago, the restaurant's reopening appeared imminent because of a job fair last week. Now, there's a date. The magazine was allowed in the building to take photographs for a sneak … Continue reading Clifton’s Cafeteria reopens Sept. 17

Clifton’s Cafeteria reopening appears imminent

For the past three years, the historic Clifton's Cafeteria in downtown Los Angeles has undergone a massive renovation. Preservationists and the restaurant's fans had long speculated on its reopening. A reopening date for Clifton's still hasn't been set. But the date it will throw open its doors appears much closer, thanks to a Craiglist ad … Continue reading Clifton’s Cafeteria reopening appears imminent