Local developer wants to restore the former site of County Line Barbecue in Oklahoma City

A local developer with experience in reviving old buildings has purchased the former County Line Barbecue site, also known for years as the Oklahoma Prohibition-era Kentucky Club, in Oklahoma City. The site sits just off the Interstate 44 alignment of Route 66 from the 1950s to the 1980s. It also is a short distance from … Continue reading Local developer wants to restore the former site of County Line Barbecue in Oklahoma City

Staff, management shake-up hits Tower Theatre in Oklahoma City

The historic Tower Theatre along Route 66 in Oklahoma City recently saw layoffs and a big management shake-up. The Lost Ogle, an OKC-based website that has broken a number of big stories over the years, reported at least nine people at the theater were laid off, others were forced to reapply for their jobs, and … Continue reading Staff, management shake-up hits Tower Theatre in Oklahoma City

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

Restaurant in the former Grand Canyon Cafe in Flagstaff named a Beard Award finalist

Proper Meats + Provisions, a restaurant that took over the former historic Grand Canyon Cafe in downtown Flagstaff, Arizona, recently became a semifinalist for the prestigious James Beard Award for culinary excellence. Proper Meats, which also doubles as a butcher shop, was a semifinalist in the Outstanding Restaurant category of the annual Beard Awards. The … Continue reading Restaurant in the former Grand Canyon Cafe in Flagstaff named a Beard Award finalist

Classen Grill will reopen amid extensive renovations of Donnay Building in OKC

The popular Classen Grill eventually will reopen as the historic Donnay Building in Oklahoma City undergoes extensive and long-needed renovations. Steve Lackmeyer's recent article in The Oklahoman newspaper provides a lot of details about what is happening to the Donnay, which for a short time was endangered by a proposed Braum's ice cream parlor development. … Continue reading Classen Grill will reopen amid extensive renovations of Donnay Building in OKC

Oklahoma City alderman seeks more protections for historic properties, including Gold Dome

An Oklahoma City councilman said he wants to identify and protect historic structures, including the Gold Dome on Route 66, after a landmark church was abruptly demolished last week. The distinctive, egg-shaped First Christian Church was torn down less than an hour after it was given a demolition permit, surprising many that included those who … Continue reading Oklahoma City alderman seeks more protections for historic properties, including Gold Dome

Owners of historic Skirvin Hilton hotel in Oklahoma City preparing to put it on market

The owners of the landmark Skirvin HIlton hotel in downtown Oklahoma City are preparing to put it up for sale, with half of the proceeds likely going back to the city. Marcus Hotels and Resorts joined forces with the city to renovate and reopen the closed, century-old hotel about 15 years ago. Steve Lackmeyer at … Continue reading Owners of historic Skirvin Hilton hotel in Oklahoma City preparing to put it on market

Bon Appetit names Ma Der Lao of Oklahoma City one of the Top 50 best new restaurants

Bon Appetit last week named Ma Der Lao Kitchen in Oklahoma City one of the top 25 best new restaurants in the United States. Here's what the magazine said about the restaurant: After years spent cooking Japanese food around Oklahoma City, chef Jeff Chanchaleune has turned his considerable talents to the Lao food he grew … Continue reading Bon Appetit names Ma Der Lao of Oklahoma City one of the Top 50 best new restaurants

Swadley’s Bar-B-Q countersuit allegedly implicates Oklahoma governor, Pinnell

Swadley's Bar-B-Q last week filed a countersuit, alleging the governor and Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, who leads the state's tourism department, knew of the arrangement where the restaurant chain spent millions of dollars in inflated reimbursement invoices to upgrade services at several state parks. The Oklahoman newspaper reported some details about the countersuit: Among the claims … Continue reading Swadley’s Bar-B-Q countersuit allegedly implicates Oklahoma governor, Pinnell

Tulsa artist makes striking new poster featuring Will Rogers, Route 66

Longtime Tulsa residents know of William Franklin and his artistic talents. But his latest creation that's offered for sale at his Decopolis gift store is particularly notable, especially to Route 66 fans. Franklin stated in a recent Facebook post: Every once in a while ya get lucky and come up with an idea that is … Continue reading Tulsa artist makes striking new poster featuring Will Rogers, Route 66