Trailer for “One Day as a Lion” film features Clanton’s Cafe in Vinita

The historic Clanton's Cafe in Vinita, Oklahoma, makes a prominent appearance in the trailer for the forthcoming crime film "One Day as a Lion." You'll spot the interior and exterior of the Route 66 restaurant almost right away, including its neon "EAT" sign: https://youtu.be/2jgPyzRdlUo The film was shot in various towns in northeast Oklahoma, including … Continue reading Trailer for “One Day as a Lion” film features Clanton’s Cafe in Vinita

Mobil 1 Muffler Man to become a permanent fixture at Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita

The Muffler Man temporarily erected during Mobil 1's "Keep Route 66 Kickin'" campaign last summer soon will become a permanent part of the Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita, Oklahoma. The Route 66 restaurant made the announcement during the relighting ceremony for its refurbished neon sign, then put it out on social media the next day: The … Continue reading Mobil 1 Muffler Man to become a permanent fixture at Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita

About 200 attend relighting of neon sign of Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita

Approximately 200 gathered Saturday evening to view a relighting ceremony for the neon sign of the Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita, Oklahoma. It was the first time in about 30 years the sign experienced a glow from its neon tubing. Tom Schwartz, who built the Route 66 restaurant and its sign in 1963, threw the switch … Continue reading About 200 attend relighting of neon sign of Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita

National Trust offering another round of grants for historic small restaurants

The National Trust for Historic Preservation and American Express are offering another opportunity for restaurants to receive up to $40,000 from the Backing Historic Small Restaurants Grant Program. The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership stated in a news release it is encouraging the many small, historic restaurants along Route 66 to apply for the grant, … Continue reading National Trust offering another round of grants for historic small restaurants

Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita sets March 25 for relighting ceremony for restored neon sign

The Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita, Oklahoma, announced it would hold a relighting ceremony on March 25 for its soon-to-be-restored neon sign. The Route 66 restaurant posted photos Friday of the sign being removed "so it can be completely refurbished back to its historical glory." The restaurant added it would be the first time in more … Continue reading Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita sets March 25 for relighting ceremony for restored neon sign

Owners of Shout & Sack convenience store in Vinita to retire at the end of the month

Chris and Jody Carter, owners of their Shout & Sack convenience store along Route 66 in Vinita, Oklahoma, since 1978, said they're going to retire at the end of January. Chris Carter, 72, told the Cherokee Phoenix they recently sold the property at 305 S. Wilson St. (aka Route 66) “We’ve seen a lot of … Continue reading Owners of Shout & Sack convenience store in Vinita to retire at the end of the month

Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita breaks world record for most stickers on a car

The Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita, Oklahoma, on Saturday set a Guinness world record for applying 66,066 stickers on a car. That broke the old record of 41,500. The bid was part of Mobil 1's "Keep Route 66 Kickin'" campaign. According to a story by a Tulsa TV station KJRH, the Route 66 restaurant chose a … Continue reading Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita breaks world record for most stickers on a car

Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita to host another Mobil 1 world-record attempt

The Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita, Oklahoma, on Nov. 5-12 will attempt another Guinness world record with the most stickers placed on a car. The Route 66 restaurant on Friday posted on Facebook that it needs some help with the attempt: We are now looking for volunteers for two very important roles. We need:1) People to … Continue reading Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita to host another Mobil 1 world-record attempt

Restoration of Hi-Way Cafe sign among newest Route 66 Corridor cost-share grants

The restoration of the Hi-Way Cafe neon sign near Vinita, Oklahoma, was among the newest cost-share grants announced this week by the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program. Four of the grants involved neon signs. In addition to the Hi-Way, grants went to the Henning Motel sign in Newberry Springs, California; the Road Runner's Retreat sign … Continue reading Restoration of Hi-Way Cafe sign among newest Route 66 Corridor cost-share grants

Cherokee Nation Welcome Center opens near Vinita

The Cherokee Nation earlier this week opened its Anna Mitchell Cultural & Welcome Center on Route 66 in Vinita, Oklahoma. Mitchell is known as one of the Cherokee Nation's pre-eminent pottery artists. She began her ground-breaking experiments with clay from an area less than a mile from the future home of the welcome center. More … Continue reading Cherokee Nation Welcome Center opens near Vinita