File this away under Mr. Obvious. But it's good to see what a Route 66 theme can do for a business, all other things being equal. A longtime restaurant in downtown Joliet, Illinois, has seen a sizable increase in the number of customers since changing to changing its name from the Joliet Restaurant to Joliet Route 66 Diner two … Continue reading Route 66 theme sparks increase in customers at restaurant
Category: Businesses
Goodwill store in Tulsa erects Route 66-themed sign
The headquarters of Goodwill Industries of Tulsa has operated on Route 66 in southwest Tulsa for years. Yet it's invigorating to see a retro and Route 66-inspired sign go up at its new retail store in that area. Afton Station co-owner Laurel Kane posted a photo of the new sign on her blog. The front … Continue reading Goodwill store in Tulsa erects Route 66-themed sign
Hi-Way Tavern being revived at old Edwardsville location
The Hi-Way Tavern and Cafe, which began on Route 66 in Edwardsville, Ill., in 1934, will be revived at its old site in a tavern and eventually will serve food again, reported the Edwardsville Intelligencer. The building at 463 E. Vandalia was occupied by Neumann's Bar and Restaurant for 25 years. However, the newly reverted … Continue reading Hi-Way Tavern being revived at old Edwardsville location
East St. Louis bank building added to National Register
The Union Trust Bank Co. building in downtown East St. Louis, Illinois, recently was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The well-preserved structure at 200 Collinsville Ave. (map here) was listed May 27, according to an email last week from the National Park Service, which runs the National Register. The building was on … Continue reading East St. Louis bank building added to National Register
Tucumcari considers offering abandoned property to businesses at low cost
The Quay County Sun newspaper reported a county commissioner is proposing that Tucumcari, New Mexico, essentially give away abandoned property to businesses. Under the plan, the city would make some abandoned properties and buildings it owns available to new or expanding business at low or no cost, thus providing an incentive for businesses to grow or locate … Continue reading Tucumcari considers offering abandoned property to businesses at low cost
Albuquerque closes in on Route 66 revitalization plan
KOB-TV reports that the city of Albuquerque is "one step closer" to implementing a proposal revitalization plan for Route 66. Here's the station's report: A key excerpt from the report: An in-depth draft of the plan details what's ahead, including preservation of historic motels and milestones, financial perks for developers who build homes and shops … Continue reading Albuquerque closes in on Route 66 revitalization plan
El Garces reopens Saturday
The City of Needles, California, has planned an 11 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony Saturday for the remodeling and reopening of the long-closed El Garces intermodal transportation facility, reported the Mohave Valley Daily News. In addition to public speakers, the event at the former Harvey House will feature: A farmers market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. … Continue reading El Garces reopens Saturday
New Pontiac business sells Route 66 memorabilia and classic cars
It's common to find a new business on Route 66 selling memorabilia from the Mother Road. But Octane 66 in Pontiac, Ill., has started something more unusual -- it's also selling classic cars so travelers can cruise Route 66 in style. David Ehresman opened Octane 66 in April at 829 N. Ladd St. in Pontiac (map here), on … Continue reading New Pontiac business sells Route 66 memorabilia and classic cars
An interview with the owner of Grady’s 66 Pub
A student with the Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology made this video about Grady Cross, owner of Grady's 66 Pub on Route 66 in Yukon, Okla. Cross was a guitarist for regionally popular country-rock band, Cross Canadian Ragweed, until it broke up a few years ago. He saw his music club as a way … Continue reading An interview with the owner of Grady’s 66 Pub
California Route 66 association opposed solar plant near Helendale
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors rejected an appeal from the California Historic Route 66 Association to halt the building of a 20-megawatt solar plant near Helendale, Calif, reported several media outlets. The Victorville Daily Press initially reported Monday about the appeal: The California Historic Route 66 Association is appealing the approval of the facility proposed on … Continue reading California Route 66 association opposed solar plant near Helendale