The Inland Press-Enterprise of Southern California published an excellent article about Juan Pollo restaurant chain owner Albert Okura and his efforts to restore Roy's and the nearly abandoned town of Amboy, Calif. "Everyone who has owned Amboy has been in it to make money," he said. "You can't. "I see this as a marketing avenue … Continue reading Rebuilding Amboy one chicken at a time
Category: People
Creator of the Launching Pad restaurant dies
John Korelc, the founder of what became the Launching Pad Drive-In on Route 66 in Wilmington, Ill., died at age 87 on Friday in nearby Joliet, reports the Joliet Herald-News. The Launching Pad originally was called the Dari Delite when it opened in 1960. That change the restaurant's name to its current moniker in 1965. … Continue reading Creator of the Launching Pad restaurant dies
Rory finishes runner-up — again
So a bridesmaid again she is. Rory Schepisi, who finished second in CMT's "Popularity Contest," finished runner-up in yet another reality television show, this time "The Next Food Network Star," on Sunday night. The loss had to be a bitter pill to swallow. Amy Finley, who ended up as champion, was eliminated earlier but brought … Continue reading Rory finishes runner-up — again
Hail to the chief
The University of Illinois retired its longtime mascot, Chief Illiniwek, in March because the symbol was offensive to some American Indians. Some Illini fans are still none too happy with this development. Tom Heinrich of Dwight, Ill., decided not to let the memory of Chief Illiniwek perish. He had an old elm tree trunk in … Continue reading Hail to the chief
Veteran completing cross-country bike ride
Ken Rhodes, the Vietnam veteran who was riding a bicycle across the country -- including Route 66 -- to raise money for Iraq War veterans and muscular dystrophy, finishes his trek today, according to the Victorville (Calif.) Daily Press. On his 70th birthday, Rhodes is cycling the final 10 miles to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial … Continue reading Veteran completing cross-country bike ride
Notes from the road
I got a call a few days ago from Bill Kinder, co-owner of the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, N.M., informing me that all of his motel's neon lights have been repaired. The motel's neon (and others along Route 66 in Tucumcari) were damaged this spring by a severe hailstorm. Missouri Route 66er Tonya Pike … Continue reading Notes from the road
Preservation is their calling
The Kankakee (Ill.) Daily Journal published a fine feature article about John and Lenore Weiss of nearby Wilmington, who have collectively done more for Route 66 preservation in the past 10 years than just about anyone I can think of. The story also reveals what they're have in store for future projects: They plan to … Continue reading Preservation is their calling
If Rory wins, she wants to stay in Vega
A reader the other day posted an interesting question regarding Rory Schepisi being a finalist in "The Next Food Network Star": So if Rory wins the Food Network Star Challenge will she tape the show in Vega TX or will someone else be running the Boot Hill? I thought it was a pretty good question. … Continue reading If Rory wins, she wants to stay in Vega
Rory is in the finals
Will she be a bridesmaid again, or the bride? Rory Schepisi, who finished runner-up in the CMT's "Popularity Contest," made the finals of another reality TV show, "The Next Food Network Star." Schepisi is about to open a restaurant, Boot Hill Saloon and Grill, on Route 66 in Vega, Texas. A short video recap of … Continue reading Rory is in the finals
Dean Walker will appear on Leno
Dean Walker, a Kansas Route 66 advocate and one of the inspirations for Mater in last summer's animated movie "Cars," will appear on NBC's "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" on Wednesday. Prominent Route 66 author Michael Wallis, who's known Walker for years, said that Walker will do his turning-his-feet-backwards trick during an audience segment … Continue reading Dean Walker will appear on Leno