Gary Leonard sold to another franchisee his six Steak 'n Shake restaurants in the Springfield, Missouri, region, including the historic one on Route 66. The Springfield News-Leader reports Leonard is retiring after 48 years in the business. The new owners are Mike and Lisa Stennett, who hold franchises in Missouri and Arkansas. The story contains … Continue reading Owner of Steak ‘n Shake restaurants in Springfield, Missouri, sells them to a franchisee
Category: Preservation
Long-term redevelopment plan for Sapulpa includes big changes to Route 66
Consultants for the downtown master plan in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, are advocating for significant changes, including rerouting highway traffic from Dewey Avenue (aka Route 66) and narrowing it to two lanes from four. The Sapulpa Times reported that consultants Ken Boone and Taylor Plummer of Ochsner Hare & Hare said the plan “is an articulation of … Continue reading Long-term redevelopment plan for Sapulpa includes big changes to Route 66
Golden Driller Plaza in Tulsa undergoes renovations
The plaza for the Golden Driller just off Route 66 in Tulsa is undergoing a face-lift, including a new coat of paint for the statue itself. The Tulsa World newspaper had the details on the $3 million project at Expo Square: A key element of the new design is the construction of three drop-off lanes … Continue reading Golden Driller Plaza in Tulsa undergoes renovations
Neon relighting ceremony for Gearhead Curios in Galena set for April 24
The Route 66 Association of Missouri on Sunday announced a date of April 24 for the neon relighting at Gearhead Curios in Galena, Kansas. The new neon will involve several elements at the former Texaco gas station: Around dusk approximately 6:30PM on April 24th we will "flip the switch" and light beautiful red TEXACO and … Continue reading Neon relighting ceremony for Gearhead Curios in Galena set for April 24
Arizona Route 66 Association today offers two new grant opportunities
The Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona and the Arizona Community Foundation again are partnering to offer cost-share grant opportunities. The association, in a new program, is offering cost-share grants from $500 to $10,000 to businesses, attractions, chambers of commerce and community organizations. Applications, which are available here, will be taken from today through April … Continue reading Arizona Route 66 Association today offers two new grant opportunities
Cost-share grants unexpectedly revived for Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program
The Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program, which technically ended in 2019, unexpectedly relaunched its cost-share grant program and is taking applications for it through late April. The revival of the program came to light Tuesday with an email from Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association. He also flagged a new grant program … Continue reading Cost-share grants unexpectedly revived for Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program
El Vado Motel developer to revamp Imperial Inn Motel in Albuquerque
The same developer who revamped the El Vado Motel and Monterey Motel in Albuquerque also will transform another Route 66 motel in that city -- the Imperial Inn Motel. According to Albuquerque Business First (subscription required), the motel will become a mix of residential, restaurants and retail: The city announced Saturday it is moving forward … Continue reading El Vado Motel developer to revamp Imperial Inn Motel in Albuquerque
Route 66 Association of Missouri raising money for neon project in Galena
The Route 66 Association of Missouri is raising money and matching funds for a campaign to bring back neon lighting at the former Texaco gas station that is Gearheads Curios in Galena, Kansas. Association President Rich Dinkela outlines the campaign in this video: The association will match funds up to $2,500, with the goal of … Continue reading Route 66 Association of Missouri raising money for neon project in Galena
Ed Klein preserving the long-closed Ella’s Frontier Trading Post
Ed Klein, best-known for his Route 66 World website, announced he and other friends have taken steps to preserve the long-closed Ella's Frontier Trading Post in Joseph City, Arizona. Klein, who's received the blessings of property owners Gary and Carolyn Rice, explains what is happening there: https://youtu.be/xj8L7s55XXY Klein also received assistance from the owners of … Continue reading Ed Klein preserving the long-closed Ella’s Frontier Trading Post
Historic Eagle Rock theater in Los Angeles to reopen, along with new video store
The historic Eagle Theatre in the Eagle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles eventually will reopen with an attached video store after fundraising efforts for the project are completed. The Vidiots Foundation is raising money for the theater's refurbishment. Vidiots also will open a store there with 50,000 DVDs and Blu-ray discs for rent. KABC-TV in … Continue reading Historic Eagle Rock theater in Los Angeles to reopen, along with new video store