A visit to the Red Ball Bar and Grill

Here's a restaurant in Baxter Springs, Kansas, that escaped my notice -- the Red Ball Bar and Grill, which uses the grille of an old truck as part of its grill. KSN-TV in Joplin has the story: Here's a screen capture of the aforementioned grill: The Red Ball occupies a building that was a grocery … Continue reading A visit to the Red Ball Bar and Grill

Ownership change indicated at Boot Hill in Vega

A series of Facebook posts in recent days and a direct message show an ownership change at Boot Hill Saloon & Grill Restaurant on Route 66 in Vega, Texas, has been made or is imminent. Owner, chef and reality-television contestant Rory Schepisi said in an email Sunday "nothing is official at the moment" about the restaurant she's … Continue reading Ownership change indicated at Boot Hill in Vega

Los Angeles station gives major time to Route 66

KABC, the major affiliate of ABC in Los Angeles, in recent days gave a lot of time examining Route 66 in the region in its "Eye on L.A." show. Here is the San Bernardino to San Gabriel Valley segment: Monrovia to South Pasadena: The Arroyo Seco to downtown segment: West Hollywood to the end of … Continue reading Los Angeles station gives major time to Route 66

A chat with Rock Cafe’s Dawn Welch

KC Keefer, continuing with his Genuine Route 66 Life video series, talks to Dawn Welch, longtime owner of the historic Rock Cafe in Stroud, Oklahoma. Welch talks about the Route 66 restaurant's up-and-down history, including her role in the Disney-Pixar "Cars" movie and the restaurant nearly being destroyed by fire in 2008. https://youtu.be/rXZ5p1qfm8Q More can … Continue reading A chat with Rock Cafe’s Dawn Welch

Cafe on the Route reopening soon

Cafe on the Route of Baxter Springs, Kansas, which abruptly closed nearly two years ago, apparently is reopening by mid-November after extensive renovations. Rich Dinkela got the scoop a couple of days ago with this video. The new owner's remodeling includes showing off the original tin ceiling and brick walls. https://youtu.be/UvTXBpdSIh4 The new owner also … Continue reading Cafe on the Route reopening soon

Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket wins state tourism award

The historic Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket restaurant in Willowbrook, Illinois, received a Delicious Destination honor from Illinois Tourism, according to a news release. The Illinois Office of Tourism and DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau reported that Dell Rhea’s is among a small group of Illinois establishments to receive this designation from the state tourism bureau. … Continue reading Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket wins state tourism award

A visit to Amarillo’s Sixth Street District

This video produced by TourTexas.com features Tucker Yeldell -- described as "a lost prospector, reluctant farmer and early Texas Panhandle settler" -- touring some of his favorite spots on Route 66 in Amarillo. https://youtu.be/gs9L25EsvFA Most of the tour is devoted to the city's historic Sixth Street District, which is a terrific menagerie of antique shops, … Continue reading A visit to Amarillo’s Sixth Street District

Former owner of Club Cafe dies

Ron Chavez, 78, a former owner of the long-closed Club Cafe in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, who later became noted as a writer and poet, died Oct. 15 in Albuquerque, reported the Taos News. His daughter, Sonia Valdez, told the newspaper he died of complications from diabetes and a stroke. The family declined to give … Continue reading Former owner of Club Cafe dies

Fire destroys old A&W building in Carthage

A former A&W Restaurant near Route 66 in Carthage, Missouri, was destroyed by fire late Friday during the city's annual Maple Leaf Festival. After the A&W closed at that location, it became Hartman's Mercantile, a secondhand store. KODE-TV has a report about the fire: The building was at 502 S. Garrison Ave., which is about … Continue reading Fire destroys old A&W building in Carthage

Ariston Cafe put up for sale

The landmark Ariston Cafe, located on old Route 66 in Litchfield, Illinois, and owned by the same family for 90 years, has been put up for sale for $1.2 million. The restaurant was listed on an online real-estate site here by Jim Simpson and Shannon Simpson Hall of Century 21 in Litchfield. Ariston co-owner Nick … Continue reading Ariston Cafe put up for sale