Here's an interesting rumor that started the morning. A part of the report by WJOL radio in Will County, Ill.: The possibility calls for a new Dell Rhea's Chicken to go where the cuurrnt Launching Pad restaurant is located. The only sidetrack for some Route 66 lovers is the possibilty that the big green Gemini … Continue reading Will Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket supplant the Launching Pad?
Category: Restaurants
A western Missouri side trip
Those who are traveling Route 66 in western Missouri between Springfield and Carthage may want to consider a side trip, according to longtime roadie Tonya Pike. Pike emailed me about the Hangar Kafe, which opened in May in rural Miller, Mo., near the Route 66 hamlets of Avilla and Spencer. I'll let her explain: It … Continue reading A western Missouri side trip
Whirl-A-Whip reopens with new owners
The historic Whirl-A-Whip restaurant near an old alignment of Route 66 in Girard, Ill., reopened under new ownership after a two-year hiatus, reported the Springfield State Journal-Register. Brent and Anita Barnes recently reopened the walk-up stand. It first opened in 1957. It's the special ice-cream maker that gives the restaurant its name: It still uses … Continue reading Whirl-A-Whip reopens with new owners
A visit to Louie’s Drive-In
Here's a video by the Springfield News-Leader about Louie's Drive-In (formerly Vaughn's Drive-In), which has served West Division Street in Springfield, Mo., since 1966: And this is the restaurant's specialty: One of the drive-in’s specialties is the Hillbilly Sandwich, a deep-fried beef tenderloin topped with the secret sauce. “That sandwich was floating around different places,” … Continue reading A visit to Louie’s Drive-In
Cost-share grants announced from Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program
The Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program announced six cost-share grants for 2013, totaling about $81,000. Since the program started in 2001, 114 projects have been awarded $1.6 million, with a $2.7 million in cost-share money from the recipient, totaling $4.3 million in public-private investment toward the preservation and revitalization of properties along historic Route 66 … Continue reading Cost-share grants announced from Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program
Wagon Wheel Restaurant in Needles marks 35th year
The Wagon Wheel Restaurant on Route 66 in Needles, Calif., marked its 35th anniversary on Aug. 1, according to the Needles Desert Star, although a restaurant has been on that site for longer than that. The restaurant used the day for various special meals and drinks to commemorate 35 years. Customers also could get added … Continue reading Wagon Wheel Restaurant in Needles marks 35th year
Mural artist creating Route 66 artwork in Needles
Robin Morrow, who already has painted Route 66-themed artwork on walls in Needles, Calif., also is offering to help businesses in town rejuvenate existing artwork, the Needles Desert Star reported. The newspaper also explained what is planned with the city's future mural projects: Morrow was hired by the Needles Economic Development Corporation to create a … Continue reading Mural artist creating Route 66 artwork in Needles
Big Texan restaurant will be subject of documentary
The Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, and its colorful history will be the subject of a documentary by a Tennessee-based filmmaker, reported the Amarillo Globe-News. Audrey Kalivoda of Mesquite 90 Productions has been gathering footage at the 53-year-old restaurant the past several weeks. Co-owner Bobby Lee hired Kalivoda to make the film, which promises … Continue reading Big Texan restaurant will be subject of documentary
Bono’s Restaurant gets approval to move — if he wants it
The long-closed Bono's Restaurant and Deli in Fontana, Calif., received approval Friday from the California Historical Resources Commission to move the landmark about 20 feet from Foothill Boulevard (aka Route 66) so the road can be widened. Whether the owner, Joe Bono, wants to move is another matter. According to an earlier story in the … Continue reading Bono’s Restaurant gets approval to move — if he wants it
Spring River Inn sign in Riverton will be restored
The old neon sign for the long-gone Spring River Inn restaurant in Riverton, Kan., has vanished, but eventually will reappear completely restored, reported the Joplin Globe. Renee Charles, president of the Kansas Historic Route 66 Association and one of the principal owners of Cars on the Route in nearby Galena, is raising funds to have the … Continue reading Spring River Inn sign in Riverton will be restored