The landmark Ariston Cafe in Litchfield, Illinois, is celebrating a century in business, though it wasn't always on its present location on Route 66. The Litchfield Chamber of Commerce is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony today to mark the occasion. Former owners Nick and Demi Adam, who ran the restaurant for 52 years. are planning to … Continue reading Ariston Cafe in Litchfield marks 100 years of operation
Category: Restaurants
Spencer’s Grill in Kirkwood closes; owner seeks a buyer for the business
The historic Spencer's Grill in Kirkwood, Missouri, suddenly shuttered last weekend, and the business is up for sale. St. Louis Magazine reported: The 47-seat business is for sale, according to owner Alex Campbell, who wants “more than anything, for the tradition of great food and unique hospitality to survive in the same way it’s existed … Continue reading Spencer’s Grill in Kirkwood closes; owner seeks a buyer for the business
New plaque commemorates the birthplace of the horseshoe sandwich in Springfield
The Visit Springfield tourism bureau on Thursday commemorated the birthplace of the horseshoe sandwich with a new plaque at the historic Leland Hotel building at Capitol Avenue and Sixth Street (aka Route 66) in Springfield, Illinois. For the uninitiated, a horseshoe sandwich consists of thick slices of toast, a hamburger patty or another type of … Continue reading New plaque commemorates the birthplace of the horseshoe sandwich in Springfield
Pineapple Whip, which started in the Ozarks in Springfield, marks its 50th year
As summer arrives in earnest, Route 66ers' thoughts understandably will go to Ted Drewes Frozen Custard in St. Louis. But another Route 66 city 200 miles west of St. Louis boasts its own frozen treat and considerable longevity -- Pineapple Whip, marking its 50th season this year in its hometown of Springfield, Missouri. The Springfield … Continue reading Pineapple Whip, which started in the Ozarks in Springfield, marks its 50th year
Albert Okura’s son tries to keep his father’s dream alive at Amboy
A few days ago, the Los Angeles Times (via AOL) published a lengthy story about how the son of the late Albert Okura, owner of the Route 66 town of Amboy, California, is trying to keep that dream alive. The story by Alex Wigglesworth is worth reading in its entirety. But a few nuggets stand … Continue reading Albert Okura’s son tries to keep his father’s dream alive at Amboy
Mr. Powdrell’s Barbecue House to close its final location in Albuquerque at end of this month
Mr. Powdrell's Barbecue House, an institution in Albuquerque for over 60 years, will shutter its final location just eight months after closing its Central Avenue (aka Route 66) restaurant. Mr. Powdrell's will close its location at 5209 Fourth St. (aka Route 66) on the city's north side on June 29, though it will host a … Continue reading Mr. Powdrell’s Barbecue House to close its final location in Albuquerque at end of this month
Painted Desert Inn in eastern Arizona marks its 100th year
The Painted Desert Inn is celebrating its 100th year this month, though it started under another name and was in danger of being torn down during the mid-1970s. To celebrate the centennial, the surrounding Petrified Forest National Park in eastern Arizona will offer free activities for families on June 21-23 along with moonlight-guided tours of … Continue reading Painted Desert Inn in eastern Arizona marks its 100th year
10 more Route 66 Extraordinary Women micro-grants announced
The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership announced 10 more grant recipients from its Extraordinary Women Micro-Grants Program. Grants of $2,000 were given to: Sarah Ann Lesslie of Cocolita Chocolate Cafe, Flagstaff, Arizona: Purchase two new, single-door refrigerators for the shop, replacing a malfunctioning one. Amy Stephens of the Edmond History Museum, Edmond, Oklahoma: Install new … Continue reading 10 more Route 66 Extraordinary Women micro-grants announced
Gemini Giant to make appearance at American Giants Museum
The Gemini Giant fiberglass figure will make an appearance at the American GIants Museum in Atlanta, Illinois, this weekend while en route for restoration and reinstallation at a park in Wilmington. According to a Facebook post, the Gemini Giant will be making a pit stop at the museum before going to the ReGiants restoration shop. … Continue reading Gemini Giant to make appearance at American Giants Museum
Clifton’s Republic in downtown Los Angeles to reopen next month
Clifton's Republic, once known as Clifton's Cafeteria, in downtown Los Angeles will reopen next month, along with a revamped cafeteria. LAist had the scoop: The more than 90-year-old dining and cocktail destination will be bringing back a revamped version of its iconic cafeteria this summer, along with the tropical-themed Pacific Seas tiki bar, and the … Continue reading Clifton’s Republic in downtown Los Angeles to reopen next month