Bob Hastert, the longtime owner of White Fence Farm restaurant just off Route 66 in Romeoville, Ill., died at age 73 on Wednesday, according to the Bolingbrook Sun. For much of his life, Hastert run the business that often served hundreds of customers its famous fried chicken at any one time on the weekends. In … Continue reading Longtime owner of White Fence Farm restaurant dies
Category: Restaurants
A pit stop for foreign travelers
The Santa Barbara (Calif.) Independent posted a story about the Bagdad Cafe along Route 66 in Newberry Springs, Calif. I knew that the little restaurant has become a big draw from foreign travelers, but this is astounding: “We had 13 tour buses here one day last week and five buses yesterday,” owner Andree (She’s also … Continue reading A pit stop for foreign travelers
From the scene of the fire
Someone went beyond the police tape to videotape the remains of the Riviera Roadhouse restaurant on Route 66 in Gardner, Ill., which was destroyed by suspicious fire a few days ago. You'll also see brief footage of the Streetcar Diner, which was spared.
Riviera Roadhouse destroyed by fire
The historic Riviera Roadhouse on Route 66 in Gardner, Ill., was destroyed by fire Tuesday night and is still burning, according to an e-mail I received from the editor of The Braidwood Journal. The historic Route 66 restaurant and lounge was owned and operated for decades by Bob and Peggy Kraft until the two retired … Continue reading Riviera Roadhouse destroyed by fire
Notes from the road
(Editor's note: This is my Catch Up from the Memorial Day Holiday Edition.) Actor and director Dennis Hopper died over the weekend after a long bout with prostate cancer. He was 74. A memorial service and burial was held Wednesday at a church in his beloved Taos, N.M., where he lived for years. Although a … Continue reading Notes from the road
Classic images
See scenes from Route 66 and images of classic vehicles during this video taken during an AIDS benefit at the original Barney's Beanery in West Hollywood, Calif.
Topock Marina will be replaced this fall
The Topock Marina on Old Route 66 in Topock, Ariz., will be replaced with a $14 million, 102-room hotel, spa, nightclub, microbrewery, restaurant, and conference center starting this fall, owner Chet Hitt told the Mojave Daily News. Based on the new website, it will be rechristened as Topock 66 Spa & Resort. Hitt plans to make … Continue reading Topock Marina will be replaced this fall
Route 66 will be featured on “Today” show
Route 66 in New Mexico will be featured during a segment on NBC-TV's "Today" show on Saturday, according to the New Mexico Business Weekly. According to the newspaper: Anchor Amy Robach made stops at the Turquoise Museum, Old Town, the 66 Diner, Nob Hill and El Pinto restaurant and took a ride with the ABQ Trolley Co. … Continue reading Route 66 will be featured on “Today” show
Uranium Cafe reopens in Grants
The landmark Uranium Cafe along Route 66 in Grants, N.M., has reopened as Nana's Cafe, according to an article in the Cibola County Beacon. According to the article, the building was constructed in the 1950s and named after the uranium mining industry that dominated the area's economy for decades. The place closed, then briefly reopened … Continue reading Uranium Cafe reopens in Grants
The history of the Sycamore Inn
The Sycamore Inn restaurant in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., predates Route 66. But it doesn't predate the Mother Road by a few years, but by more than 150, according to this well-researched article from The Press-Enterprise. The local Indians met at this spot where large sycamore, cottonwood and willow trees grew. In March 1774, Spanish explorer … Continue reading The history of the Sycamore Inn