The Joliet Area Historical Museum in Joliet, Illinois, recently acquired space that housed the world's first Dairy Queen restaurant. That first DQ, which opened in 1940, was in a brick, two-story building at 501 N. Chicago St., though the building itself dates to the 1890s. Greg Peerbolte, the museum's executive director, talked to the Joliet … Continue reading Joliet museum acquires the site of the world’s first Dairy Queen
Category: Restaurants
Historical marker added to Road Runner’s Retreat site near Chambless
The Billy Holcomb Chapter of E Clampus Vitus recently added a big historical marker at the defunct Road Runner's Retreat restaurant and gas station near Chambless, California. The chapter describes itself as a "fun-loving, irreverent group dedicated to the preservation and documentation of the history of the west including native Americans, early settlers, the Gold … Continue reading Historical marker added to Road Runner’s Retreat site near Chambless
Latest cost-share grants announced from Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program
The Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program announced six grants this year totaling about $165,000 to varying historic preservation, research, oral history, interpretative and educational projects. I noticed the grant awards this year were capped at $30,000. Still, 30 grand is 30 grand. Here are the grant awards: Round Barn siding repair in Arcadia, OklahomaApplicant: Arcadia Historical … Continue reading Latest cost-share grants announced from Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program
Preorders now being taken for “Backroads Guide to Route 66 Food, Lodging and Foto-Stops”
Mark Hamilton announced last week he now is taking preorders for the "Backroads Guide to Route 66 Food, Lodging and Foto-Stops," which serves as a successor of the National Historic Route 66 Federation's defunct "Route 66 Dining and Lodging Guide." The link to preorder the book through PayPal is here. The cost will be $22.95, … Continue reading Preorders now being taken for “Backroads Guide to Route 66 Food, Lodging and Foto-Stops”
TravelCenters of America to close deal on Russell’s Travel Center next week
TravelCenters of America will acquire Russell’s Travel Center along Route 66 near Endee, New Mexico, effective Oct. 11, though it will keep the Russell’s name and its museum for a few years. Russell's opened in 2010 on the ruins of the long-closed Longhorn II restaurant along Interstate 40 and a 1952-1980 alignment of Route 66. … Continue reading TravelCenters of America to close deal on Russell’s Travel Center next week
Longtime owner of The Comet II Restaurant and Drive-In in Santa Rosa dies
Johnny Martinez Jr., the longtime owner and chef of the landmark Comet II Restaurant and Drive-In in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, died Friday. He was 88. One local expressed his condolences: The town's former newspaper publisher weighed in: According to his obituary: At an early age Johnny became interested in cooking and made it a … Continue reading Longtime owner of The Comet II Restaurant and Drive-In in Santa Rosa dies
Mr. Powdrell’s Barbecue closing its Albuquerque Central Avenue location after 50+ years
Mr. Powdrell's Barbecue House is closing its Central Avenue location in Albuquerque at the end of this month after more than 50 years at that Route 66 location. Albuquerque Business First (subscription required) reported the restaurant at 11301 Central Ave. NE will close on Sept. 30. Mr. Powdrell's second location at 5209 4th St. NW … Continue reading Mr. Powdrell’s Barbecue closing its Albuquerque Central Avenue location after 50+ years
Tesla’s 24-hour diner and drive-in theater opening in West Hollywood later this year
Tesla is close to opening a 24-hour diner, drive-in theater and supercharger station along Route 66 in West Hollywood, California, reported Forbes magazine. In a recent tweet, Tesla founder Elon Musk stated: "Our Tesla futuristic diner (Grease meets The Jetsons with Supercharging) in LA should be ready later this year." Forbes dug up more details: … Continue reading Tesla’s 24-hour diner and drive-in theater opening in West Hollywood later this year
Big Texan RV Ranch adds Airstream trailers for overnight rentals
The Big Texan RV Ranch, a short distance down the road from the landmark Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo, recently added vintage Airstream trailers that are available for overnight guests. Here's the announcement from the RV park: That's in addition to the wooden cabins and Conestoga wagons the RV park opened for overnight travelers … Continue reading Big Texan RV Ranch adds Airstream trailers for overnight rentals
Volunteers, NM Route 66 Association begin restoration of neon signs in Tucumcari
A group of volunteers and members of the New Mexico Route 66 Association began efforts Thursday and Friday to restore nail-damaged neon tubing on historic signs along Route 66 in Tucumcari, New Mexico. Among the signs worked on were TeePee Curios, Del's Restaurant, La Cita restaurant, Motel Safari and Loretta's Burrito Hut. Fast TV Network … Continue reading Volunteers, NM Route 66 Association begin restoration of neon signs in Tucumcari