Heritage Corridor Destinations announced earlier this month that it was honored with the Bureau Innovation Award from the Upper Midwest Conference and Visitors Bureau for The Landing Pad, just a few steps from the iconic Gemini Giant in Wilmington, Illinois. The honor was given earlier this month at the Upper Midwest Conference and Visitors Bureau Fall Conference in … Continue reading The Landing Pad in Wilmington earns Bureau Innovation Award at regional conference
Category: Restaurants
Route 66 art show opens at Amarillo Art Institute
The Amarillo Art Institute in Amarillo, Texas, is hosting an exhibit, "The Mother Road — Open Air, Open Road," of dozens of paintings of Route 66 landmarks and signs. The exhibit runs through Sept. 26 at AAI’s Vermillion Gallery at 3701 Plains Blvd. According to the Amarillo Globe-News: The show, the first joint effort between … Continue reading Route 66 art show opens at Amarillo Art Institute
Kix on 66 owners buy Loretta’s Burrito Hut building in Tucumcari
The owners of the fire-damaged Kix on 66 restaurant in Tucumcari, New Mexico, have agreed in principle to buy the Loretta's Burrito Hut building down the street and move its operations there. If the transaction and transition go smoothly, Kix may reopen at the Loretta's location as Sidekix on 66 as early as October. Loretta's … Continue reading Kix on 66 owners buy Loretta’s Burrito Hut building in Tucumcari
Mel-O-Cream Donuts unveils new sign near its Route 66 store in Springfield
Mel-O-Cream Donuts recently unveiled a new sign at its store along Route 66 in Springfield, Illinois. The sign is shaped like a Route 66 shield doughnut (naturally). The store also announced during the event that it will have extended hours (until 6 p.m.) and new menu items, including ice cream. This particular Mel-O-Cream is at … Continue reading Mel-O-Cream Donuts unveils new sign near its Route 66 store in Springfield
Supertam on 66 owners open fifth Route 66-related shop in region
Chris and Andrea Briley are perhaps best known for owning the Supertam on 66 ice cream shop in Carterville, Missouri. But business columnist Wally Kennedy of the Joplin Globe reported the Brileys recently opened their fifth Route 66-related shop -- Briley’s Ice Cream, Soda & Gifts at 901 S. Main St. in Joplin. The others are … Continue reading Supertam on 66 owners open fifth Route 66-related shop in region
Rod’s Steak House in Williams reopens after years-long closure
The historic Rod's Steak House in Williams, Arizona, reopened Saturday under new ownership after it shuttered during the COVID-19 pandemic several years ago. Kennelly Concepts spent months remodeling and restoring the Route 66 landmark, which dates to 1946. Williams Mayor Don Dent, former Rod's owner Lawrence Sanchez and Tom Kennelly celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony … Continue reading Rod’s Steak House in Williams reopens after years-long closure
Rock Cafe, Ike’s Chili among recipients of Backing Historic Small Restaurants grants
Several eateries along Route 66 will receive $50,000 each from the Backing Historic Small Restaurants grant program. The National Trust for Historic Preservation announced the 50 recipients on Monday. Among the Route 66 restaurants are: Rock Cafe, Stroud, Oklahoma (since 1939) Ike's Chili, Tulsa (since 1908) The Barn - Route 66, Newberry Springs, California (since … Continue reading Rock Cafe, Ike’s Chili among recipients of Backing Historic Small Restaurants grants
Aztec Hotel in Monrovia hits the market for $15 million
The historic and intricately designed Aztec Hotel in Monrovia, California, was recently put up for sale for $15 million. According to its LoopNet listing, agent John Faire of Coldwell Banker Commercial Realty can be contacted for a personal showing of the property. Here's what the executive summary states: Hotel has 44 rooms available for services … Continue reading Aztec Hotel in Monrovia hits the market for $15 million
Fran Houser, longtime owner of the MidPoint Cafe, dies at 81
Fran Houser, a former owner of the MidPoint Cafe in Adrian, Texas, for over two decades who elevated the Route 66 restaurant to prominence, died on July 31 due to complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. She was 81. Joann Harwell, who baked the famous "ugly crust pies" for the restaurant for well over 15 … Continue reading Fran Houser, longtime owner of the MidPoint Cafe, dies at 81
Rich’s Famous Burgers moving into Weir on 66 site in Cuba
Rich's Famous Burgers recently announced on social media that it would soon move into the closed Weir on 66 restaurant site in Cuba, Missouri. Weir on 66, housed in a former Phillips 66 cottage-style gas station built along Route 66 in 1932, closed for good in early July after four years there. In a follow-up … Continue reading Rich’s Famous Burgers moving into Weir on 66 site in Cuba