The Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita, Oklahoma, announced it would hold a relighting ceremony on March 25 for its soon-to-be-restored neon sign. The Route 66 restaurant posted photos Friday of the sign being removed "so it can be completely refurbished back to its historical glory." The restaurant added it would be the first time in more … Continue reading Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita sets March 25 for relighting ceremony for restored neon sign
Category: Restaurants
Jungle Jim’s Cafe on north side of Springfield closes permanently
The auto racing-themed Jungle Jim's Cafe on the north side of Springfield, Illinois, closed its doors shortly after New Year's Day. The Facebook account for the restaurant on Jan. 3 announced the closing, citing labor shortages, higher costs and the advancing age of the operators: Jungle Jim's Cafe at 1923 N. Peoria Road (aka Route … Continue reading Jungle Jim’s Cafe on north side of Springfield closes permanently
Ike’s Chili in Tulsa marking its 115th year in business this year
There's old Route 66 restaurants, then there's Ike's Chili in Tulsa, which is marking its 115th year in business in that city in 2023. Ike's opened in downtown Tulsa in 1908, one year after Oklahoma's statehood. That also is almost 20 years before U.S. 66 was federally commissioned. According to Tulsa People magazine: Owner Len Wade says … Continue reading Ike’s Chili in Tulsa marking its 115th year in business this year
Owners of Shout & Sack convenience store in Vinita to retire at the end of the month
Chris and Jody Carter, owners of their Shout & Sack convenience store along Route 66 in Vinita, Oklahoma, since 1978, said they're going to retire at the end of January. Chris Carter, 72, told the Cherokee Phoenix they recently sold the property at 305 S. Wilson St. (aka Route 66) “We’ve seen a lot of … Continue reading Owners of Shout & Sack convenience store in Vinita to retire at the end of the month
Clinton board rejects two redevelopment plans for Glancy Motel
The Clinton, Oklahoma, Economic Development Authority unanimously turned down two plans to redevelop the historic Glancy Motel, signaling the board is seriously considering a recent proposal from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol to use the building. The turn of events is a disappointing one for Route 66 enthusiasts. About a year ago, the authority was considering … Continue reading Clinton board rejects two redevelopment plans for Glancy Motel
Conservatory, a former Irv’s Burgers site, will close permanently on New Year’s Day
Conservatory, a bar and restaurant complex in West Hollywood, California, at the former home of the iconic Irv's Burgers stand, will close for good after New Year's Eve after just four years there. LA Eater reported: Owner Paul Kalt of real estate development firm the Kalt Group says on Instagram that he’s going to “dedicate more time … Continue reading Conservatory, a former Irv’s Burgers site, will close permanently on New Year’s Day
Mel’s Drive-In restaurant marks its 75th anniversary
Mel's Drive-In restaurants, which includes a location at the actual western terminus of Route 66 in Santa Monica, marked its 75th birthday on Dec. 14 at its eight locations in the San Francisco and Los Angeles regions. On its birthday, the regional chain offered 75% off classic food items, including the Mel burger, country eggs, … Continue reading Mel’s Drive-In restaurant marks its 75th anniversary
New sign for Cozy Dog Drive-In in Springfield is a throwback to its earlier days
On Friday, Ace Sign Co. installed a new sign at the Cozy Dog Drive-In in Springfield, Illinois, that is a throwback to the Route 66 landmark's earlier days. The restaurant posted this photo of the sign, stating it wasn't yet completely functional but should be next week: About a week before the installation, Ace Sign … Continue reading New sign for Cozy Dog Drive-In in Springfield is a throwback to its earlier days
Classen Grill will reopen amid extensive renovations of Donnay Building in OKC
The popular Classen Grill eventually will reopen as the historic Donnay Building in Oklahoma City undergoes extensive and long-needed renovations. Steve Lackmeyer's recent article in The Oklahoman newspaper provides a lot of details about what is happening to the Donnay, which for a short time was endangered by a proposed Braum's ice cream parlor development. … Continue reading Classen Grill will reopen amid extensive renovations of Donnay Building in OKC
Eat-Rite Diner in St. Louis reopens as Fleur STL brunch spot
The historic Eat-Rite Diner near downtown St. Louis recently reopened as Fleur STL, a brunch restaurant. Local chef Tim Eagan, who acquired the building not long after it closed in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, announced it would be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. His Facebook post showed a sample … Continue reading Eat-Rite Diner in St. Louis reopens as Fleur STL brunch spot