Cozy Dog Drive-In earns Gold Award from county for outstanding food-safety practices

The Cozy Dog Drive-In in Springfield, Illinois, was one of several dining establishments that received a Gold Award for 2022 from the Sangamon County Department of Health. According to the Springfield State Journal-Register, the Route 66 landmark and other restaurants met these criteria from the health department: Being certified food manager compliant; No more than … Continue reading Cozy Dog Drive-In earns Gold Award from county for outstanding food-safety practices

Former Eat-Rite Diner in St. Louis attracts notice from two area publications

Fleur STL, better known as the former Eat Rite Diner, recently received more attention from two St. Louis-area publications, including a favorable review from the daily newspaper. Experienced local chef Tim Eagan, who acquired the building not long after it closed in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, opened the small eatery primarily as a brunch spot in … Continue reading Former Eat-Rite Diner in St. Louis attracts notice from two area publications

National Trust offering another round of grants for historic small restaurants

The National Trust for Historic Preservation and American Express are offering another opportunity for restaurants to receive up to $40,000 from the Backing Historic Small Restaurants Grant Program. The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership stated in a news release it is encouraging the many small, historic restaurants along Route 66 to apply for the grant, … Continue reading National Trust offering another round of grants for historic small restaurants

Butcher BBQ Stand in Wellston expands on tradition from old Pioneer Camp site

Though the historic Pioneer Camp restaurant in Wellston, Oklahoma, has been closed for more than a decade after a fire, Butcher BBQ Stand set up camp at the property eight years ago and has proven to be phenomenally popular. The Oklahoman newspaper recently published a feature about Levi Bouska and his establishment at 3402 W. … Continue reading Butcher BBQ Stand in Wellston expands on tradition from old Pioneer Camp site

Route 66 features prominently in Oklahoma Tourism’s new “Imagine That” campaign

Oklahoma Tourism earlier in the week announced the launch of its "Imagine That" campaign where Route 66 features prominently in the mix. According to a news release, it is the first television campaign showcasing the new state branding, and it marks the first time since 2015 the agency has released a campaign of this scale … Continue reading Route 66 features prominently in Oklahoma Tourism’s new “Imagine That” campaign

Notable Route 66 enthusiast and educator Becky Ransom dies at 61

Becky Ransom, a Route 66 fan who used that enthusiasm for years in the classroom and at the Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo, died suddenly in Wyoming on Feb. 8. She was 61. According to her obituary, a joint celebration of life will be held for Ramsom and her father, Wayne Ransom, on July … Continue reading Notable Route 66 enthusiast and educator Becky Ransom dies at 61

Partial teardown begins of Glancy Motel in Clinton

A partial demolition of the historic Glancy Motel in Clinton, Oklahoma, began a few days ago, likely making way for a new state police station. Route 66 enthusiast Nick Gerlich happened to be driving through town when he encountered the demolition crews at work on the site at 217 W. Gary Blvd. (aka Route 66). … Continue reading Partial teardown begins of Glancy Motel in Clinton

Satellite location of Irv’s Burgers to open in a forthcoming Las Vegas casino

Irv's Burgers, a fixture along Route 66 in West Hollywood, California, for more than 70 years, will open a second location at a southwest Las Vegas casino. The Hollywood Reporter reports the Durango Resort casino, set to open by fall, will include Irv's Burgers among its dining options. Irv's will be part of the Eat … Continue reading Satellite location of Irv’s Burgers to open in a forthcoming Las Vegas casino

Rod’s Grill in Arcadia will close tomorrow as it undergoes a change in ownership

The historic Rod's Grill along Route 66 in Arcadia, California, is closing its doors Sunday before it undergoes a change in ownership, though plans for the restaurant remain unclear. The Romero family announced the closing and changes in a social media post on Wednesday: The Pasadena Star-News also reported on the restaurant's closing: According to … Continue reading Rod’s Grill in Arcadia will close tomorrow as it undergoes a change in ownership

Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway announces $6,000 worth of grants

The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway this week announced the latest round of the Byway Project Funds program to provide financial assistance to byway members. Byway Project Funds are meant to support events, marketing and advertising efforts, and projects that help preserve the heritage of Illinois Route 66 and promote travel to Illinois Route 66 … Continue reading Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway announces $6,000 worth of grants