Proper Meats + Provisions, a restaurant that took over the former historic Grand Canyon Cafe in downtown Flagstaff, Arizona, recently became a semifinalist for the prestigious James Beard Award for culinary excellence. Proper Meats, which also doubles as a butcher shop, was a semifinalist in the Outstanding Restaurant category of the annual Beard Awards. The … Continue reading Restaurant in the former Grand Canyon Cafe in Flagstaff named a Beard Award finalist
Category: Restaurants
Albert Okura, a restaurateur who owned the town of Amboy, dies
Albert Okura, longtime owner and founder of the Juan Pollo restaurant chain who purchased the Route 66 town of Amboy, California, in 2005, died last week. Okura also owned the first original McDonald's -- also a popular Route 66 stop in San Bernardino, California. He purchased that location in 1998, stocked it with McDonald's memorabilia … Continue reading Albert Okura, a restaurateur who owned the town of Amboy, dies
Sunflower Station’s reopening will be delayed due to co-owner’s health issues
The reopening of Sunflower Station in Adrian, Texas, once scheduled for this spring, will be delayed while its co-owner recovers from serious health issues. Kelly Snyder said on a social media post that her husband Jason underwent major surgery on Jan. 1 and encountered some complications, including the need for a colostomy. Snyder said they … Continue reading Sunflower Station’s reopening will be delayed due to co-owner’s health issues
Clinton officially offers Glancy Motel as a site for state police headquarters
The Clinton (Oklahoma) Economic Development Authority officially offered the closed Glancy Motel as a possible new headquarters for the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. If accepted, the development would be a bitter turn of events for many Route 66ers. Less than 18 months ago, the authority planned to let a local developer restore the motel and rebuild … Continue reading Clinton officially offers Glancy Motel as a site for state police headquarters
Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita sets March 25 for relighting ceremony for restored neon sign
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
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