Otter Cove Diner and Gift Shop in Miami scheduled to open July 1

The Route 66-themed Otter Cove Diner and Gift Shop, located in a former gas station at a prominent corner of Route 66 in Miami, Oklahoma, is scheduled to open its doors July 1. The diner announced its imminent opening with a Facebook post last week: The Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma last year purchased the former … Continue reading Otter Cove Diner and Gift Shop in Miami scheduled to open July 1

A Slice of Pie restaurant opens second location in St. Robert

A Slice of Pie restaurant, a mainstay in Rolla, Missouri, since opening just off Route 66 three decades ago, has opened a second location 25 miles west in St. Robert, Missouri. The bakery announced on Facebook on Wednesday the opening of its second site in St. Robert. The address there is 1106 Old Route 66. … Continue reading A Slice of Pie restaurant opens second location in St. Robert

FourWay restaurant in Cuba reopens as Weir on 66

The FourWay restaurant, housed in a former Phillips 66 gas station on Route 66 in Cuba, Missouri, recently reopened as Weir on 66 after it closed during the winter. Operator Joan Weir announced the FourWay's closing in January after five years, citing markedly high prices on goods during the COVID-19 pandemic. An email and message … Continue reading FourWay restaurant in Cuba reopens as Weir on 66

M’tucci’s Italian restaurant moving into Kellys Brew Pub site in Albuquerque

M'tucci's, an Italian restaurant with locations in Albuquerque and nearby Rio Rancho, is opening another eatery in the closed Kellys Brew Pub and Restaurant site along Central Avenue (aka Route 66) in the city. KRQE-TV in Albuquerque reported on the development: President John Haas says M’Tucci’s fans will find plenty of their favorites on the … Continue reading M’tucci’s Italian restaurant moving into Kellys Brew Pub site in Albuquerque

Pacific may use $300,000 in federal coronavirus funds for Red Cedar Inn project

The city of Pacific, Missouri, is considering the use of $300,000 in federal coronavirus relief funds for the closed Red Cedar Inn, which will be converted into a Route 66 visitors center, museum and local genealogy site. The city announced last month it had awarded a contract to a St. Louis firm for the renovation … Continue reading Pacific may use $300,000 in federal coronavirus funds for Red Cedar Inn project

New details emerge about Chicken Shack’s forthcoming move to Hillbillee’s in Arcadia

Veteran reporter Steve Lackmeyer recently wrote a new story in The Oklahoman newspaper about The Chicken Shack's soon-to-come move from Luther, Oklahoma, to the closed Hillbillee's complex in Arcadia, Oklahoma. We initially reported about the move last month. The Chicken Shack may reopen at Hillbillee's later this summer. The story in The Oklahoman is subscription-only, … Continue reading New details emerge about Chicken Shack’s forthcoming move to Hillbillee’s in Arcadia

Rt 66 Bowl in Chandler holds grand opening

The long-awaited Rt 66 Bowl entertainment center -- which reused a neon sign from the now-gone 66 Bowl from nearby Oklahoma City -- recently held its grand opening a few days ago in Chandler, Oklahoma. The complex at 920 E. First St. (aka Route 66) had been under construction for years. It contains a pizza … Continue reading Rt 66 Bowl in Chandler holds grand opening

Threatt Filling Station makes America’s Most Endangered Historic Places list

The Threatt Filling Station and family farm near Luther, Oklahoma, made it onto the National Trust for Historic Preservation's annual list of 11 of America's most endangered historic places. The properties are threatened by deterioration, climate change, or inappropriate development. The good news is in the 34 years the National Trust has compiled the lists, … Continue reading Threatt Filling Station makes America’s Most Endangered Historic Places list

Pacific awards $2.2M contract to convert Red Cedar Inn into a visitors center

The Pacific, Missouri, board of aldermen voted last week to award a $2.2 million contract to rehabilitate the closed Red Cedar Inn restaurant into a visitors center. According to a report by the Washington Missourian, the board unanimously gave the deal to St. Louis-based Legacy Contracting Group to remake the Route 66 landmark into a … Continue reading Pacific awards $2.2M contract to convert Red Cedar Inn into a visitors center

20th sign installed as part of Tulsa’s Route 66 Neon Sign Grant Program

The Vault restaurant in downtown Tulsa recently became the 20th recipient of the city's Route 66 Neon Sign Grant Program. The Tulsa Route 66 Commission trumpeted the latest neon sign in a Facebook post: It seems particularly appropriate The Vault would benefit from the program. The restaurant occupies a former National Auto Bank building constructed … Continue reading 20th sign installed as part of Tulsa’s Route 66 Neon Sign Grant Program