Tom Willis, owner of the landmark 66 Diner in Albuquerque and charter member of the New Mexico Route 66 Association, died Wednesday. He was 71. Sue Montgomery, vice president of the association, stated by email that "from my understanding" Willis died of COVID-19 and "had some underlying conditions that didn't help." Willis would be the … Continue reading Tom Willis, owner of 66 Diner in Albuquerque, dies at 71
Category: Restaurants
Howdy Burger is 31st sign to benefit from Tulsa’s Route 66 neon sign grant program
The Howdy Burger restaurant on the 11th Street alignment of Route 66 in Tulsa is the 31st sign to be created or renovated through the city's Route 66 neon sign grant program. The sign is an animated design, with its main character tossing a lasso. Howdy Burger is at 1516 E. 11th St. (aka Route … Continue reading Howdy Burger is 31st sign to benefit from Tulsa’s Route 66 neon sign grant program
Ed Debevic’s diner reopens at a new location in Chicago
Ed Debevic's restaurant, famous for its 1950s decor and theatrically surly waitstaff, has reopened in the Streeterville area of Chicago after its previous River North location was closed and demolished about six years ago. The old Ed Debevic's was north of Route 66 but provided such a unique experience that many Route 66 travelers included … Continue reading Ed Debevic’s diner reopens at a new location in Chicago
City of Tulsa issues request for proposals for new Route 66 interpretive center
The city of Tulsa on Monday issued a request for proposals for a mixed-use and Route 66 interpretive center near the Arkansas River after apparently giving up on previous efforts for similar projects. The request, first reported by KRMG radio in Tulsa, had been expected for a few weeks. The requests are due on Jan. … Continue reading City of Tulsa issues request for proposals for new Route 66 interpretive center
New owner of Carl’s Drive-In says he’s sticking with its old-school methods
The new owner of the historic Carl's Drive-In in Brentwood, Missouri, said in an interview he's staying old-fashioned in the restaurant's style, including reviving old recipes. David Kraemer, who purchased the Route 66 diner a few weeks ago from Mike Franklin, told the Riverfront Times of St. Louis about how he's reviving a method from … Continue reading New owner of Carl’s Drive-In says he’s sticking with its old-school methods
Century-old passenger rail car will be converted into a diner on Route 66
A 110-year-old passenger rail car is being moved to Bloomington, Illinois, so it can be converted into a diner on Route 66. The decaying Illinois Terminal rail car once sat for more than 30 years at a former depot in Harristown, Illinois, west of Decatur. David Parker of Bloomington was forced to cut the rail … Continue reading Century-old passenger rail car will be converted into a diner on Route 66
Owner of Missouri Hick Bar-B-Que dies of COVID-19 complications
Dennis Meiser, the longtime owner of the landmark Missouri Hick Bar-B-Que restaurant along Route 66 in Cuba, Missouri, died Friday after being hospitalized for several weeks due to coronavirus complications. He was 65. Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba is handling the arrangements. The visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral … Continue reading Owner of Missouri Hick Bar-B-Que dies of COVID-19 complications
29th neon sign created or restored through Tulsa’s Route 66 Neon Sign Grant program
Tulsa's Route 66 Neon Sign Grant Program recently saw the 29th sign through its program glow to life. The latest is The Meat and Cheese Show shop at the corner of 11th Street (aka Route 66) and Peoria Avenue. The Meat and Cheese Show is a collaboration between two local chefs, offering catering, Tulsa cheeses … Continue reading 29th neon sign created or restored through Tulsa’s Route 66 Neon Sign Grant program
Big Texan in Amarillo marks its 10,000th 72-ounce steak challenge
The Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo earlier this month celebrated its 10,000th contestant attempting to consume its famous 72-ounce steak dinner. The 10,000th dinner was eaten on Sept. 1 by John Lamons, who accomplished the feat just seconds short of the 60-minute deadline to get it for free. The challenge requires one to eat … Continue reading Big Texan in Amarillo marks its 10,000th 72-ounce steak challenge
Clifton’s in downtown Los Angeles likely will reopen next month
The historic Clifton's in downtown Los Angeles is scheduled to reopen in October after being closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. When developer Andrew Meieran purchased the property at 648 S. Broadway and reopened it six years ago after $14 million in renovations, he expanded the public access from two to five levels of the building, … Continue reading Clifton’s in downtown Los Angeles likely will reopen next month