Red’s Giant Hamburg sold for $575,000 at auction

Red's Giant Hamburg, a re-creation of the original that once stood along Route 66 in Springfield, Missouri, sold a few days ago at auction for $575,000. The identity of the restaurant's new owner remains unknown, though KLOR-TV in Springfield reported it is a local investor. No one knows what he or she intends to do … Continue reading Red’s Giant Hamburg sold for $575,000 at auction

Landing Pad shop opens near new Gemini Giant location in Wilmington

The Landing Pad, a Route 66-themed souvenir shop, opened in early May just steps from the new location of the Gemini Giant in Wilmington, Illinois. The shop will be open from Thursday through Monday from noon to 6 p.m. through November. It's at 110 S. Park St. (map here), just off Route 66 in Wilmington. … Continue reading Landing Pad shop opens near new Gemini Giant location in Wilmington

Relighting ceremony for Road Runner’s Retreat neon sign set for Nov. 8

The years-long quest to restore the long-dark neon sign at the defunct Road Runner's Retreat truck stop near Chambless, California, soon will become a reality. The Facebook account for the site announced a few days ago that it would host a relighting ceremony for the sign on Nov. 8. It stated that more details would … Continue reading Relighting ceremony for Road Runner’s Retreat neon sign set for Nov. 8

New version of Red’s Giant Hamburg will be auctioned

The resurrected version of Red's Giant Hamburg in Springfield, Missouri, will be auctioned on May 15 after opening about six years ago. OzarksFirst.com first reported that the property on the south side of Springfield (not on Route 66), along with its fixtures and equipment, will be auctioned starting at 1 p.m. on May 15. The … Continue reading New version of Red’s Giant Hamburg will be auctioned

City of St. Louis to celebrate Ted Drewes Day on Friday

The City of St. Louis on Friday is officially recognizing Ted Drewes Day, in honor of the landmark Ted Drewes Frozen Custard stands. On that day, the stand at 6726 Chippewa St. (aka Route 66) will offer 96-cent single-scoop cones or 96-cent single scoops of custard in a "hometown baseball team helmet" -- presumably the … Continue reading City of St. Louis to celebrate Ted Drewes Day on Friday

Route 66 hotel project, “Cry Baby Cry” statue placed on hold by City of Tulsa

A Route 66-themed hotel project and a controversial "Cry Baby Cry" statue -- both near Tulsa's Arkansas River -- have been put on the back burner by the city after a new mayor recently took office. An interactive digital storytelling experience about Route 66 also has been put on hold. The Tulsa World newspaper gleaned … Continue reading Route 66 hotel project, “Cry Baby Cry” statue placed on hold by City of Tulsa

Nearly century-old Clanton’s Cafe of Vinita put on the market for $1.9 million

Clanton's Cafe, a family-owned landmark on Route 66 in Vinita, Oklahoma, since 1927, has been put up for sale for the first time, with an asking price of $1.9 million. The restaurant at 319 E. Illinois Ave. (aka Route 66) is listed by K. Abbott Realty Group: Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 … Continue reading Nearly century-old Clanton’s Cafe of Vinita put on the market for $1.9 million

Fire prompts indefinite closing of Kix on 66 restaurant in Tucumcari

A fire early Friday heavily damaged the roof of Kix on 66 in Tucumcari, New Mexico. The restaurant will be closed indefinitely, but its owners have vowed to rebuild. A local firefighter shot this photo of the fire shortly after it was reported. Co-owner Donna Halfhill was in the kitchen about 4 a.m., getting ready … Continue reading Fire prompts indefinite closing of Kix on 66 restaurant in Tucumcari

Roy’s Motel & Cafe in Amboy featured in “Today” show segment

Kyle Okura and the Roy's Motel & Cafe site in Amboy, California, recently were featured in a segment on NBC-TV's "Today" show. It delves into Kyle's father, Albert Okura, who purchased the entire Route 66 town 20 years ago. After Albert's death, Kyle has been trying to fulfill his father's vision. Kyle said in an … Continue reading Roy’s Motel & Cafe in Amboy featured in “Today” show segment

Neon sign lighting ceremony for Western Motel in Vinita set for April 12

The owners of the Western Motel along Route 66 in Vinita, Oklahoma, announce a lighting ceremony for its new neon sign. The new sign will be unveiled at 7 p.m. on April 12. The event will include live music, food and more. The Western Motel last fall received a neon-sign grant through the Oklahoma Route … Continue reading Neon sign lighting ceremony for Western Motel in Vinita set for April 12