Big Willy’s Hot Dogs stand in Chandler uses 1930 Phillips 66 gas station for indoor seating

Shortly before Christmas, the Big Willy's Hot Dogs trailer in Chandler, Oklahoma, announced it would use a famous 1930 Phillips 66 cottage-style gas station for indoor seating at the restaurant. Here's the announcement by the restaurant: Route 66 artist and author Jerry McClanahan, who lives in Chandler, stopped by that day to check it out: … Continue reading Big Willy’s Hot Dogs stand in Chandler uses 1930 Phillips 66 gas station for indoor seating

Eateries in Kingman, St. Louis make list of Yelp’s top 100 U.S. restaurants in 2024

Restaurants in Kingman, Arizona, and St. Louis made the list of Yelp's Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S. for 2024. Both restaurants also are close to Route 66. The crowdsourced review site favored by many foodies and hipsters noted that Asian noodle shops, vegan Mexican joints, Latin food, Korean fusion cuisine and Sun Belt … Continue reading Eateries in Kingman, St. Louis make list of Yelp’s top 100 U.S. restaurants in 2024

Teen driver charged after 6 pedestrians hurt at Ted Drewes Frozen Custard in St. Louis

Police charged a 19-year-old driver after he was accused of hitting six pedestrians with his vehicle in the parking lot of Ted Drewes Frozen Custard in St. Louis. Rasool Al Janabi faces five counts of leaving the scene of an accident with physical injury, reported the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. It wasn't clear whether he was … Continue reading Teen driver charged after 6 pedestrians hurt at Ted Drewes Frozen Custard in St. Louis

The Curve Inn in Springfield named one of the best dive bars in the U.S. for food

The Curve Inn in Springfield, Illinois, was named one of the best dive bars in the United States for food, according to an online survey. The Springfield State Journal-Register reported that Geek Nexus, an entertainment and media website, surveyed 3,000 adults across America to find the best dive bars for unexpected menu items. A total … Continue reading The Curve Inn in Springfield named one of the best dive bars in the U.S. for food

Roy’s in Amboy hopes to have cafe, cottage open by 2026

The owners of Roy's Motel & Cafe in Amboy, California, hope to have the restaurant and it six small cottages reopened by Route 66's centennial in 2026. That factoid was part of a feature in The Guardian newspaper in London about Roy's and the Okura family, who own the complex and the town. Albert Okura, … Continue reading Roy’s in Amboy hopes to have cafe, cottage open by 2026

Sweetwater BBQ in St. Robert closing down after 25 years in business

The family-owned Sweetwater BBQ restaurant in St. Robert, Missouri, is closing permanently on Dec. 22 after a quarter-century in business. The owners stated they were retiring. The restaurant put out this message on Facebook earlier this month: The post generated more than 40 comments, wishing the owners well and lamenting they would no longer have … Continue reading Sweetwater BBQ in St. Robert closing down after 25 years in business

Forthcoming Hotrod Hangout in Galena soon will include an operating Valentine diner

The Hotrod Hangout Speed Shop & Diner, which will open soon in Galena, Kansas, will include an original Valentine diner operating as soon as this spring. The speed shop inside will include elements of an old-time Fina gas station and a drive-in theatre, complete with a ticket booth, which the owner hopes will become a … Continue reading Forthcoming Hotrod Hangout in Galena soon will include an operating Valentine diner

The Chili Parlor in Springfield is under new ownership

The Chili Parlor, a mainstay in Springfield, Illinois, for almost 80 years, is under new ownership. Roy and Stephanie Beal for now haven't revealed the new owner's identity, but they confirmed to the Springfield State Journal-Register that the restaurant had changed hands. The Beals put The Chili Parlor up for sale in 2022 but pledged … Continue reading The Chili Parlor in Springfield is under new ownership

Trader Vic’s returning to Southern California next year, this time on Route 66

Trader Vic's, a famed Polynesian restaurant chain that dates back at least 70 years, is returning to Southern California next year with a location on Route 66. The famed Trader Vic's at the Beverly Hilton closed in 2007, but a new one is slated to open in West Hollywood, reported Los Angeles Magazine. Rhett Rosen, … Continue reading Trader Vic’s returning to Southern California next year, this time on Route 66

Retro diner going into former Sonrise Donuts building in Springfield

After being a Mexican restaurant for years, the former Sonrise Donuts building along Route 66 in Springfield, Illinois, will be transformed into a retro diner called The Fountain on 66. The Springfield State Journal-Register (subscription required) reports that Tom Hart signed a lease effective Jan. 1 to take over the building, Hart will have to … Continue reading Retro diner going into former Sonrise Donuts building in Springfield