Jobe’s Drive-In in El Reno scheduled to reopen in mid-2024

Jobe's Drive-In in El Reno, Oklahoma, is scheduled to reopen as a restaurant in June after it closed nearly a decade ago. Oklahoma Route 66 Association President Rhys Martin noted early this summer that the sign for the Route 66 landmark had been spruced up. According to a recent story in the Yukon Progress-News, longtime … Continue reading Jobe’s Drive-In in El Reno scheduled to reopen in mid-2024

Mexican restaurant with Route 66 theme opens at the former site of Sonrise Donuts in Springfield

A Mexican restaurant called Lil Fiesta on Route 66 recently opened in the space that held Sonrise Donuts and its iconic sign for many years in Springfield, Illinois. Lil Fiesta on Route 66 opened Friday at 1101 S. Ninth St. (aka Route 66) in a space that also held another Mexican restaurant, for a few … Continue reading Mexican restaurant with Route 66 theme opens at the former site of Sonrise Donuts in Springfield

El Rancho Grande restaurant in Tulsa marks its 70th year

The landmark El Rancho Grande Mexican Food Restaurant near downtown Tulsa recently marked its 70th anniversary of operation. El Rancho, located at 1629 E. 11th St. (aka Route 66), remains best known for its well-preserved neon sign and that it is a pioneer in Mexican restaurant food in the United States. The restaurant marked the … Continue reading El Rancho Grande restaurant in Tulsa marks its 70th year

St. Cloud Hotel in Chandler put up for sale by its longtime owner

The 120-year-old St. Cloud Hotel building along Route 66 in Chandler, Oklahoma, has been placed on the market by its longtime owner. John Givens, who has owned the property since the 1980s, said in a telephone interview he put it up for sale a few weeks ago because he needs to devote more time to … Continue reading St. Cloud Hotel in Chandler put up for sale by its longtime owner

Neon sign at Webb City Florist is restored

The restoration of the historic neon sign for Webb City Florist in Webb City, Missouri, was unveiled during a ceremony last week hosted by the Route 66 Association of Missouri. Association President Rich Dinkela hosted a brief Facebook Live event from the night: Here are more images from the association: And here's an image from … Continue reading Neon sign at Webb City Florist is restored

Latest cost-share grants announced from Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program

The Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program announced six grants this year totaling about $165,000 to varying historic preservation, research, oral history, interpretative and educational projects. I noticed the grant awards this year were capped at $30,000. Still, 30 grand is 30 grand. Here are the grant awards: Round Barn siding repair in Arcadia, OklahomaApplicant: Arcadia Historical … Continue reading Latest cost-share grants announced from Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program

City of Tulsa now offering facade matching grants for historic buildings along Route 66

The City of Tulsa announced it is offering matching grants of up to $40,000 to help restore the facades of historic buildings along its Route 66 alignments. The grant program was established with the help of the Tulsa Route 66 Commission. The announcement was made at the historic Circle Cinema, which undoubtedly would be eligible … Continue reading City of Tulsa now offering facade matching grants for historic buildings along Route 66

Volunteers, NM Route 66 Association begin restoration of neon signs in Tucumcari

A group of volunteers and members of the New Mexico Route 66 Association began efforts Thursday and Friday to restore nail-damaged neon tubing on historic signs along Route 66 in Tucumcari, New Mexico. Among the signs worked on were TeePee Curios, Del's Restaurant, La Cita restaurant, Motel Safari and Loretta's Burrito Hut. Fast TV Network … Continue reading Volunteers, NM Route 66 Association begin restoration of neon signs in Tucumcari

Holbrook restaurant returns original and restored Richfield gas station sign

The Colonel Mustard Hot Dogs restaurant in Holbrook, Arizona, recently returned an original and restored Richfield gas station sign that once stood at the site. Colonel Mustard Hot Dogs at 459 Navajo Blvd. (aka Route 66) opened in May, with Vienna Beef Chicago-style hot dogs among its offerings. Aaron and Becki Colon own the restaurant. Aaron … Continue reading Holbrook restaurant returns original and restored Richfield gas station sign

Route 66 Motel in Kingman to be converted to an affordable housing complex

The Route 66 Motel in Kingman, Arizona, known far and wide by photographers for its neon sign with a sweeping arrow, soon will be converted into affordable housing for the homeless and poverty-stricken. According to KPNX-TV in Phoenix, Catholic Charities Communities Services Arizona announced it had obtained a $4.5 million grant funding to buy the motel … Continue reading Route 66 Motel in Kingman to be converted to an affordable housing complex