Distinctive muffler shop building in Holbrook torn down to make way for a dollar store

A distinctive but long-closed building that once housed a muffler shop in Holbrook, Arizona, was torn down in recent days. Local reports indicate the site will be used for a Dollar General store: It stood next to the landmark Wigwam Motel. As usual, the Route 66 Times website had information about the site at West … Continue reading Distinctive muffler shop building in Holbrook torn down to make way for a dollar store

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

Plainsman Coffee Shop neon sign in Holbrook is taken down

The neon sign for the long-closed Plainsman Coffee Shop & Dining Room along Route 66 in Holbrook, Arizona, was taken down Tuesday. The news first was reported on the Holbrook AZ News & Events page on Facebook as it was happening. Photos were posted of an obviously professional sign company removing the sign. Observers on … Continue reading Plainsman Coffee Shop neon sign in Holbrook is taken down

Historic Roxy Theater in Holbrook has a new owner

The Roxy Theater along Route 66 in Holbrook, Arizona, landed a new owner earlier this year who pledges to retain its history. Haley Young, a Holbrook native who lives in Phoenix, bought the single-screen venue in January from Richard and Stacy Nowell, who had owned it since 2013. Young's brother and sister-in-law, who also live … Continue reading Historic Roxy Theater in Holbrook has a new owner

Joe & Aggie’s Cafe faces uncertain future after closing, death of its longtime owner

If the landmark Joe & Aggie's Cafe in Holbrook, Arizona, ever reopens, it probably won't be as a restaurant. That means folks who dined there in the fall of 2020 might have enjoyed among the last meals served in Holbrook's oldest restaurant before it quietly closed. According to Joe & Aggie's long-dormant Facebook page, the … Continue reading Joe & Aggie’s Cafe faces uncertain future after closing, death of its longtime owner

Smithsonian Magazine publishes a profile on a noted sake brewer in Holbrook

We commend to your attention a feature in Smithsonian Magazine about Atsuo Sakurai, who's been brewing award-winning sake -- a rice wine -- in the unlikely town of Holbrook, Arizona, along Route 66. We've posted stories about Sakurai and his Arizona Sake Co. before, but this one goes more in-depth. A few tidbits: For the … Continue reading Smithsonian Magazine publishes a profile on a noted sake brewer in Holbrook

Arizona 66 Association awards grant to repurpose Holbrook motel into veterans housing

The Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona awarded a $10,000 grant to Veteran Services USA to "repurpose and renew historic elements" of the former America's Best Value Inn motel at 720 Navajo Blvd. in Holbrook, Arizona.  A news release from Veteran Services USA stated: Motel owner Veteran Services USA intends to pursue several pre-development steps that will elevate … Continue reading Arizona 66 Association awards grant to repurpose Holbrook motel into veterans housing

Globetrotter Lodge in Holbrook has new owner

The Globetrotter Lodge in Holbrook, Arizona, announced it has a new owner, and the deal will close July 8. Peter and Mona Hoeller, natives of Austria, announced in November 2018 they had put the Route 66 motel up for sale. They originally said the 10-room hotel would be listed for $598,000. According to a comment … Continue reading Globetrotter Lodge in Holbrook has new owner

Navajo County Courthouse in Holbrook soon will get a new roof

The Navajo County Historic Courthouse along Route 66 in Holbrook, Arizona, soon will receive a new roof after the county's board of supervisors approved a bid for the job. The White Mountain Independent reports the low bidder was $197,000 from Restore Pro of Snowflake, Arizona. The contract calls for removing the old roof, including special handling … Continue reading Navajo County Courthouse in Holbrook soon will get a new roof

Buddhist monk walking much of Route 66

If you're in the western half of Route 66 and see what appears to be a orange-clad Buddhist monk walking on the side of the road, it probably because it is a Buddhist monk. The Arizona Daily Sun in Flagstaff caught up with Sutham Nateetong when he was in town last week. The Thai Buddhist … Continue reading Buddhist monk walking much of Route 66