Welcome to Roadside Peek News. This section will feature a news peek of what's happening out on the road. While not pretending to be comprehensive, we hope you'll visit this section from time to time to keep up on just a sample of issues that are roadside related. Don't forget to check out the Roadside Peek main page for the day's update.

July to September 2009

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September 30, 2009

Florida Shopping Center Update

Updated the Florida signage section with photos of the Southgate Shopping Center courtesy of Scott Strickland.

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Neon Motel Updates to Central and Northern California

Updated the neon motel sections of Central and Northern California with new photos from Scott Strickland.

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Route 66 Twin Arrows Refurbished

The eye-catching giant arrows at Twin Arrows, one of Arizona's Route 66 landmarks, has been refurbished after falling into disrepair over the past several years. Word is the site of the former Twin Arrows Trading Post may be opened again in the future as a curio shop and diner by the Hopi tribe. More information can be found here. Many thanks to Chet Wilson for update.

September 26, 2009

Blasters at the Broiler Saturday 9/26 at 4:30pm

Word just in: The Blasters will play from 4:30pm to sunset on Saturday 9/26 and will be featuring special guests. Get there early with parking available behind the car wash in the lot adjacent to the restaurant. Thanks to Adriene Biondo for update.

September 24, 2009

More Broiler Updates

The 26th is a pre-opening bash...preview party. As you can see from the pix, the Broiler is still a ways off from opening and unfortunately the kitchen will not be up and running. Drinks and snacks will be available, but packing an ice chest would probably be a good idea, especially if you're planning to make a day of it. Special thanks to Jim Louder for allowing us a peek before the project is complete. Hope to see you Saturday! Many thanks to Adriene Biondo for update.

Also check out the L.A. Conservancy posting about Saturday's event and see more discussion on The HAMB/Jalopy Journal.

Here's the Blasters newsletter with additional info on their upcoming Saturday appearance.

September 21, 2009

Wisconsin Signs Added to Midwest Motels

Added a few roadside motel marquees to Roadside Motels Midwest, courtesy of Jim Zahniser.

September 19, 2009

Blasters to Play Sept 26th at Pre-Opening Broiler Event

9/26/2009 6:00 PM at BOB’S BROILER, CRUISE-IN
7447 Firestone Blvd, Downey, California

Free - All Ages - Bring the kids and your Cruiser! A preview party for the old Johnie’s Broiler in Downey, CA that is currently being restored back to its original glory and rebranded as a Bob’s Big Boy. Festivities start at noon and the Blasters will play a short set at about 6:00pm.

Parking will be available in the adjacent lot (behind the car wash).

Visit The Blasters on MySpace

Many thanks to Adriene Biondo for update.

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Big Boy Statue Unveiled

The Big Boy statue was unveiled during a ceremony at the Big Boy Broiler on September 15. See here for photos from the event. Many thanks to George Manzanilla for update.

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News Broadcast from the Broiler

Check out the Sept 16th CBS-2 / KCAL-9 news broadcast from Bob's Broiler. Many thanks to Adriene Biondo for update.

September 14, 2009

New Broiler Cruise-in Scheduled for September 26

Celebrate the new Bob's Big Boy Broiler, formerly Harvey's / Johnie's Broiler, on Saturday September 26, 2009 from 11am to sunset. The free event will be presented by the Friends of Johnie's & The Coalition to Rebuild the Broiler and will feature cars and music, including special musical guests The Blasters. A special So Cal Eats book signing will also take place between 2-3 pm. See this flyer created by John Eng for more information. Many thanks to Adriene Biondo for update.

September 10, 2009

Neon Signage Updates from Northern California

Added more neon signage from Northern California, courtesy of Scott Strickland. See What's New for details.

September 8, 2009

Bob's Construction Photos from September 3

There is lots of activity going on at the construction site of the new Bob's Big Boy Broiler in Downey. Check out the latest photos from September 3, 2009. Many thanks to Adriene Biondo for update.

August 29, 2009

Southern California Eats Book Published

Noted roadside historians and fans Adriene Biondo and John Eng have just published a new book Southern California Eats which is a must read. The authors will be a the Bun n' Burger in Alhambra for a book signing Saturday morning August 29 from 8am to 10am. Check out LA Magazine for more info.

July 30, 2009

Boulder City Roadside Gems Being Demolished for Pharmacy

A few of the roadside landmarks in Boulder City, NV are being demolished to make way for a CVS pharmacy. According to the Las Vegas Sun, the Chinese Fortune restaurant has already been torn down and the Starview Motel with its eye-catching sign is next. Photos of the buildings will be added here soon.

July 7, 2009

Northern California Updates

Just added photos from Scott Strickland to the Northern California section, including more roadside pubs and bars. More from Northern California will be coming soon See What's New for details.

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New to the Midwest

More roadside photos from the Midwest have been added courtesy of Richard Weiss, including a giant Uncle Sam, a mid-century modern church, another theatre, and more historic buildings. See What's New for details on sections that were updated.

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Detroit's Lafayette Building to be Demolished

The endangered Lafayette Building was built in 1923 as a 14-story office space in Detroit, MI and was home to the Michigan Supreme Court among other tenants. On June 25, 2009, the City's Downtown Development Authority voted unanimously to demolish the building and has already awarded out a demolition contract. According to a Preservation Magazine article, the National Trust for Historic Preservation had named the Lafayette Building to its list of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places in 2005.

July 4, 2009

Chart House Now Oceans 111 in Rancho Mirage

The Chart House in Rancho Mirage, CA is now Oceans 111, named after the HIghway 111 that it sits alongside. The restaurant still looks the same on the outside. Many thanks to James Cimarusti for update.

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Classic Photos from Tampa

Classic 1950s photos from Tampa have been added to Roadside Peek Florida courtesy of John V. Cinchett. All of the signs were made by Cinchett Neon Signs during the 1950s. See What's New for details.

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More Tummy Teasers from the Midwest

Check out the latest eateries from Midwest from Chibbqking. See What's New.

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New Additions to the Midwest Theatres

Added photos of the Apollo Theater in Oberlin, OH and the State Theatre in Bay City, MI to Grand Theatres Midwest courtesy of Bob Cutlip and Richards Weiss. See What's New for details.