City Cafe

Toastmaster Cafe (Gone)
Globe, AZ
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

Cruising along the old highway through the historic mining country of Globe, it was hard to miss the eye-catching roadside marquee for the Toastmaster Cafe. With its distinctive lettering standing tall out front, this classic roadside eatery looked like a true survivor from a bygone era of Arizona travel. 06-23

Located along East Ash Street on the U.S. Route 60 corridor, the single-story pink building was a beloved community staple for decades. Originally built back in the 1940s, the cafe was famously run by Toy Hom and his family for over thirty years. It became a legendary local gathering spot thanks to its unique hybrid menu, where hungry motorists and copper miners alike could order classic American diner comfort food right alongside plates of delicious Chinese pork fried rice.

By the time this photo was taken over twenty years ago, the cafe had closed its doors and the desert elements had taken their toll. The paint had weathered, swamp coolers sat quiet on the roof, and the vintage neon sign had faded under the intense Arizona sun, looking like a dusty time capsule frozen right by the side of the road.

UPDATE: After sitting vacant for years, the historic building was torn down around 2012 and the classic sign was removed. 08-26

La Luz Del Dia
Globe , AZ
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

Take a look at the fun, custom-shaped coffee mug sign hanging out front of La Luz Del Dia. Projecting over the sidewalk along historic North Broad Street in downtown Globe, this oversized cup has been catching the eyes of hungry travelers and locals looking for a hot meal and a fresh brew for decades. 06-23

First opened back in 1973 by the Salcido family, the bakery and cafe quickly became a beloved fixture in the historic mining district. It built a loyal following thanks to its wonderful dual setup, functioning as both a traditional bakery turning out fresh Mexican pastries and custom-baked buns, and a lively diner serving up hearty comfort food. Whether you were in the mood for classic American diner fare like bacon and eggs and giant pancakes, or authentic Sonoran favorites like huevos rancheros and homemade chorizo, this was the place to pull over and grab a booth.

UPDATE: The business and its signature coffee mug sign are still around on Broad Street, though the graphic face of the sign has been updated and modernized with a much plainer look. 08-26

Nickerson Farms Restaurant (Demolished)
Picacho, AZ
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

Here's a look at the weathered highway sign that once stood outside the Nickerson Farms Restaurant in Picacho. Situated right by the foot of Picacho Peak along the busy desert highway corridor, this familiar roadside stop was hard to miss with its big marquee and signature red-roofed barn profile. 06-23

Opened on November 22, 1969, this was actually the very first Nickerson Farms franchise to debut in Arizona. The national chain was started in the 1960s by Ivan "I.J." Nickerson, a former Stuckey's franchisee who broke away after disagreeing with the company's shift toward fast-food style counter service instead of full sit-down family dining. In addition to hearty meals and gift shop novelties, Nickerson Farms was famous for selling its own fresh honey, complete with an indoor glass viewing window built right into a working beehive so road-tripping families could watch live bees at work.

Sitting right next door to the old Picacho Peak Trading Post, the restaurant was a classic desert oasis for travelers cruising between Phoenix and Tucson until the franchise ran into financial trouble and shut down around 1980. After sitting abandoned for decades, the deteriorating building finally collapsed, leaving just the lone sign and empty concrete slabs out in the brush.

UPDATE: The collapsed building remains have been cleared and the vintage roadside sign has been completely removed from the site. 08-26