Route 66 Centennial spurs tourism in historic small towns
Along the historic U.S. Route 66 in Amarillo, travelers are on the lookout for classic diners, vibrant neon signs, and unique hotels. It’s interesting—some establishments have come and gone as swiftly as I-40 was built, while others are just trying to survive.
One well-known Californian landmark on Route 66 is struggling to keep its doors open as the “Mother Road” marks its 100th anniversary. The Bagdad Cafe in Newberry Springs has welcomed visitors from across the globe for many years, but its future is uncertain following the passing of owner Andrea Pruett in January and ongoing financial challenges that led to the kitchen’s closure.
This quirky spot in the Mojave Desert, adorned with dollar bills, flags, license plates, and jerseys from visitors globally, gained international fame after inspiring the 1987 German film “Bagdad Cafe.”
While visitors can still stop by for photos and souvenirs—like T-shirts, which have become a key source of revenue—the cafe no longer offers food. The current owners are focused on raising funds to restore the kitchen and update the septic system.
Interestingly, many American travelers stop primarily because of the highway’s rich history. In contrast, European tourists, especially from France, often come due to the 1987 film, as a worker mentioned. The cafe has accumulated around 40 guest books filled with messages from visitors over the years.
Pruett ran the cafe for over 30 years and was well-known for her welcoming demeanor. Many who worked with her shared her gift for greeting travelers with smiles, and she even climbed onto the counter to sing with French tourists at times.
Before her passing at 85, Pruett noted in a GoFundMe post that international tourists and tour buses had made up about 80% of their business before the COVID-19 pandemic paused operations. Upon reopening, only cold drinks were available instead of meals.
But the pandemic wasn’t the only challenge. Years of leaks had caused rainwater to flood the 1950s building, putting treasured memorabilia at risk. Supporters rallied in 2024, raising enough money through GoFundMe to replace the roof and interior ceiling.
Currently, another GoFundMe campaign seeks donations to reopen the cafe’s kitchen and upgrade its septic system.
The immediate objective is to reopen the kitchen, which is essential for preserving this historic landmark for future travelers, according to the cafe’s website.
Meanwhile, the Pruett family is still figuring out the long-term future of the landmark, but the cafe remains open daily for visitors eager to experience this iconic stop along Route 66 during its centennial celebration.
