A legend on Route 66 might be facing an uncertain future.
The Bagdad Cafe, a well-known stop on America’s iconic Mother Road, could be in jeopardy after its kitchen closed and the passing of its founder.
Andrea Pruett was inspired by the 1987 film of the same title when she opened the restaurant in Newberry Springs in 1995.
The cult classic tells the story of a German tourist, played by Marianne Sägebrecht, who starts a cafe after finding herself stranded there.
Located in a small A-frame structure on Route 66, which celebrates its centennial this year, the cafe is filled with an eclectic mix of decorations—flags, stamps, license plates, and jerseys from all around the globe.
Unfortunately, the business didn’t fare well during pandemic closures and hasn’t fully bounced back since.
“We don’t get any locals, and we don’t have a kitchen right now,” Mark Bradley, the cafe manager, shared. “But we’re definitely known for … the special atmosphere we create here.”
The cafe has plenty of memorabilia from the beloved German film, including a jukebox that plays the theme song “Calling You.”
Pruett, who passed away at the age of 85 earlier this year, was known for her warm hospitality.
“When guests arrived, it was like a director saying, ‘Action!’ ” said her grandson, Greg Landers. “She would welcome everyone and encourage them to take a seat, answering any questions they had.”
Throughout the years, the Bagdad Cafe attracted many notable visitors, including Prince Albert of Monaco and Renée Zellweger, who mentioned her experience at the cafe during an appearance on “The Tonight Show.”
This year, the cafe faced a near-catastrophe when its roof collapsed due to storms linked to Tropical Storm Hilary, prompting an online fundraiser that collected over $25,000 for repairs.
A documentary titled “The Keeper of Bagdad,” directed by French filmmaker Leá De Carmo, has also been released this year, focusing on Pruett’s later years.
“One thing she never forgot was the cafe,” De Carmo remarked. “She always recognized its significance and knew it was the place she wanted to be.”
Matt Parker, one of the caretakers of the cafe, noted that they receive up to three tour buses on good days.
Though the kitchen is closed, visitors can still come to take photos and buy souvenirs. Pruett’s family is still in the process of determining the cafe’s future after her passing.
“You can’t recreate this,” Parker said. “We’re merely caretakers. It’s almost like a museum or a sanctuary, preserving all the memories here. Mrs. Pruett was dedicated to safeguarding it and honoring visitors’ contributions.”
