News

‘The Fountain’ runs dry: Restaurant on Route 66 closes after less than a year

‘The Fountain’ runs dry:  Restaurant on Route 66 closes after less than a year

"The Fountain on 66" is now closed. Photo: Saga Communications/Will Stevenson


Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – It was just starting to make a name for itself — especially as this is the 100th year of historic Route 66.

The Springfield Business Journal reports the restaurant known as “The Fountain” on 9th Street is now closed, after just a year in operation.

“Tom Hart, who also owns ‘The Stadium’ smokehouse…his daughter was helping him run that.  He has decided to focus on his primary business at ‘The Stadium,'” says Michelle Editor, Executive Editor, on the WTAX Morning Newswatch.

Ownbey says Tom Hart just didn’t have time for both, and would love to see a new owner take over and make it thrive.

“For awhile, they also had been a vendor out at The Railyard,” said Ownbey.  “Maybe they were spread a bit too thin there.  They had a lot of different things going on at the same time.”

The location of “The Fountain” is the former location of the iconic “Sonrise Donuts.”

NOTE: According to management, gift certificates for “The Fountain” purchased through SpringfieldRealDeals.com will be honored at The Stadium.

Recent Headlines

3 days ago in Trending, World

Charles hosted Prince Harry and family for first time in years as they try to repair a family rift

King Charles III hosted Prince Harry and met with his family for the first time in years Friday as they try to repair a rift that has persisted since his youngest son and wife quit royal life and moved to America six years ago.

4 days ago in Entertainment

New ‘Little House’ series explores complicated history but keeps heart, community at the center

It's a story with covered wagons and one room schoolhouses, but showrunner Rebecca Sonnenshine says the "Little House on the Prairie" remake for Netflix still speaks to today's American dream.

4 days ago in Entertainment

Behind Christopher Nolan’s 6-country epic undertaking to bring ‘The Odyssey’ to the big screen

Christopher Nolan has never been afraid to dream a little bigger. It's almost a calling. With every film, he's pushed himself and the medium further — playing with form, storytelling, visuals and audience expectations to create lasting cinematic spectacles.

4 days ago in Entertainment, Lifestyle, Local, Music

Muni stages regional premiere of ‘The Prince of Egypt’

Assistant director Elijah Sadler said audiences familiar with the movie will recognize many of its iconic songs and moments, while newcomers can expect a powerful theatrical experience.

5 days ago in Entertainment, Music

Bonnie Tyler, who topped the charts with epic ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart,’ has died at 75

Bonnie Tyler, the gravelly voiced, Grammy-nominated Welsh pop star whose 1983 chart-topping power ballad "Total Eclipse of the Heart" enchanted succeeding generations with its bombastic charms during solar and lunar eclipses, has died. She was 75.