White Manna Relocation, Expansion Proposal Approved by Hackensack
Rendering of the new location. Image via Hackensack Planning Board.
From Jersey Digs: The historic White Manna Hamburgers restaurant, located at the corner of River and Passaic streets in Hackensack, is set to relocate to a brand-new location in the city following approval from the city’s planning board. Officials voted on June 10 to approve a site plan for a new restaurant building at 112-120 Hackensack Avenue after deliberating on the merits of the proposal over two meetings.
White Manna, which has been named the best hamburger joint in the Garden State multiple times during its more than 80 years of existence, has been at its current location at 358 River Street since 1946.
West Hollywood Historic Emser Tile Neon Sign Replaced by LED Lighting, Drawing Mixed Reaction
Emser Tile Headquarters in West Hollywood. WEHO TIMES
From WEHO Times: The iconic neon sign atop the longtime Emser Tile building in West Hollywood appears to have undergone a significant change, with the building’s signature neon tubing replaced by a dotted LED strip lighting system that some community members say lacks the character of the original landmark.
The change was first brought to attention by local residents who recently reported that the sign no longer glows with traditional neon illumination. While the overall appearance of the sign remains largely intact from a distance, a closer look reveals what appears to be LED lighting in place of the original neon tubes.
‘Unghosting’ history: America’s first Black incorporated town officially restored to Route 66 map
From KSDK: BROOKLYN, IL — A historic Metro East community is finally getting its flowers after decades of being bypassed, neglected and intentionally left off the map.
“It was neglected. It was overlooked, but at the same time it was a place that had a rich history and legacy,” says Woodrow Walker, native of Brooklyn, Illinois.
On Friday, Brooklyn officially joined America’s most famous highway as community leaders unveiled a new Route 66 marker on Madison Street.
World’s first Dairy Queen is celebrated in Joliet as Route 66 turns 100
People gather outside the world’s first Dairy Queen, located at 501 N. Chicago St. in Joliet, on June 25, 2026, to dedicate part of its restoration. The shop, located along Historic Route 66, opened in 1940 and is now under the management of the Joliet Area Historical Museum. (Troy Stolt/for the Chicago Tribune)
From the Chicago Tribune: It may not be serving up tasty treats, but the original Dairy Queen shop along Route 66 in Joliet is being restored to celebrate the moment, more than 80 years ago, when two local businessmen opened the first DQ.
The Joliet Area Historical Museum on Thursday showed off the completion of a facade improvement project, with shop signage and neon signs that hark back to the original 1940s storefront. The celebration featured an appearance by Dairy Queen International CEO Troy Bader and, of course, Dilly Bars.
Beloved White Castle location in NYC closes after 85 years
The White Castle that’s been serving customers in Queens for nearly nine decades is shutting its doors on Wednesday. David Russell/NYPost
From the New York Post: The White Castle that’s been serving customers in Queens for nearly nine decades is shutting its doors on Wednesday — marking the end of one of New York City’s longest-running restaurants.
The fast-food joint on 57th Avenue in Elmhurst — which opened in 1939 — has been sold and will likely be turned into an apartment building, restaurant manager Elsa Lima told the Queens Chronicle.
“This location is closed. It was our pleasure to serve you,” said a banner that draped over the building, advising customers to visit its nearest locations in Brooklyn and Sunnyside.
What’s a ghost sign and why are there so many in Toronto?
‘Shocking, in a good way’: A curious food ad from early 1900s is uncovered in SF
The newly discovered Carnation Mush ghost sign is painted on the back of the building at 579 Columbus Ave. in San Francisco’s North Beach. Greg Keraghosian/SFGATE
From SFGATE: Like the words of a doting grandmother from a bygone age brought back to life, a breakfast message emerged from the dust of a long-delayed building demolition in San Francisco’s North Beach neighborhood last week: Eat Carnation Mush.
So said a large and remarkably well-preserved “ghost sign” advertisement painted high across the rear of the building at 579 Columbus Avenue. The demolition of the adjacent, burned-out Verdi Building, which dated back to 1914, revealed the slightly faded red-orange sign with white lettering and a pink carnation.
Based on the 1912 construction of the Columbus Avenue building, the ad likely saw little daylight before the Verdi Building’s presence canceled it for around 112 years.