As Chicago Loses Another Iconic Neon Sign, Preservationists Sound The Alarm
The iconic Erie-LaSalle Body Shop sign was hauled away to an antique restorer in the suburbs after the family sold the 92-year-old business on February 13, 2026. Credit: Nathan Rock
From Block Club Chicago: RIVER WEST — Bob Gottfred can’t help but feel “very blue” after selling his 92-year-old family business, Erie-LaSalle Body Shop, for what he would only call “an offer we couldn’t refuse.”
The new owners, a national auto chain, have no use for Erie-LaSalle’s mid-century neon sign — featuring the shape of a 1957 Plymouth — that’s been a bright anachronism presiding over River West for decades.
“It’s been gratifying, taking a car that’s wrecked, pieces of steel all bent up, to put it back together and deliver it to somebody,” Gottfred said.
The Original Pantry Cafe is reopening under a new partnership with a homelessness nonprofit
The Original Pantry Cafe, on the northwest corner of Figueroa and 9th streets, in 1978. (Security Pacific National Bank Photo Collection/ Courtesy L.A. Public Library)
From LAist: The historic Original Pantry Cafe in downtown Los Angeles is reopening under a new partnership with nonprofit Hope the Mission.
The more than 100-year-old diner on Figueroa Street is expected to open in May or June in collaboration with the North Hills-based organization that provides meals, shelter and services to people experiencing homelessness.
When The Pantry first announced its closure last March, thousands of Angelenos from its loyal multi-generational customer base flocked to the restaurant for one last meal.
But now, the greasy spoon will start serving customers again under a new model. All profits will go toward supporting the unhoused community, according to Ken Craft, founder and CEO.
New Doo Wop-Themed Super Wawa Under Construction in Wildwood
A Doo Wop-themed Wawa location with full-service gas and convenience has started construction along New Jersey Avenue. Image courtesy Wawa
From Jersey Digs: A unique twist on the Wawa experience that will blend in with the vibe of a historic Jersey Shore town is rising smack dab in the middle of Wildwood.
A new Super Wawa is coming to the Wildwoods at 3400 New Jersey Avenue, featuring a neon-style sign and a retro color scheme. The new location will pay tribute to the Wildwoods’ renowned Doo Wop mid-century architectural history.
The story of Australia’s iconic roadhouses
The Pink Roadhouse, Oodnadatta, Outback South Australia
From commercialrealestate.com.au: At the Pink Roadhouse in Oodnadatta, outback South Australia, owners Joe and Jess Calvert wear many hats.
One hour they are making coffee for hardworking truckies, the next fixing a tyre for a grey nomad, and later sorting the mail for local families.
That’s life running an Aussie roadhouse. These far-flung establishments are part of bush folklore. But more importantly, they are the lifeblood of the communities that live and work along the country’s most remote highways.
Casa Grande Neon Sign Park lights up Arizona’s roadside past
Zack Perry
From ABC15: CASA GRANDE, AZ — A glowing slice of midcentury Americana is lighting up historic downtown at the Casa Grande Neon Sign Park, where restored vintage signs showcase the city’s roadside history.
The park, which opened in 2019, features neon signs once displayed outside local businesses, many dating back to the 1950s and 1960s. The signs were preserved and restored through a community-led effort focused on historic preservation and beautification.
CABALI DOCUMENTARY SCREENING BRINGS TIKI CULTURE SPOTLIGHT TO TUCSON
Doug “Fini” Finical (Photo courtesy of Snark Attack Productions)
From Tucson Foodie: Tucson film fans and cocktail enthusiasts will soon gather for the Arizona premiere of a documentary rooted in a local Tiki obsession.
Film Fest Tucson and Arizona Arts Live will present Cabali and the Tiki Mug Obsession at 6 p.m. Sunday, March 29, at Marroney Theatre on the University of Arizona campus. The screening highlights the colorful history of Tiki culture and the Tucson story behind Cabali, a speakeasy-style Tiki bar in Oro Valley.
After the film, director Josh Dragotta and featured collector Doug “Fini” Finical will join a live Q&A with the audience.
“Cabali and the Tiki Mug Obsession” traces the rise, fall, and revival of mid-century Tiki culture through its most recognizable symbol, the ceramic Tiki mug.