“Wherever you get to is better than where you started. To stay on the road is a massive achievement.”
ANTHONY JOSHUA
New Mexico Route 66 Association Heritage Awards are presented to people and businesses that invest time, money, and resources to renovate and restore classic or iconic places of significance along Route 66 throughout New Mexico.
Heritage Awards 2025—Call for Nominations
We are seeking nominations for the New Mexico Route 66 Association Heritage Awards. These awards are presented to people and businesses that invest time, money, and resources to renovate and restore classic or iconic places of significance along Route 66 throughout New Mexico during 2024.
If you know of a person or an establishment you would like to nominate, please complete a nomination form. Self-nominations are welcome. Submissions must be received no later than December 31, 2025.
If you know of a person or an establishment you would like to nominate, please complete a nomination form. Self-nominations are welcome. Submissions must be received no later than December 31, 2025.
Heritage Awards 2024
CHASE WATERS
Del’s Restaurant, 1202 U.S. Route 66, Tucumcari
Opened in 1956 by Del Akin, Del’s Restaurant has been an institution in Tucumcari. In 1978 it was sold to Del’s secretary Jessica Braziel who sold it to her daughters Yvonne and Yvette in 1995. In 2021 the well-oiled machine was sold to former employee Chase Waters.
Chase immediately made the decision to make improvements that would showcase their commitment to providing a top-notch experience for their guests. Whether they are locals or travelers, young or old, they would constantly strive to improve the overall dining experience.
Improvements include updated technology with a strong Wi-Fi connection, and updated payment systems to cater to travelers from all over the world. They also now provide a space for local college students to study.
Tucumcari winters can be cold and windy. Insulation was added to all the dining rooms to provide a more comfortable experience for guests of Del’s.
By far one of the most popular and noticeable improvements has been the addition of a new bar in one of the dining rooms. Built by Chase himself the new “Saloon” proudly features New Mexico spirits, New Mexico Beers, and craft cocktails of all varieties. The bar area is in the same place as the one Del himself had many years ago. What’s old is now new!
Upcoming improvements include a charging station for people who need to charge their ride while they get “charged up” with nostalgic vintage vibes in a retro up to date atmosphere.
Chase has knocked it out of the park making sure that Del’s remains a beloved institution for years to come.
Del’s Restaurant, 1202 U.S. Route 66, Tucumcari
Opened in 1956 by Del Akin, Del’s Restaurant has been an institution in Tucumcari. In 1978 it was sold to Del’s secretary Jessica Braziel who sold it to her daughters Yvonne and Yvette in 1995. In 2021 the well-oiled machine was sold to former employee Chase Waters.
Chase immediately made the decision to make improvements that would showcase their commitment to providing a top-notch experience for their guests. Whether they are locals or travelers, young or old, they would constantly strive to improve the overall dining experience.
Improvements include updated technology with a strong Wi-Fi connection, and updated payment systems to cater to travelers from all over the world. They also now provide a space for local college students to study.
Tucumcari winters can be cold and windy. Insulation was added to all the dining rooms to provide a more comfortable experience for guests of Del’s.
By far one of the most popular and noticeable improvements has been the addition of a new bar in one of the dining rooms. Built by Chase himself the new “Saloon” proudly features New Mexico spirits, New Mexico Beers, and craft cocktails of all varieties. The bar area is in the same place as the one Del himself had many years ago. What’s old is now new!
Upcoming improvements include a charging station for people who need to charge their ride while they get “charged up” with nostalgic vintage vibes in a retro up to date atmosphere.
Chase has knocked it out of the park making sure that Del’s remains a beloved institution for years to come.
TODD AND DONNA HALFHILL
Kix on 66, 1102 E Route 66 Blvd., Tucumcari
The New Mexico Route 66 Association is pleased to present a 2024 Heritage Preservation Award to Todd and Donna Halfhill in recognition of beautification and major improvements to Kix on 66.
A major part of the heritage of historic Route 66 is represented by the classic cafes, diners and restaurants that provide travelers with an authentic and unique experience. Todd and Donna Halfhill purchased Kix on 66 in January of 2023 and opened the doors in April of 2023.
They replaced the roof, painted the building and replaced a long-missing sign with a new unique design. The sign is the tallest one in Tucumcari and is now a shining beacon to welcome guests.
Even more important, they have invested countless dollars completely replacing plumbing, electrical and kitchen equipment to make our dining experience special.
Outdoors they removed some deteriorated fencing, installed a cool retro truck with lights out front and painted a very unique glow in the dark mural to greet guests as they walked in the building.
Todd and Donna have poured their heart and soul into Kix making it a beautiful, fun, nostalgic place for travelers and locals. Not to mention the awesome food!
Kix on 66, 1102 E Route 66 Blvd., Tucumcari
The New Mexico Route 66 Association is pleased to present a 2024 Heritage Preservation Award to Todd and Donna Halfhill in recognition of beautification and major improvements to Kix on 66.
A major part of the heritage of historic Route 66 is represented by the classic cafes, diners and restaurants that provide travelers with an authentic and unique experience. Todd and Donna Halfhill purchased Kix on 66 in January of 2023 and opened the doors in April of 2023.
They replaced the roof, painted the building and replaced a long-missing sign with a new unique design. The sign is the tallest one in Tucumcari and is now a shining beacon to welcome guests.
Even more important, they have invested countless dollars completely replacing plumbing, electrical and kitchen equipment to make our dining experience special.
Outdoors they removed some deteriorated fencing, installed a cool retro truck with lights out front and painted a very unique glow in the dark mural to greet guests as they walked in the building.
Todd and Donna have poured their heart and soul into Kix making it a beautiful, fun, nostalgic place for travelers and locals. Not to mention the awesome food!
Heritage Award 2023
ROBERT MOORE JR. AND WILLIAM COOK
Circle S Ranch Court motel (formerly the Relax Inn), 1010 E. Route 66, Tucumcari
Mark Huff Motor and The Malt Shop, 310 W. Route 66, Tucumcari
Diamond Shamrock gas station, 401 W. Route 66, Tucumcari
Robert Moore Jr. admits he and his brother’s efforts to fix and eventually reopen four long-closed properties along Route 66 in Tucumcari have been a work in progress. Moore and his brother, William Cooke, have been busy acquiring and cleaning up four long-abandoned businesses there.
Though reopening at least three of those businesses is a long way off, those efforts earned the annual Route 66 Heritage Award from the New Mexico Route 66 Association. The award recognized their work on the above three properties in Tucumcari.
Moore accepted the plaque. His business, the Tucumcari Automotive repair shop, received a one-year complimentary association membership, a business listing in the association’s magazine and a Historic New Mexico US 66 metal sign to display. Moore said he first learned he and his brother received the award just weeks before its presentation.
“We worked really hard to do this,” Moore said. “It wouldn’t be possible without my brother and family; they had a big role in this.” He said his goal with the properties is to “get them looking good and then creating jobs for people.
Circle S Ranch Court motel (formerly the Relax Inn), 1010 E. Route 66, Tucumcari
Mark Huff Motor and The Malt Shop, 310 W. Route 66, Tucumcari
Diamond Shamrock gas station, 401 W. Route 66, Tucumcari
Robert Moore Jr. admits he and his brother’s efforts to fix and eventually reopen four long-closed properties along Route 66 in Tucumcari have been a work in progress. Moore and his brother, William Cooke, have been busy acquiring and cleaning up four long-abandoned businesses there.
Though reopening at least three of those businesses is a long way off, those efforts earned the annual Route 66 Heritage Award from the New Mexico Route 66 Association. The award recognized their work on the above three properties in Tucumcari.
Moore accepted the plaque. His business, the Tucumcari Automotive repair shop, received a one-year complimentary association membership, a business listing in the association’s magazine and a Historic New Mexico US 66 metal sign to display. Moore said he first learned he and his brother received the award just weeks before its presentation.
“We worked really hard to do this,” Moore said. “It wouldn’t be possible without my brother and family; they had a big role in this.” He said his goal with the properties is to “get them looking good and then creating jobs for people.
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Local efforts earn New Mexico Route 66 Association award: Robert Moore Jr. accepts a New Mexico Route 66 Heritage Award during a ceremony in front of the Circle S Ranch Court motel in Tucumcari.
Left to right: David Nidel, an association charter member; Connie Loveland, director of Tucumcari Main Street; Robert Moore Jr., award recipient; and Melissa Beasley-Lee, New Mexico Route 66 Association President. |
Heritage Awards 2022
DR. SHARMIN DHARAS
In recognition of the preservation and whimsical creation of Hotel ZAZZ
3711 Central Ave NE, Albuquerque
With a dream, a lot of elbow grease, and some help from local artists Dr. Sharmin Dharas turned an old motel into a bold hotel that prides itself on sustainability, community, and charitable giving. Dharas, through hotel ZAZZ, is paving the way for restorative therapy by providing a visible spectrum of colors, fun and quirky aesthetics, and immersive experiences that create a memorable, unique, and out-of-the-ordinary feeling to stimulate, energize, and relish your senses, recharge your chakras, and balance your energy.
In recognition of the preservation and whimsical creation of Hotel ZAZZ
3711 Central Ave NE, Albuquerque
With a dream, a lot of elbow grease, and some help from local artists Dr. Sharmin Dharas turned an old motel into a bold hotel that prides itself on sustainability, community, and charitable giving. Dharas, through hotel ZAZZ, is paving the way for restorative therapy by providing a visible spectrum of colors, fun and quirky aesthetics, and immersive experiences that create a memorable, unique, and out-of-the-ordinary feeling to stimulate, energize, and relish your senses, recharge your chakras, and balance your energy.
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At Hotel ZAZZ, a few things have stayed the same. They kept the key hanging station and—a fun fact—the hotel still has the same original phone number it came with in 1958. And of course, the same, warm “Dharas” hospitality continues as it enters this new era of life.
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SCOTT CROZER
In recognition of the updated beautification to the Tucumcari Quay County Chamber of Commerce
404 W E Rte 66 Blvd, Tucumcari
While keeping its original mid-century architectural charm from its groundbreaking in 1966, several changes were made. Branding and color schemes were updated to match city branding and follow color schemes of the original Route 66 service stations. Polished concrete floors feature Red Tucumcari US 66 brand as you enter the newly designed lobby and visitor center with a 65-inch monitor, displaying ads for local businesses, and music videos related to the era. Among other things, you’ll now find a new retail line featuring Tucumcari souvenirs. The remodeled chamber of commerce also holds the office for the Film Tucumcari film liaison.
In recognition of the updated beautification to the Tucumcari Quay County Chamber of Commerce
404 W E Rte 66 Blvd, Tucumcari
While keeping its original mid-century architectural charm from its groundbreaking in 1966, several changes were made. Branding and color schemes were updated to match city branding and follow color schemes of the original Route 66 service stations. Polished concrete floors feature Red Tucumcari US 66 brand as you enter the newly designed lobby and visitor center with a 65-inch monitor, displaying ads for local businesses, and music videos related to the era. Among other things, you’ll now find a new retail line featuring Tucumcari souvenirs. The remodeled chamber of commerce also holds the office for the Film Tucumcari film liaison.
Heritage Awards 2021
LORETTA’S BURRITO HUT
For restoration efforts to this historic restaurant and creative adaptation of neon sign and trim while providing delicious, local flavors with friendly service contributing to the roadside culture of Route 66
321 E Route 66 Blvd, Tucumcari
For restoration efforts to this historic restaurant and creative adaptation of neon sign and trim while providing delicious, local flavors with friendly service contributing to the roadside culture of Route 66
321 E Route 66 Blvd, Tucumcari
ROADRUNNER LODGE MOTEL
For continuing revitalization of this classic Route 66 motel—merging a cool retro mid-century modern environment with groovy 1960s accents providing a genuine , memorable Route 66 experience
1023 E Rte 66 Blvd, Tucumcari
For continuing revitalization of this classic Route 66 motel—merging a cool retro mid-century modern environment with groovy 1960s accents providing a genuine , memorable Route 66 experience
1023 E Rte 66 Blvd, Tucumcari
MONTEREY MOTEL
In recognition of the preservation and retro-neuveau adaption of a classic Route 66 motel, originally opened as Davis Court in 1946 and renamed Monterey Court in 1954. It's the oldest motel in the state of Ne Mexico (1954)
2402 Central Ave SW, Albuquerque
In recognition of the preservation and retro-neuveau adaption of a classic Route 66 motel, originally opened as Davis Court in 1946 and renamed Monterey Court in 1954. It's the oldest motel in the state of Ne Mexico (1954)
2402 Central Ave SW, Albuquerque
ROUTE 66 VETERINARY EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE CENTER
In recognition of the creative adaptive reuse of the former Golden Eagle Trading Company neon sign, and the conservation of the building’s historic Southwestern architecture, contributing to the roadside culture of Route 66
3601 Central Ave NE, Albuquerque
In recognition of the creative adaptive reuse of the former Golden Eagle Trading Company neon sign, and the conservation of the building’s historic Southwestern architecture, contributing to the roadside culture of Route 66
3601 Central Ave NE, Albuquerque
Heritage Award 2020
MOTEL SAFARI
722 E Route 66 Blvd, Tucumcari
722 E Route 66 Blvd, Tucumcari
Heritage Awards 2019
GLENN’S BAKERY
901 U.S. Route. 66, Gallup
901 U.S. Route. 66, Gallup
MAY CAFÉ
111 Louisiana Blvd SE, Albuquerque
111 Louisiana Blvd SE, Albuquerque
PECOS THEATRE
219 S 4th St, Santa Rosa
219 S 4th St, Santa Rosa
Heritage Award 2018
EL VADO MOTEL
2500 Central Ave SW, Albuquerque
2500 Central Ave SW, Albuquerque
Heritage Awards (prior to 2018)
If you or someone you know has won a preservation award from the New Mexico Route 66 Association previous to 2018, we would love to hear from you so we can acknowledge this prestigious event on our website. Contact us through our contact link at the bottom of this page with as much information as you can provide. If you have photos to share of the presentation or of the award itself, that would be fantastic!
