The Palms Grill Café honored with “Enjoy Illinois: Delicious Destination” Award
Illinois Office of Tourism celebrates restaurants that are authentically Illinois, attracting visitors and locals to state’s diverse communities

[December 09, 2014]  ATLANTA, IL – The Illinois Office of Tourism (IOT) and the Logan County Tourism Bureau today announced the Palms Grill Cafe located in Atlanta, is a recipient of an “Enjoy Illinois: Delicious Destination” award, which honors local food establishments around the state that are beloved destinations for visitors and locals alike. Palms Grill Cafe is among a select group of Illinois establishments to receive the unique designation from the tourism bureau. All award winners will receive a certificate from the state and a window cling to inform diners of the state designation.

“From family-owned restaurants with long and storied histories to the hottest new cuisines in the world, Illinois has emerged as a premier culinary destination for both domestic and international visitors,” said Jen Hoelzle, Illinois State Travel Director. “The ‘Enjoy Illinois: Delicious Destination’ award honors those restaurants that are authentically Illinois, making a trip to the state unforgettable.”

The Grill, as the locals call it, opened in 1934 in the center of downtown Atlanta on Route 66. It served locals and travelers alike, including its most famous customer, heavyweight boxing champion Max Baer, Sr. The Grill provided a great spot for a home-cooked meal, BINGO games, and weekly dances. If you wanted to catch the Greyhound Bus, you just flipped the switch for the light on the bottom of the Grill’s large neon sign. You can once again step back into the 1930’s and smell the Blue Plate Special after it reopened on April 28th, 2009.
 

“It’s great to see an appreciation for the preservation of the old Route 66 diners and the Palms Grill Café is an excellent example of what truly dedicated preservationist can do.” said Sarah Wallick, Director of Tourism for Logan County.

Many travelers come to Illinois because of the state’s flourishing restaurant scene. According to a 2013 D.K. Shifflet & Associates Study, nearly one third of leisure travelers to Illinois reported participating in a unique “culinary experience” as a key part of their vacation, proving culinary offerings are a key motivator for travel.

To be considered for an award, restaurants must be nominated by a Convention & Visitors Bureau, community member or Enjoy Illinois social media fan. The nominee must be a one-of-a-kind restaurant that is authentic to Illinois and an established part of its community. Only restaurants located in Illinois will be considered for the “Enjoy Illinois: Delicious Destination” award, which is chosen by IOT.

The Palms Grill Café is located at 114 SW Arch Street (Old U.S. Rt. 66) in downtown Atlanta. Phone 217-648-CAFÉ (2233) for reservations, to book a party, or for take-out. The Grill is open Tuesday-Saturday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information about the state’s culinary offerings and “Enjoy Illinois: Delicious Destination” awards, visit EnjoyIllinois.com or Facebook.com/EnjoyIllinois.

[Provided by Sarah Wallick, Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau of Logan County]

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism manages industry efforts that result in sustainable and significant economic and quality-of-life benefits for Illinois residents.