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
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[December 10, 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.
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“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.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2014/Dec/09/images/ads/current/graue_christmas_sda_2014.png)
“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.
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![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2014/Dec/09/images/ads/current/tourism_lda_111414.png) 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.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2014/Dec/09/images/ads/current/LINCOLN_theater_011411.png) |