3 minSociety
Bagdad Cafe Faces Uncertain Future as Route 66 Turns 100
The iconic Bagdad Cafe in Newberry Springs, California, is struggling to stay open after the death of its longtime owner and years of financial hardship, even as Route 66 celebrates its centennial.
The Bagdad Cafe, a Mojave Desert landmark that became internationally famous after inspiring the 1987 German film of the same name, is fighting to keep its doors open as Route 66 marks its 100th anniversary. The cafe, located in Newberry Springs, California, has welcomed travelers from around the world for decades, but its future remains uncertain following the death of longtime owner Andrea Pruett in January and years of financial struggles that forced the closure of its kitchen.
Pruett, who was 85, owned the cafe for more than 30 years and became known for greeting visitors from across the globe. Those who worked alongside her recalled her welcoming travelers with a smile and sometimes climbing onto the counter to sing with French tourists. Her death has left the family-run operation without its central figure, and the Pruett family has said it is still determining the landmark's long-term future.
The quirky spot, covered with dollar bills, flags, license plates and jerseys from around the world, no longer serves food. Visitors can still stop for photos and souvenirs, such as T-shirts, which have become one of its main sources of income. The cafe also sells replica boomerangs designed by Alan Scott Craig, who appeared in the film. But the kitchen and septic system need significant upgrades before meals can be served again, and a GoFundMe campaign is now seeking donations for that purpose.
The pandemic dealt a severe blow to the business. Before COVID-19 forced the cafe to shut its doors temporarily, international tourists and tour buses accounted for roughly 80% of the business, Pruett wrote in a GoFundMe post. When it reopened, it could only offer cold drinks instead of meals. Years of roof leaks also left rainwater pouring into the 1950s-era building, threatening the memorabilia left behind by visitors over the decades. In 2024, supporters raised enough money through a separate GoFundMe fundraiser to replace the roof and interior ceiling.
Many American visitors stop because of the highway's history, while European tourists, particularly from France, often make the trip because of the 1987 film, a worker told Fox News Digital. The cafe has accumulated about 40 guest books filled with messages from visitors over the decades. The next goal is reopening the kitchen before preserving the historic stop for future travelers, according to the cafe's website.
Route 66, often called the «Mother Road,» was established in 1926 and became a symbol of American wanderlust and westward migration. The highway's centennial year has drawn renewed attention to the landmarks that line its path, including the Bagdad Cafe. For now, the cafe remains open daily for visitors looking to experience the iconic stop along historic Route 66.
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