Summit Inn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Summit Inn |
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A booth inside the Summit Inn
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| General information | |
| Address | 5970 Mariposa Road |
| Town or city | Oak Hills, California |
| Country | United States of America |
| Coordinates | 34°21′33″N 117°26′07″W / 34.3591°N 117.4352°W |
| Elevation | 4,260 feet (1,300 m) |
| Opened | 1952 |
| Owner | Katherine Juarez and Otto Recinos |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 1 |
| Design and construction | |
| Main contractor | Burton and Dorothy Riley |
| Other information | |
| Parking | on-site |
The Summit Inn was a famous roadside diner located on U.S. Route 66 in San Bernardino County, California. It was built in 1952 at the top of Cajon Pass. Sadly, a big wildfire called the Blue Cut Fire destroyed the building on August 16, 2016. The current owners hope to rebuild the restaurant to look just like it did before the fire.
A Journey Through the Summit Inn's History
The very first Summit Inn opened way back in 1928. It got its name because it was located at the highest point, or "summit," of the Cajon Pass. This was right between the lanes of the old US 66 highway.
The diner you might remember, at its later spot in Oak Hills, California, opened in 1952. This happened because Route 66 was moved to a slightly lower area. Old postcards from 1953 even show a fun "Horseless Carriage Rally" at the Summit Inn. This event featured cool vintage cars like the Ford Model T.
In 1966, Cecil “C.A.” Stevens bought the diner and gas station from the original builder, Burt Riley. He mostly wanted the Texaco gas station. But he agreed to buy both if Hilda Fish, a German woman who ran the restaurant, would stay. Hilda Fish worked there for many years before she retired in 2002.
By 1970, the part of Route 66 near the Summit Inn was replaced by the new Interstate 15 in California.
In March 2014, a driver crashed a stolen van into the restaurant. This caused a lot of damage, about $200,000 worth! The entire kitchen had to be rebuilt. Thanks to insurance money, the restaurant was able to open again in July 2014.
An old building that used to be a Texaco gas station was still on the property. Even though they didn't sell gas anymore, the Summit Inn's small gift shop sold cool Texaco items. Many original metal oil company signs decorated the inside. There were even two old Standard Oil signs from around 1939 featuring Mickey Mouse! A real US 66 highway shield was also on display.
Many famous people visited the Summit Inn over the years. These included Elvis Presley (who once kicked the jukebox because it didn't have his songs!). Other stars like Pierce Brosnan, Pearl Bailey, Clint Eastwood, and Danny Thomas also stopped by.
On July 1, 2016, Katherine Juarez and her brother, Otto Recinos, bought the business. They moved to the area after selling some family properties in Los Angeles.
What Made the Summit Inn Special?
The Summit Inn's menu offered typical, tasty, and affordable roadside food. But it had a fun surprise! They also served special items made from Ostrich and buffalo. You could try an ostrich egg omelette or delicious "buffalo burgers."
When the restaurant was open, its original red neon "SUMMIT INN" sign would flash on and off. This was a way to invite drivers on present-day Interstate 15 to stop. Sometimes, you could even spot cool antique cars parked outside the diner.
The Blue Cut Fire of 2016
On August 16, 2016, a large wildfire called the Blue Cut Fire swept through the area. Sadly, the fire completely destroyed the Summit Inn diner. The current owners of the business have shared their plans to rebuild it. They want to make sure the new building looks exactly like the old one.
