From a feature in TampaBayOnline … about a Pixar CARS Route 66 inspired restaurant.

“When the Pixar folks were doing research for “Cars,” they took a trip down Route 66, Renee said. As they passed through Kansas, they spotted the old truck with its boom up, and a tree growing through its middle. Just like that, Tow Mater was born. In 2007, the women held a contest, asking local children to name the truck. Of all the names they received, the one they liked best was Tow Tater (since, after all, Tow Mater was already taken).

That wasn’t the only inspiration Galena gave the Pixar people.

Renee directed my attention to the old building across the street and told me to be sure I walked around to the side. Stretched out on its big brick wall is a “ghost sign” – the faded remnants of an old advertisement. This one touted five-cent cigars and a local lumber yard.

A similar sign in “Cars” welcomes visitors to the town of Radiator Springs. In the movie, Radiator Springs is home to all of Route 66’s most famous buildings, including the Wigwam Motel in Arizona (the Cozy Cone Motel) and the U-Drop Inn Conoco in Texas (Ramone’s Body Art). “Cars” brought so much attention to the Mother Road, many souvenir shops, including this one, offer movie memorabilia alongside their Route 66 souvenirs.

The old gas station has been turned into a restaurant where you can grab a burger AND funnel cake!

(BTW, in regards to the contest, this is NOT a clue, MH is not in Galena, KS … 🙂  ).

Thanks for the heads up, Jeaks.