Docs Just Off 66 in Girard has received $50,000 from the Backing Historic Small Restaurants Grant Program, a program presented by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and American Express.
Docs begin in 1884 as Deck’s Store and operated as a pharmacy and soda fountain until 2001. Between 2001 and 2021, there were various owners who utilized the soda fountain and kept its history alive. In December 2021, Steve and Casey Claypool purchased Doc's Soda Fountain and renamed the historic business Docs Just Off 66.
The business, located at 133 S. Second St. in Girard, has been completely renovated and reopened on June 18, 2022. The nostalgic soda fountain is still in place, all the relics from the pharmacy and drug store have been put on display, and the Claypools expanded the restaurant and added a full-service bar to this historic stop along Illinois Route 66.
Docs Just Off 66 has successfully preserved the history and nostalgia of the longest operating business in Girard. This funding will support the addition of outdoor seating and will utilize a building built in the 1870s to serve as a bar and smoke house for an additional dining option.
Docs Just Off 66 is one of 50 historic small restaurants across the country to receive a grant, and one of just two restaurants in Illinois.
Owner Casey Claypool said, "Receiving a grant from the National Trust and American Express enables us to enhance both our small town and our historic business. This support not only preserves the unique charm of Docs but also revitalizes our community, attracting visitors and fostering local pride. It's an investment in our town's future and our business's sustainability, ensuring we continue to be a cherished destination for generations to come."
The Backing Historic Small Restaurants grant program significantly expanded its reach this year, doubling the number of grantees and increasing the total grant funding to $2.5 million, up from $1 million in prior years. In its fourth year, the program now has reached nearly 125 historic small restaurants in every U.S. state, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico.
“Small restaurants are vital to our communities and their impact perseveres, as they continue to innovate and make their neighborhoods more vibrant and connected,” said Madge Thomas, head of corporate sustainability at American Express. “This year’s grantees represent the rich traditions and iconic stories of communities across the U.S. I’m so proud that we’re able to help them grow and continue to build their legacy.”
The National Trust for Historic Preservation, which administers the Backing Historic Small Restaurants grant program, selected this year’s grantees from a group of restaurants that operate in historic buildings or neighborhoods and provide cultural significance to their communities through their history, cuisine and locations. Many of the 2024 grant recipients include establishments that are family owned or have been operating for generations.
To see the full list and learn more about this year’s Backing Historic Small Restaurants grantees, visit https://savingplaces.org/historicrestaurants.
