The Blue Cut fire, which has grown to 30,000 acres by Wednesday morning, continues to rage through San Bernardino County. Tuesday, the fire consumed the Summit Inn diner, a historic eatery along Route 66.
The restaurant was opened at the summit of Cajon Pass in 1952 and was known for its ambience, memorabilia, and food – including ostrich burgers and ostrich omelettes.
Legend has it that Elvis Presley once visited the diner, but left without eating when he saw that his records weren’t in the jukebox.
The Los Angeles Times reports that the diner had recently sold and that the new owner was planning to restore the historic landmark.
Diners lament loss of historic Summit Inn destroyed in raging #BlueCutFire.https://t.co/ORaDzifBGW pic.twitter.com/gNtRDhH9Gx
— The Union-Tribune (@sdut) August 17, 2016
At the historic Summit Inn in Oaks Hills, about all that's left is the sign. #BlueCutFire @ABC7 11pm pic.twitter.com/bvP1iTtGBC
— Elex Michaelson (@abc7elex) August 17, 2016
The #BlueCutFire destroys the iconic #SummitInn along historic #Route66. https://t.co/K5wpnUH4k7 pic.twitter.com/zRf8gV8snG
— FOX 11 Los Angeles (@FOXLA) August 17, 2016