Mel-O-Cream to create large donut-shaped sign on Route 66

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Mel-O-Cream donuts was recently awarded a Preserve Route 66 Legacy Business Grant to create a unique sign along the historic route.

Sangamon Donuts, owner and operator of 5 Mel-O-Cream stores in Springfield, plans to create a large Route 66 shield shaped donut sign in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Route 66.

Amanda Crossland, owner of Sangamon Donuts LLC, is excited about beginning work on the new installation.

“The grant should cover fabrication and installation of the sign. We will invest in additional parking, lighting, and landscape to round out the on-site experience. Visit Springfield, Ace Sign Company, and Mel-O-Cream Donuts International have been instrumental in helping move this project forward. We are honored to be a small part of the Mel-O-Cream and Route 66 living legacy.”

Ace Sign Company was recently featured in a Super Bowl commercial created by Google showing how local companies use artificial intelligence to grow their business.

The new installation is to be constructed along Route 66 at the Mel-O-Cream store property located at 3010 S. 6th Street in Springfield.

Amy Beadle, Marketing Manager for Visit Springfield, said the sign will offer visitors a new way to appreciate the history of Route 66.

“The addition of this unique installment will be another way for our visitors to engage with the nostalgia and history of Route 66 at a longstanding and well known business in our community," said. "We are thankful for Amanda and her team for all they do to promote the Mother Road throughout their locations.”