That legendary fried chicken aroma. It’s drawing you in isn’t it? Right here in front of Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket. This isn’t just any roadside diner. It’s a piece of living history a testament to Route 66’s glory days.
Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket wasn’t always the iconic landmark we see today. It began life in the late 1920s as a humble lunch counter inside a gas station. Irv Kolarik the owner dreamed of more than just selling gas. Two local farm women changed everything. They shared their secret fried chicken recipe with Kolarik in exchange for his chicken orders. The chicken was a sensation. The little lunch counter couldn’t handle the crowds.
Kolarik cleverly converted his gas station’s repair bays into dining rooms. This makeshift expansion became known as the National Chicken Basket. The demand kept growing though. In 1946 a brand new restaurant opened right next door. Chicago architect Eugene F Stoyke designed the one-story brick building. It stood on the bustling Route 66 in Hinsdale now Willowbrook.
Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket became a popular stop for Bluebird Coach Lines buses. Passengers could grab a bite while watching airplanes take off and land at the nearby Hinsdale Airport. In winter Kolarik flooded the roof for ice skating. He was a marketing genius. A cocktail lounge was added in 1956.
The Interstate Highway System changed everything. I-55 bypassed Route 66. Business slowed. Dell Rhea a Chicago businessman stepped in. He bought the restaurant in 1963. He used his connections and savvy marketing to bring back the crowds. His son Patrick continued the legacy after his death in 1992. The Lombardi family now carries on the tradition ensuring the original recipes and homestyle environment remain.
Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket is more than just a restaurant. It’s a living symbol of Route 66 perseverance. It’s a place where history and delicious fried chicken come together. It’s a place that has stood the test of time. It’s a must-visit. Enjoy your meal.