2026 marks an important year for us here at Duke Bakery.  We are proud to say that we have called Granite City our home away from home for 20 years.  For me personally, Granite City was home before, as I was born and raised there.  Interestingly enough, the Doucleffs also called Granite City home before opening Duke Bakery in 1951 and relocating to Alton.

2026 also marks the 100th anniversary of Route 66.  Duke Bakery Granite City sits along the original early alignment from 1926-1934.  Many people are not fully aware of the importance of this famous highway.  Route 66 symbolizes American freedom, migration and the “open road” culture.  For many families it provided the opportunity for a better life.  During the Great Depression and the 1930s Dust Bowl, it provided the path for thousands of families migrating westward towards California.   It created tremendous economic growth for many small towns along the way from Chicago, IL to Santa Monica, CA.  During WWII, Route 66 played a key role in transporting military equipment.  Post WWII, Route 66 fostered the birth of the American road trip when nearly every family had a car, time and some expendable money and for the first time in American history “let the good times roll” became a reality.

I have had the privilege of traveling Route 66 many times in my life.  The first time was in 1993 with my father, when we traveled from St. Louis to California.  In 2018, my oldest daughter and I drove from St. Louis to Santa Monica.  A friend and I have driven Route 66 more than six times going from St. Louis to Kingman, AZ.  Lastly, I have covered my home state of Illinois with numerous short trips throughout my life.

Very clearly, Route 66 holds a special place in my heart.  This year at Duke Bakery Granite City we have created an atmosphere of nostalgia.  We commissioned a beautiful mural encompassing the Route 66 road trip, we have hung a collection of photos I have personally taken along the Route and we have window decor that includes a mileage sign of my favorite stops along the Route.

On April 30th, 2026 we are honored to share an anniversary celebration with the Route 66 Centennial at the Granite City Neon Park, sponsored by Great Rivers and Routes.  I would like to invite all of our friends and customers to join us in celebrating this iconic road and give us here at Duke Bakery a chance to thank this wonderful community for embracing us for the last 20 years.

Enjoy The Ride,
Baker Ben