Announcing New Mel-O-Cream Donut Route 66 Art Installation

May 12, 2025, Springfield, IL – Mel-O-Cream donuts is excited to announce the successful award of the Preserve Route 66 Legacy Business Grant in the amount of $5,876.  Grant funds will be used for the creation and installation of a giant Route 66 shield shaped donut sign.

In December of 2024 Sangamon Donuts, (owner and operator of 5 Mel-O-Cream stores in Springfield, IL) applied for a grant to create a large Route 66 shield shaped donut sign in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Route 66.  This installation also celebrates the Mel-O-Cream legacy on Route 66.  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, IL. 

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.”

“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.  We are thankful for Amanda and her team for all they do to promote the Mother Road throughout their locations.” Amy Beadle, Marketing Manager, Visit Springfield

About Mel-o-Cream:
Mel-O- Cream was founded in 1932 by Kelly Grant Sr., who purchased a small retail location at 219 E. Jefferson for $250.  That business grew into Mel-O-Cream International, a family-owned business that sells wholesale donuts across the United States.  Five retail stores are operated in Springfield, Illinois and one in Lincoln, Illinois.