Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – A Springfield business owner is set to create a sign for historic Route 66 that might just be delicious.

Sangamon Donuts, owner of five Mel-O-Cream Donuts locations, says he has received a $5,876 grant that will allow it to create a Route 66 sign shaped and looking like one of their iconic donuts.

It will be built, according to Sangamon Donuts owner Amanda Crossland, at the 3010 S 6th St. Mel-O-Cream location in Springfield, and will celebrate its own history as well as that of Route 66, and also provide a bit of a makeover for that location.

“The grant should cover fabrication and installation of the sign,” said Crossland, in a news release.  “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 is helping with the design and construction of the sign.

It could also be a bit of a tourist destination.

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

The “Preserve Route 66 Legacy Business Grant” was applied for in 2024.  It’s not clear when sign installation will take place.

Mel-O-Cream was founded in Springfield in 1932.  It has grown to five locations in Springfield, one in Lincoln, and into Mel-O-Cream International, which sells donuts wholesale across the United States.