The Ariston in Carlinville started operating two years before Route 66 was introduced, in 1924. When Route 66 was relocated, Pete Adam moved to Litchfield with his café in 1929. The good food first gave it a good reputation and finally caused such a rush that the location was changed again in 1935 and a larger café was opened on the opposite side of the street, where it is still located today. It is still run by the Adam family and claims to be the oldest restaurant on Route 66.