SideKix on 66 – Tucumcari, NM: Rising from the Ashes on Route 66
I am excited to announce the grand re-opening of the new SideKix on 66 brick and mortar location! The property was purchased from the former Loretta's Burrito Hut location. Locals and Route 66 travelers, please give these good people a visit and enjoy some great food!
321 E Route 66 Blvd, Tucumcari, NM, United States, 88401
A little brand history and interview Q&A-
For travelers cruising through Tucumcari, New Mexico, Kix on 66, now known as SideKix on 66 has long been a favorite stop — known for its hearty breakfasts, friendly smiles, and a dash of Southwestern flair. But behind the neon charm and coffee-scented mornings lies a story of resilience, community, and heart.
Kix on 66 was originally started by “the sisters,” who also owned Del’s Restaurant. Their vision turned a former Denny’s building into a bright, welcoming spot for breakfast and lunch along Route 66. After a full gut and remodel, the restaurant thrived for nearly a decade before changing hands a few times.
Then in January 2023, longtime truck drivers turned restaurateurs saw their chance.
“My husband Todd and I were over-the-road drivers, coast to coast,” co-owner Donna Halfhill shared. “When we heard Kix was for sale, we were ready to get off the road and start a new adventure. We parked our semi — still have it! — and purchased Kix in January 2023. We reopened on April 5, 2023, and decided to keep the Kix on 66 name. It was already well established and a perfect fit for Route 66.”
A Town in Transition
The couple’s connection to Tucumcari runs deep, even as the town itself has evolved.
“We’d been gone on the road for 18 years, so we didn’t notice the changes happening,” [Donna said]. “Some city leadership turnover hurt progress, but I love this town. We’ve always supported our athletic programs and local causes. Route 66 tourism brings travelers from all over the world — but it’s our locals who keep us going through the slow months.”
From Fire to rebuild — a New Beginning
In April 2025, just one day before Kix’s two-year anniversary, disaster struck: a devastating fire shut down the restaurant.
“We just sat there looking at each other, wondering what was next. We didn’t want to go back over the road — but we also had 14 employees to think about.”
Now, the owners are rebuilding. They recently purchased another restaurant space in town and plan to reopen as SideKix on 66 while working on the original Kix rebuild. Now they've done it, and the grand reopening was March 2026!!
“We wanted to be open again in time for the 100th anniversary of Route 66 next year — and now we are.”
Community and Traveler Support
If there’s one thing that defines SideKix on 66, it’s the outpouring of love from the community.
“About three weeks after the fire, Del’s hosted a fundraiser and silent auction for us. They even let my employees work the event to earn some income. It was a huge success. Travelers who visited the temporary food truck now often left generous tips for the rebuild. We’ve had nothing but support.”
Keeping the Spirit of New Mexico on the Menu
SideKix’s menu has always struck the perfect balance between comfort food and New Mexican flavor.
“Not everyone likes the same old things, so we offer breakfast all day — because pancakes and eggs are good any time! Our pancake mix is made from scratch using the sister’s mother’s recipe, which we’ve proudly kept. And of course, being in New Mexico, there’s always the question: red, green, or Christmas?” “We serve enchiladas with red, green, or Christmas sauce, and our made-from-scratch carne adovada — a marinated pork dish with red chile — is a guest favorite. Our huevos rancheros are always popular, and we offer smothered burritos for breakfast or filled with meat, potatoes, and beans. Of course, you can’t go wrong with red, green, or Christmas on top.”
Even with all that tradition, SideKix keeps things fresh and unexpected — like their Father’s Day steak and lobster special, which turned into a crowd favorite overnight.
Thank you for reading- if you wish to support my work, my Route 66 Roadscapes coffee table book would be a nice centerpiece to any coffee table.
-How to order
