At the age of 81 years old, Gene Waylan is operating the last known Ku Ku Burger from what was one of 200 locations. How does a Kansas boy pivot from wanting to be a farmer to successfully operating an iconic Route 66 burger joint for over 50 years?
Join Route 66 Podcast host Anthony Arno as he talks wth Gene about his 51 year career of flipping burgers along historic Route 66. Highlights from the show include:
- Transition from farmboy to flipping burgers
- The Griff Hamburger Years
- The Ku Ku Burger
- The McDonalds competition
- Don’t Just Ask for a Burger, Ask for Waylans
- Settling down in Miami, OK
- Physical expansion in Miami
- Competing with McDonalds
- It’s more than just good food…
- Does Gene run the business, or does the business run Gene?
- Final wishes for the Ku Ku Burger
- Promotional keyrings and car shows
- Trademark attire through the years
- A visit from Bob Dylan
- Secret to cooking a good burger
- Next item on the bucket list
- Reason for limited hours and closed seating
- Expected sale of Waylan’s Ku Ku Burger?
Thank you to Route 66 Podcast supporters, including:
- Rob and Cheryl Cochran – Maryland
- Reed Coles – Nebraska
- Jim Crabtree – California
- Todd Farrell – Nebraska
- Rich Havlik – Minnesota
- Mary Nicholson – Pennsylvania
- Mark Wilson – Texas
And from the United Kingdom
- Charli Beeton
THE MOTHER ROAD AT 100: The Voices of Route 66
A multimedia presentation featuring Route 66 before, during, and after its heyday
During the centennial year of Route 66 schedule a virtual or in person presentation by Route 66 Podcast host, Anthony Arno, highlighting episodes over the past 10 years. An optional trivia option is available, where all attendees can participate to win Route 66 related prizes- either virtually or in person!
Click HERE for more information