As burgers sizzled on the grill, Cruisin': Car Culture In America (1997) raced off the printing presses, winning the prestigious International Automotive Media Awards (IAMA) Silver Medallion for 1998 (this title features specially commissioned artwork by acclaimed "cruise culture" artist and co-author Kent Bash). Witzel took a brief side trip in 1998 when he stopped at a roadside stand and sampled a frosty bottle of soda pop. The result was a picture-packed homage to bubbling beverages, Soda Pop: From Miracle Medicine to Pop Culture (1998). This nostalgic look at the history and folklore of soft drinks was co-authored with his wife, Gyvel Young-Witzel (both are members of the American Society of Journalists and Authors).

In 1999, MBI Publishing released Witzel's next historical effort, a fond look at the classic filling stations of yesteryear entitled Gas Stations Coast to Coast (1999). Almost concurrently, The American Diner (1999) hit the bookstore shelves, showcasing a streamlined history of stainless-steel clad eateries. This tribute to roadside food garnered a 1999 Book Achievement Award in the "Merit Award" category for an Art-Photo-Coffee Table (style) book, presented by the Midwest Independent Publishers Association.

Witzel followed up both culinary titles with The American Motel (1999), a nostalgic time-trip recalling the days of roadside cabins and tourist courts. Later that year, Witzel teamed up again with co-author Young-Witzel to release a picture-packed nostalgia beverage book, The Sparkling Story of Coca-Cola: An Entertaining History Including Collectibles, Coke Lore, and Calendar Girls (1999).

Witzel's latest historical non-fiction trade title, Barns: Styles & Structures was published in 2003. Currently, Witzel and Young are working on two new roadside culture titles for MBI Publishing.