I've done this road trip many times, with and without many friends. It's a very "high" drive in the mountains! (Not compared to like Utah or Colorado tho...)
The kitchen is usually open for breakfast not terribly early (I've had breakfast on weekends at like 10), and open for dinner not terribly late (sometimes they say 7, sometimes 9 pm, for closing the kitchen.) But yes, call them and they'll have a better idea than I will.
Speed traps? Just be on the lookout. It's easy for cops to be hiding in medians or in other places where you least expect it. But I've definitely driven 80-90 mph on that highway. Then I regretted it, as I had to replace my belts and alternator in St. Louis...
Elko, Carlin, and Wells are worth stopping by!!
HD