If you’ve ever watched a television show or movie that shows bygone days of small-town America, you’ve most certainly seen the cafe bar counter scenes where locals frequent for their morning coffee or teens for their after-school milkshakes. Maybe you’ve even at one time cozied up to a cafe bar counter to nurse a cup of coffee or quick order something to go. Sadly, those places are all but gone. But one luncheonette still thrives today, hiding in Bakersfield, California, and why you’ll want to visit the last of its kind:
The first F.W. Woolworth “five-and-dime” store opened in 1878 in New York.
That Hartford Guy/WikiMedia While the first venture failed, the model changed and different locations began springing up across the country. This 1961 photo was taken in San Francisco.
Woolworth’s debuted in the California town of Bakersfield in 1911.
onetoonehundred/Trip Advisor The chain store spread and flourished. This modernly-equipped and air-conditioned store shown here opened in 1950. The four-story Woolworth building thrived for many years, before closing in 1994.
The original Woolworth’s Luncheonette is still here, however, but is now operating under the name of Woolworth Diner.
Michael T/Trip Advisor Business for the diner’s classic foods remains strong. People come for the novelty of the diner, but return because the food is good.
The original counter included a 74-foot lunch counter, which takes diners back in time.
rduinc/Trip Advisor In addition to its 22 counter seats, it has Formica tables off to the side. All seats typically fill with hungry diners on most days. Diner employees retain the old-fashioned feel of uniforms, food, and friendly service.
The classic burger and shake remains the best seller!
Jon B/Trip Advisor Other menu items include hot dogs and sandwiches. Fries are the standard side, and their milkshakes are legendary!
People come all over the world to experience the world’s last Woolworth Luncheonette.
Woolworth/Facebook Don’t forget the diner is only open for lunch so you’ll need your dinner and breakfast fix elsewhere.
Now known as the Woolworth diner, the lunch spot is part of the Five and Dime Antique Mall.
smoochums/Trip Advisor While the Woolworth model is gone, it will forever be known as the first modern retail big box store model.
Do you remember Woolworth’s and did you ever venture inside one? If so, where and what were your memories of this now gone store that once reigned supreme across America? For related content, consider this 1950s-style diner in Colorado.
That Hartford Guy/WikiMedia
While the first venture failed, the model changed and different locations began springing up across the country. This 1961 photo was taken in San Francisco.
onetoonehundred/Trip Advisor
The chain store spread and flourished. This modernly-equipped and air-conditioned store shown here opened in 1950. The four-story Woolworth building thrived for many years, before closing in 1994.
Michael T/Trip Advisor
Business for the diner’s classic foods remains strong. People come for the novelty of the diner, but return because the food is good.
rduinc/Trip Advisor
In addition to its 22 counter seats, it has Formica tables off to the side. All seats typically fill with hungry diners on most days. Diner employees retain the old-fashioned feel of uniforms, food, and friendly service.
Jon B/Trip Advisor
Other menu items include hot dogs and sandwiches. Fries are the standard side, and their milkshakes are legendary!
Woolworth/Facebook
Don’t forget the diner is only open for lunch so you’ll need your dinner and breakfast fix elsewhere.
smoochums/Trip Advisor
While the Woolworth model is gone, it will forever be known as the first modern retail big box store model.
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