Tucked along Kings Highway in Kempton, Pennsylvania, Wanamakers General Store is the kind of place you almost drive past without noticing — and that would be a serious mistake. This charming, historic shop has quietly earned a 4.8-star rating from hundreds of loyal fans who swear by its made-to-order hoagies, wraps, and deli sandwiches.
Beyond the food, the store is packed with local goodies, bulk candies, gifts, and surprises that keep people coming back again and again. Whether you stumble upon it during a road trip or make a special detour, Wanamakers is one of those rare finds that feels like a well-kept secret worth sharing.
The Italian Hoagie That Started It All
Ask any regular at Wanamakers what to order first, and the Italian hoagie almost always tops the list. Reviewers have called it “delicious,” and it is easy to understand why once you see how it is assembled back in the deli.
Everything is made to order, which means your sandwich is fresh every single time.
The combination of cured meats, cheese, and classic toppings gives this hoagie a bold, satisfying flavor that punches well above its small-town setting. Some guests have noted the portions lean lighter than expected for the price, but the quality of ingredients is hard to argue with.
If you are visiting Kempton for the first time, the Italian hoagie is the perfect starting point. It sets the tone for everything else this hidden gem has to offer, and chances are good you will be planning a return trip before you finish eating.
Made-to-Order Deli Sandwiches Fresh Every Time
There is something deeply satisfying about watching your sandwich get built right in front of you. At Wanamakers, every deli order is made fresh to order in the back kitchen, which means no pre-made, sitting-under-a-heat-lamp disappointments.
Customers consistently praise the freshness and quality of the food.
One reviewer raved about a chicken salad on greens with avocado and oregano, calling it outright delicious. Another highlighted the soups and sandwiches as reasons alone to make the drive out to Kempton.
The menu changes with the seasons, so there is almost always something new to try.
For anyone who has ever settled for a sad gas station sandwich on a road trip, Wanamakers is a genuine upgrade. The care that goes into each order is obvious, and the staff handles the lunch rush with a friendly efficiency that keeps the line moving without sacrificing quality.
Seasonal Wraps Worth Planning Your Trip Around
Loyal customers do not just visit Wanamakers for the hoagies — the seasonal wraps have their own devoted fan base. Reviewers have mentioned enjoying seasonal wraps and calling them consistently good, with one visitor specifically editing their review months later just to highlight the wraps again.
That kind of loyalty says everything.
The rotating menu means you might find a summer-inspired wrap loaded with fresh local produce one visit, and a heartier autumn creation the next. This keeps things exciting and gives regulars a real reason to keep stopping in throughout the year.
Wraps are a great option if you want something a little lighter than a full hoagie but still crave big, bold flavors. Paired with one of the store’s other offerings, like a cup of soup or a side from the deli case, a seasonal wrap turns a quick stop into a genuinely memorable meal.
Nesting Box Ice Cream — A Sweet Finish
Nesting Box ice cream has practically become a landmark in its own right at Wanamakers. Multiple reviewers mentioned it by name, with one calling it a “must have” and another saying it is “always amazing.” When ice cream earns that kind of praise inside a general store, you know it is doing something right.
Nesting Box is a local brand known for using farm-fresh ingredients, which gives the ice cream a rich, clean flavor that mass-produced brands simply cannot replicate. Stopping in after a hike at nearby Hawk Mountain and treating yourself to a scoop has become something of a tradition for visitors to the area.
Whether you go for a classic flavor or something more adventurous, the ice cream here is the kind of sweet finish that makes an already great visit feel complete. Kids and adults alike tend to make it a non-negotiable part of the Wanamakers experience.
Bulk Candy and Nut Selection That Tempts Everyone
One reviewer warned, only half-jokingly, “Be careful — you will not leave with one item.” They were specifically talking about the candy. Wanamakers carries an impressive selection of bagged bulk items including candies, nuts, and granola that are nearly impossible to walk past without grabbing a bag.
The variety is part of the fun. From old-fashioned penny candy favorites to more gourmet options, there is something for every kind of sweet tooth.
Nuts and granola add a slightly healthier angle for shoppers who want to snack smart without giving up the general store charm.
Shopping for bulk candy here feels like a throwback to a simpler time, which is a big part of what makes Wanamakers so lovable. Families with kids especially tend to linger in this section longer than planned, and that is perfectly fine — the staff is patient, warm, and clearly enjoys watching people discover their favorites.
A Gift Shop Full of Surprises
Beyond the deli counter and food aisles, Wanamakers has a gift shop side that reviewers consistently describe as delightful. Words like “pretty,” “charming,” and “unique” show up repeatedly in customer feedback.
One visitor mentioned finding store-branded clothing alongside a wide range of gift items that felt genuinely curated rather than generic.
There are always new trinkets cycling through the shelves, which keeps regular visitors on their toes. One loyal customer mentioned stopping in frequently just for coffee and always discovering something new to look at in the gift section.
That sense of discovery is rare and refreshing in a small shop.
Whether you are shopping for a birthday present, a souvenir from a day trip, or just something fun to treat yourself, the gift shop at Wanamakers delivers. Prices on certain items skew higher-end, but the quality tends to justify the cost for shoppers who appreciate locally sourced and artisan goods.
Kombucha Refill Station — Unexpectedly Cool
Not many rural general stores in Pennsylvania can boast a kombucha refill station, but Wanamakers is not your average rural general store. One reviewer specifically flagged this feature as something they found pretty unique, and honestly, it is hard to disagree.
It fits the store’s overall vibe of blending old-school charm with genuinely thoughtful, modern touches.
Kombucha refill stations are popular in urban health food stores, so finding one tucked inside a country shop along Kings Highway in Kempton feels like a pleasant surprise. It speaks to the store’s commitment to offering products that go beyond the expected, catering to health-conscious shoppers without losing the cozy general store atmosphere.
If you are already a kombucha fan, this is a reason to bring a reusable bottle along on your next visit. If you have never tried kombucha before, Wanamakers might just be the perfect low-key spot to give it a first taste.
PA Dutch Deli Flavors Rooted in Local Tradition
Wanamakers sits right in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, and the deli menu reflects that heritage beautifully. Reviewers who stopped in during the Hawk Mountain arts tour mentioned specifically enjoying the fresh-made PA Dutch deli food, calling the prices reasonable and the quality impressive.
That regional flavor profile is part of what makes this place stand out from generic delis.
Pennsylvania Dutch cooking leans on simple, hearty ingredients prepared with care — things like fresh salads, house-made spreads, and classic cold cuts that feel comforting and familiar. At Wanamakers, that tradition gets a modern polish without losing its roots.
For visitors who are new to PA Dutch cuisine, this is a wonderful, low-pressure introduction. The staff is happy to talk through the menu and make recommendations based on what is freshest that day.
It is the kind of food experience that makes a road trip feel genuinely worthwhile rather than just a pitstop.
Live Bait for Anglers Passing Through
Here is a detail that catches first-time visitors off guard in the best way: Wanamakers sells live bait. One reviewer specifically praised the nightcrawlers as super fresh and cheap, then went on to report catching great fish with them.
That is the kind of practical, hyperlocal offering that makes a general store truly general.
For anglers heading to one of the many fishing spots in the Kempton and Hawk Mountain area, this is incredibly convenient. Instead of making a separate trip to a sporting goods store, you can grab your bait, pick up a hoagie for lunch, stock up on snacks, and be on your way in one stop.
It is a small thing in the grand scheme of the store, but it perfectly captures what Wanamakers is all about — being genuinely useful to the community and visitors alike. The fishing community around this part of Berks County clearly appreciates having such a reliable local source.
Grocery Staples and Gourmet Finds Side by Side
Wanamakers manages something that sounds simple but is actually hard to pull off — stocking everyday grocery staples alongside genuinely interesting gourmet finds. Reviewers have described the selection as covering both everyday and gourmet groceries, which means you can grab a loaf of bread and discover a jar of locally made kimchi in the same shopping trip.
That kimchi, by the way, earned its own shoutout in a customer review. One visitor called it great specifically, which is a bold claim for a general store in rural Berks County.
Finding specialty fermented foods like that alongside standard pantry items reflects the store’s knack for curating a selection that surprises and delights.
Locals clearly rely on Wanamakers for regular shopping needs, but out-of-town visitors often leave with bags full of things they did not plan to buy. The store has a way of making discovery feel effortless, which is part of its considerable charm.
A Historic Building With Real Character
Wanamakers is not just a store — it is a piece of living history. Reviewers consistently use words like “historic,” “nostalgic,” and “hidden gem” to describe the experience of visiting, and the building itself contributes a lot to that feeling.
Nestled in a quiet corner of Kempton, the store has the kind of bones that remind you buildings used to be built to last.
The interior layout blends old-school general store charm with a surprisingly well-organized modern retail setup. It feels authentic without feeling dusty, which is a balance many historic shops struggle to strike.
The dine-in area described by visitors as cute and quaint adds another layer of warmth to the overall atmosphere.
Spending time inside Wanamakers feels a little like stepping into another era — one where the shopkeeper knew your name and the shelves were stocked with things that actually mattered to the community. That spirit is alive and well here, and it makes every visit feel meaningful.
Perfect Stop After Hiking Hawk Mountain
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary draws thousands of visitors every year to the ridges above Kempton, and Wanamakers has quietly become the unofficial post-hike destination of choice. Multiple reviewers mentioned stopping in after a day on the trails, with one calling it a wonderful place to visit after a nice hike.
It is hard to argue with that logic — you have earned a hoagie.
The store’s location makes it almost perfectly convenient for hikers coming down from the mountain. It sits close enough to feel like a natural endpoint to the day without requiring a long detour.
You can refuel with a fresh sandwich, grab a scoop of Nesting Box ice cream, and browse the gift shop while your legs recover.
Even the parking lot area near the old train station gives you room to stretch out with your dog, as one reviewer happily noted. Wanamakers has a way of turning the end of a hike into a highlight all on its own.
Friendly Staff and Community Warmth You Can Feel
Some places have good food. Some places have great products.
Wanamakers has both — plus a staff that makes you feel like you belong there even on your very first visit. Reviewers mention the friendly, courteous staff so consistently that it clearly is not an accident.
It is a standard the store actively maintains.
One longtime visitor specifically praised the owner as kind, which adds a personal dimension to the shopping experience that chains and big-box stores simply cannot manufacture. When the person running the place genuinely cares, it shows in every interaction, from the way orders are taken to how questions get answered.
Regulars describe a sense of community inside Wanamakers where locals know each other and newcomers are welcomed with the same easy warmth. That social fabric is increasingly rare in modern retail, and it is one of the biggest reasons people do not just visit Wanamakers once — they keep coming back.