Tucked away along Kings Highway in Kempton, Pennsylvania, Wanamakers General Store is one of those rare places that feels like stepping back in time. This charming rural shop has earned a stellar 4.8-star rating from hundreds of happy visitors who can’t stop raving about the food, the atmosphere, and the friendly faces behind the counter.
Whether you’re passing through after a hike at Hawk Mountain or just looking for a memorable lunch spot, this hidden gem delivers big. From freshly made hoagies to locally sourced treats, Wanamakers is the kind of place that turns a quick stop into a lasting memory.
The Famous Hoagies That Started It All
Ask any regular at Wanamakers General Store what to order, and they’ll point straight to the hoagies. These aren’t your average convenience store sandwiches — every hoagie is made fresh to order right in the deli, packed with quality ingredients that taste like someone actually cared about what went inside.
The Italian hoagie has earned special praise in customer reviews, with visitors calling it “delicious” and worth the drive alone. The bread is fresh, the fillings are generous, and the flavor combinations are spot-on.
It’s the kind of sandwich that makes you slow down and actually enjoy your lunch.
Located at 8888 Kings Hwy, Kempton, PA, the store is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 7 PM, so timing your visit for a midday hoagie run is totally doable. Don’t skip this one.
Seasonal Wraps Worth Planning Your Trip Around
Forget boring lunches — the seasonal wraps at Wanamakers are something customers genuinely look forward to. One reviewer raved about a chicken salad wrap loaded with avocado and oregano, calling it absolutely delicious.
The rotating seasonal menu keeps things exciting, giving regulars a reason to come back and try something new every visit.
What makes these wraps stand out is the attention to freshness. Everything is made to order in the back deli, so you’re never getting something that’s been sitting around.
The ingredients feel local and thoughtful, not mass-produced or bland.
Wraps are a fantastic option if you’ve just finished a hike at nearby Hawk Mountain and need a satisfying, flavorful meal without the heaviness of a full sandwich. Light, fresh, and packed with flavor — these wraps hit every mark.
Seasonal offerings mean there’s always something new to discover.
A Historic Building With Real Character
There’s something magical about walking into a building that carries decades of history in its walls. Wanamakers General Store has that old-world charm that’s nearly impossible to fake — the kind of place where the creaky floors and vintage displays make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time.
Multiple reviewers described it as a “hidden gem” and a “historic gem” worth seeking out.
The store sits along Kings Highway in Kempton, a small rural community in Berks County, Pennsylvania. The surrounding landscape adds to the atmosphere, with rolling hills and quiet roads that make the drive there feel like part of the experience.
One visitor even mentioned strolling around an old train station nearby, adding another layer of history to the visit. Coming here isn’t just about shopping — it’s about soaking in a piece of Pennsylvania’s past that still feels very much alive today.
Nesting Box Ice Cream You Cannot Miss
Ice cream lovers, take note: Wanamakers carries Nesting Box ice cream, and customers are absolutely obsessed with it. One reviewer declared it a “must have” and said the ice cream alone justifies the trip.
When a frozen treat earns that kind of enthusiasm, you know it’s something special.
Nesting Box is a beloved local brand known for rich, creamy flavors that feel indulgent without being over the top. Pairing a scoop with a freshly made deli sandwich makes for the kind of lunch combo that people talk about long after they’ve left the parking lot.
Sunday visits are especially popular for this reason — the store is open from 9 AM to 3 PM on Sundays, making it a perfect weekend treat destination. Whether you go classic vanilla or try something seasonal, finishing your Wanamakers visit with a scoop of Nesting Box ice cream is basically a requirement.
Bulk Candy and Snacks That’ll Empty Your Wallet
One reviewer warned visitors with a laugh: “Be careful — you will not leave with one item.” That’s especially true when it comes to the bulk candy and snack section at Wanamakers. Bags of nuts, candies, dried fruits, and granola line the shelves, and before you know it, your basket is overflowing.
The selection feels curated and fun, with options that range from classic penny-candy nostalgia to healthier no-sugar-added dried fruits. There’s something satisfying about scooping your own mix and walking out with a personalized snack bag that you won’t find at any chain grocery store.
Kids absolutely love this section, and honestly, so do adults who grew up hitting old-school candy shops on family road trips. Whether you’re stocking up for a hike or just treating yourself, the bulk snack wall at Wanamakers is one of those simple joys that makes the stop completely worth it.
The Kombucha Refill Station That Surprises Everyone
Nobody expects to find a kombucha refill station inside a rural Pennsylvania general store, but that’s exactly what makes Wanamakers so delightfully unpredictable. A reviewer specifically called it out as “pretty unique,” and it’s hard to disagree.
Bringing your own bottle and filling up with fresh kombucha feels like a small but meaningful nod to sustainability and health-conscious living.
Kombucha is a fermented tea drink known for its tangy flavor and gut-health benefits. Having a refill station available in a small-town shop shows that Wanamakers is paying attention to what modern shoppers want, without losing the cozy general store vibe that makes the place so special.
It’s one of those unexpected finds that turns a casual visit into a talking point. You’ll be mentioning the kombucha station to friends long after the trip, partly because it’s cool and partly because it tastes fantastic fresh from the tap.
Great Kimchi and Gourmet Grocery Finds
Wanamakers isn’t just chips and soda — the grocery section is genuinely impressive for a store its size. One visitor raved about the kimchi, calling it great, while others have praised the “amazing selection of gourmet and everyday groceries.” Finding fermented Korean cabbage alongside classic country store staples is exactly the kind of pleasant surprise this place is known for.
The grocery selection feels thoughtful and varied, mixing local Pennsylvania products with specialty items you wouldn’t typically find at a big-box supermarket. Whether you need a quick pantry staple or want to pick up something unique to take home, the shelves here tend to deliver.
Prices can lean a bit higher than chain stores, which some visitors have noted. But for the quality and uniqueness of what’s available, most shoppers feel it’s worth the extra few dollars.
Think of it less like grocery shopping and more like treasure hunting with a cart.
The Cozy Dine-In Area That Feels Like Home
Grabbing your hoagie or wrap and eating it right there in the store is honestly one of the best parts of a Wanamakers visit. The dine-in area is small and quaint, but it has a warmth to it that makes you want to linger a little longer than planned.
Reviewers have described it as “comfortable” and “interesting,” which pretty much sums up the whole experience.
Sitting down inside the store gives you a chance to really take in the atmosphere — the vintage decor, the friendly chatter between staff and regulars, and the sounds of the deli working away in the back. It feels less like a restaurant and more like eating at a friend’s family farm.
On busy days like weekends or during local events like the Hawk Mountain arts tour, the space fills up quickly. Arriving a little early ensures you snag a seat and enjoy your meal without the rush of a packed house.
A Gift Shop Full of Charming Surprises
Wanamakers isn’t just a place to eat — it’s a place to browse. The gift shop section has earned consistent praise from visitors who stumbled in expecting a basic country store and walked out with arms full of charming finds.
One reviewer described the gift shop as having “some really pretty stuff,” while another mentioned always discovering “cute new trinkets” on every visit.
The selection includes store-branded clothing, locally made goods, handcrafted items, and seasonal decorations that reflect the personality of the Kempton area. It’s the kind of shopping experience where every shelf holds something unexpected and delightful.
Prices in the gift shop do run on the higher side, as a few reviewers have mentioned, but the quality and uniqueness of the items tend to justify the cost. Whether you’re shopping for a souvenir, a birthday gift, or just something to brighten your own home, the gift shop at Wanamakers rarely disappoints.
Live Bait for Anglers Passing Through
Here’s a fun one for the fishing crowd: Wanamakers sells live bait, and it’s apparently very good. One reviewer shared that the nightcrawlers were “super fresh and cheap” and helped them catch some great fish.
Not many general stores can claim that their bait section gets five-star reviews, but Wanamakers pulls it off with ease.
The Kempton area is surrounded by beautiful Pennsylvania countryside, with creeks and fishing spots that draw outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year. Having a reliable spot to grab live bait right along Kings Highway makes Wanamakers a natural stop for anglers heading out for a day on the water.
It’s a small detail that speaks volumes about how well the store understands its community. Wanamakers serves locals and travelers alike, stocking the things people actually need — whether that’s a fresh hoagie, a jar of kimchi, or a cup of nightcrawlers for a Saturday morning fishing trip.
Friendly Staff and Community Vibes
Walk into Wanamakers on any given day and you’ll notice something right away: the staff genuinely like being there. Reviewers have repeatedly praised the friendliness of the team, with comments like “always courteous,” “so friendly,” and “warm and welcoming” showing up across dozens of reviews.
The owner has also been called out personally for being kind and making guests feel right at home.
That community energy is real. Regulars know each other by name, locals catch up over coffee, and first-time visitors quickly feel like part of the group.
It’s the kind of atmosphere that big chain stores spend millions trying to recreate and still can’t quite manage.
For travelers passing through Berks County, that human connection can make a routine pit stop feel genuinely memorable. The staff at Wanamakers seem to understand that hospitality is just as important as the food — and they deliver both with effortless charm every single day.
Perfect Stop After Hiking Hawk Mountain
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is one of Pennsylvania’s most beloved natural destinations, drawing thousands of hikers and birdwatchers every year to its stunning ridgeline trails. Wanamakers General Store sits just a short drive away, making it the ideal reward after a morning on the trails.
Multiple reviewers specifically mentioned stopping in after a Hawk Mountain hike, and the pattern is clear — this combo works beautifully.
After a few hours of climbing rocky paths and scanning the sky for raptors, there’s nothing better than a freshly made hoagie, a scoop of Nesting Box ice cream, and a cold kombucha to refuel. The store even has outdoor space where you can walk your dog and stretch your legs before getting back in the car.
Planning a Hawk Mountain day trip? Add Wanamakers to your itinerary.
It turns a great outdoor adventure into a full, satisfying experience that hits both the nature-lover and the foodie in you perfectly.
A Nostalgic Experience That Brings People Back
Some places stick with you, and Wanamakers is absolutely one of them. Reviewers don’t just leave five-star ratings — they come back.
Again and again. One customer edited their review years later just to add that the store keeps getting better.
Another called it “one of my favorite Sunday lunch stops.” That kind of loyalty says everything about what this place means to the people who find it.
The nostalgia factor is real. From the old-school general store layout to the handwritten signs and the unhurried pace of life in Kempton, visiting Wanamakers feels like pressing pause on the modern world for an hour or two.
It’s refreshing in a way that’s hard to put into words until you experience it yourself.
Open Monday through Saturday from 8 AM and Sundays from 9 AM, there’s almost always a good time to visit. Once you go, there’s a very good chance you’ll already be planning your return trip before you even reach the parking lot.
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