Tucked along Kings Highway in the quiet countryside of Kempton, Pennsylvania, Wanamakers General Store is one of those rare places that feels like stepping back in time. Most people driving through might not even notice it, but locals have known the secret for years.
From legendary hoagies made fresh at the deli counter to bulk candies, local groceries, and unique gifts, this little store packs a whole lot of charm into one historic building. If you have not made the trip yet, here are 13 reasons why Wanamakers General Store deserves a spot on your must-visit list.
The Italian Hoagie That Started the Buzz
Word travels fast in small towns, and at Wanamakers General Store, the Italian hoagie is the sandwich everyone keeps talking about. Stacked with fresh deli meats and classic toppings, it delivers that bold, satisfying flavor you only get from a place that actually cares about what goes inside the roll.
Reviewers consistently rave about how good the flavors are, calling it delicious and worth the drive. The deli team makes everything to order, so you are never getting something that has been sitting around.
Sure, a few folks have noted the price point is a little higher than a chain deli, but the quality more than makes up for it. Fresh ingredients, generous portions, and real care in every bite make this hoagie a standout experience in Berks County.
Made-to-Order Deli Sandwiches Worth Every Mile
There is something deeply satisfying about watching your sandwich get built right in front of you. At Wanamakers, the deli team takes each order seriously, crafting sandwiches with fresh ingredients that taste nothing like the pre-wrapped options at a gas station.
One reviewer tried the chicken salad on greens with avocado and oregano and called it absolutely delicious. Another longtime fan praised the sandwiches as consistently good, visit after visit.
That kind of reliability is hard to find at a small rural shop.
Whether you are stopping in after a hike at nearby Hawk Mountain or just passing through on a road trip, a made-to-order deli sandwich from Wanamakers hits the spot every single time. Bring your appetite and a little patience during busy hours, because good food is always worth the wait.
Seasonal Wraps That Change With the Calendar
Forget the same boring menu year-round. Wanamakers keeps things exciting with seasonal wraps that rotate based on what is fresh and available.
Customers who visit regularly say the seasonal options are always a highlight, keeping every trip feel like a new food adventure.
One reviewer specifically mentioned enjoying a seasonal wrap and called everything fresh and delicious. Another loyal customer recommended getting the seasonal sandwich or wrap every single time, calling it a charming and smart way to enjoy local flavors.
Seasonal menus also mean the kitchen stays creative and connected to the region around it. You might find something with local produce one month and a completely different flavor profile the next.
If you are someone who loves discovering new tastes, checking in on what Wanamakers is serving this season is always a fun reason to make the drive out to Kempton.
Bulk Candy Selection That Feels Like a Childhood Dream
Walking past the bulk candy section at Wanamakers feels like being ten years old again. Bins filled with gummies, chocolates, hard candies, and novelty treats line the shelves, making it nearly impossible to leave with just one bag.
One reviewer laughed and admitted she and her husband bought their weight in candy during a single visit.
The selection goes beyond the usual stuff you find at a grocery store. Unique flavors, old-fashioned favorites, and regional treats make browsing the candy section a mini adventure all on its own.
Kids absolutely love it, but honestly, the adults seem just as excited. Whether you are stocking up for a road trip, grabbing something sweet after lunch, or hunting for a nostalgic treat you have not seen in years, the bulk candy wall at Wanamakers is one of the store’s most beloved and talked-about features.
Nesting Box Ice Cream You Cannot Leave Without Trying
Ask any regular at Wanamakers what you absolutely cannot skip, and Nesting Box ice cream will come up almost every time. This locally sourced ice cream has earned a loyal fan base among visitors and residents alike, with reviewers calling it amazing and a must-have after lunch.
Nesting Box Creamery is known for producing rich, high-quality ice cream using fresh dairy, and getting a scoop at Wanamakers feels like the perfect ending to a great meal. The flavors are creamy, satisfying, and far better than anything from a big commercial brand.
On warm afternoons, the ice cream counter draws a steady crowd of happy customers. Families with kids, hikers coming off the trail, and road-trippers all line up for a scoop.
Treat yourself to a cone on your next visit and you will completely understand why people keep coming back just for this.
A Historic Building With Old-School Country Store Charm
Some buildings just have a story to tell the moment you pull into the parking lot. Wanamakers General Store sits along Kings Highway in Kempton with that unmistakable old-school country store energy, the kind of place that looks like it has been feeding and supplying the community for generations.
Reviewers consistently describe it as a historic hidden gem and a nostalgic country general store. The building itself carries a warm, lived-in character that modern convenience stores simply cannot replicate.
Walking through the front door feels like stepping into a different era.
Located near the old Kempton train station, the store sits in a setting that adds even more historical charm to the experience. Whether you are a history buff, a photographer, or just someone who appreciates places with real character, the atmosphere alone makes Wanamakers worth the drive out to Berks County.
Kombucha Refill Station Unlike Anything Nearby
Not many general stores in rural Pennsylvania offer a kombucha refill station, but Wanamakers is not your average store. One visitor specifically called it out as pretty unique, and honestly, it is hard to disagree.
Bringing your own container and refilling with fresh, fermented kombucha is both eco-friendly and a genuinely cool experience.
Kombucha has become popular for its probiotic benefits and tangy, refreshing taste. Having a refill option makes it accessible without the markup of individual bottles.
It also signals that Wanamakers pays attention to food trends and health-conscious customers, even out here in the countryside.
Regulars who stop in for lunch often grab a refill to go along with their sandwich or wrap. If you have never tried kombucha before, this is a low-pressure, affordable way to give it a shot.
Just another unexpected perk that makes Wanamakers stand out from every other rural general store in the region.
Local Grocery Items and Gourmet Finds on Every Shelf
Wanamakers is not just a deli stop. The store shelves are stocked with a thoughtful mix of everyday grocery items and gourmet finds that you would not expect to discover out in the middle of Berks County.
Reviewers have called it an amazing selection of gourmet and everyday groceries that keeps them coming back regularly.
Local and regional products take center stage, giving shoppers a chance to support Pennsylvania makers and farmers while picking up pantry staples. One reviewer even highlighted the store’s great kimchi, which is exactly the kind of unexpected gem that makes browsing the shelves so enjoyable.
Prices do lean a little higher than a big-box grocery store, which a few reviewers have mentioned. But for the quality, the local sourcing, and the unique items you simply cannot find anywhere else nearby, most customers feel the experience is well worth the extra few dollars per item.
Gift Shop Full of Unique and Locally Made Treasures
Shopping for gifts at big retail chains can feel impersonal, but the gift shop section at Wanamakers is a completely different experience. Filled with handmade crafts, local artisan products, store-branded clothing, and decorative items, it feels like every piece has a story behind it.
Reviewers describe it as having some really pretty stuff and charming finds that make thoughtful gifts for friends and family. One visitor mentioned discovering cute new trinkets on every single visit, which says a lot about how often the selection gets refreshed.
From Pennsylvania Dutch-inspired decor to quirky novelty items, the gift shop appeals to a wide range of tastes and budgets. Yes, some items lean toward the pricier side, but the quality and uniqueness of what you find here justifies the cost.
If you are hunting for something memorable to bring home, Wanamakers gift section is the right place to look.
Friendly Staff That Makes Every Visit Feel Personal
Great food only goes so far if the people serving it make you feel like a number. At Wanamakers, the staff is one of the most talked-about parts of the whole experience.
Reviewers consistently describe them as courteous, kind, and genuinely friendly, the kind of people who remember your face and make you feel at home.
Multiple visitors have praised not just the employees but also the owner, calling her kind and warm. That personal touch is rare, especially in a world where most food service feels rushed and transactional.
Here, conversation flows naturally and you leave feeling like you made a new friend.
For regulars, stopping in at Wanamakers has a social element that goes beyond just grabbing lunch. Locals know each other, staff know the customers, and newcomers are welcomed without hesitation.
That small-town warmth is something you simply cannot manufacture, and Wanamakers has it in abundance.
Live Bait for Anglers Passing Through the Area
Here is a fun one. Wanamakers does not just feed hungry hikers and road-trippers.
It also serves the local fishing community with fresh live bait. One reviewer raved about the nightcrawlers, calling them super fresh and cheap, and said they caught great fish after stocking up at the store.
Finding quality live bait in a rural area can be hit or miss, but Wanamakers keeps it fresh and affordable. Anglers heading out to nearby streams and ponds make regular stops here to grab what they need before a morning on the water.
It is this kind of practical, community-focused variety that makes Wanamakers more than just a novelty stop. The store genuinely serves the everyday needs of the people who live and recreate in this corner of Pennsylvania.
Whether you need a sandwich, a scoop of ice cream, or a cup of nightcrawlers, Wanamakers has you covered.
Cozy Dine-In Area Perfect for a Relaxed Lunch Stop
Grabbing a sandwich to go is always an option, but sitting down inside Wanamakers for lunch is an experience worth slowing down for. The dine-in area is small and quaint, with a warm country atmosphere that makes you want to linger over your meal a little longer than planned.
Reviewers describe the space as comfortable, interesting, and full of personality. It is the kind of spot where you can sit back, take in the surroundings, and actually enjoy your food without the noise and chaos of a busy restaurant.
The relaxed pace matches the rural setting perfectly.
On weekends, the dine-in area can fill up quickly, especially during peak lunch hours. Arriving a little early or on a weekday gives you the best chance of snagging a table.
Either way, eating inside Wanamakers adds a whole new layer of enjoyment to what is already a fantastic food experience.
A Perfect Stop After Hiking Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary draws thousands of visitors every year to its famous raptor-watching trails just a short drive from Kempton. After a long hike through the ridges, pulling up to Wanamakers General Store feels like finding an oasis.
Multiple reviewers specifically mentioned stopping here after a Hawk Mountain hike, and every single one of them was glad they did.
The timing is almost perfect. You work up a serious appetite on the trails, and then reward yourself with a fresh hoagie, a seasonal wrap, and a scoop of Nesting Box ice cream.
There is even a nice area near the old train station to stretch your legs and walk your dog.
Wanamakers has become an unofficial post-hike tradition for many Hawk Mountain regulars. If you are planning a nature trip to Berks County, building a stop here into your day is one of the smartest and most delicious decisions you will make.
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