Tucked along Kings Highway in the quiet countryside of Kempton, Pennsylvania, Wanamakers General Store is the kind of place that feels like stepping back in time. This charming rural gem has been winning hearts with its made-to-order hoagies, fresh deli items, and an atmosphere that feels warm and welcoming from the moment you walk in.
With a near-perfect 4.8-star rating and loyal customers who keep coming back, it is easy to see why so many people call this their favorite lunch stop. Whether you are passing through on a drive or making a special trip, Wanamakers is absolutely worth a visit.
The Legendary Italian Hoagie
Some sandwiches are just sandwiches, but the Italian hoagie at Wanamakers General Store is a whole experience. Stacked with savory deli meats, fresh vegetables, and drizzled with just the right amount of oil, this hoagie has earned serious praise from visitors across Pennsylvania.
Reviewers describe it as delicious, and many make the drive to Kempton specifically for this sandwich. Everything is made to order back in the deli, so you know your hoagie is fresh every single time.
The combination of quality ingredients and that classic Pennsylvania hoagie style makes this one stand out from anything you would find at a chain deli. Grab one on your next road trip through Berks County and taste the difference for yourself.
Once you try it, you will completely understand why people rave about it online.
Made-to-Order Deli Experience
Walking up to the deli counter at Wanamakers feels like ordering from someone who genuinely cares about your meal. Every sandwich and wrap is made fresh to order, meaning no pre-made, sitting-around food here.
Customers have raved about items like chicken salad on greens with avocado and oregano, seasonal wraps packed with fresh flavors, and hearty subs that hit the spot after a long hike. The staff takes pride in what they make, and it shows in every bite.
This made-to-order approach is what separates Wanamakers from typical convenience stops. You are not just grabbing something quick.
You are getting a real, thoughtfully prepared meal in a store that feels like home. If you value freshness and quality over speed, this deli counter will quickly become your new favorite lunch destination in all of Pennsylvania.
Seasonal Wraps Worth the Drive
Forget boring wraps. At Wanamakers, seasonal wraps are crafted with creativity and care, changing with the time of year to highlight fresh, locally inspired ingredients.
Visitors consistently describe them as some of the best they have ever tasted.
One reviewer even noted that a seasonal wrap made for a perfect stop after exploring nearby Hawk Mountain. The combination of fresh fillings and thoughtful seasoning makes each wrap feel like something special rather than just a grab-and-go item.
What makes these wraps so memorable is the attention to detail. Nothing feels rushed or generic.
Each one is assembled with the same care you would expect from a dedicated kitchen, not a roadside shop. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a regular, trying whatever seasonal wrap is on the menu is always a smart move at Wanamakers General Store.
Nesting Box Ice Cream Treats
After finishing your hoagie, saving room for Nesting Box ice cream is practically a requirement at Wanamakers. This beloved local ice cream brand has become one of the store’s most talked-about highlights, drawing in families and visitors who plan their stops specifically around getting a scoop.
Reviewers call it amazing, and once you try it, you will understand the hype completely. The flavors are rich, creamy, and satisfying in a way that mass-produced ice cream just cannot match.
It is the kind of treat that makes a countryside drive feel extra rewarding.
Kids love it, adults love it, and even the dogs being walked around the nearby old train station seem to notice the excitement. Pair it with a sandwich from the deli and you have yourself a perfect Pennsylvania afternoon.
This ice cream alone makes a stop here completely justified.
A Historic Hidden Gem in Kempton
There is something genuinely magical about finding a place that has stood the test of time, and Wanamakers General Store delivers that feeling instantly. Located at 8888 Kings Highway in Kempton, this store carries the soul of old Pennsylvania in every corner.
Locals know each other by name here, and visitors feel the warm, tight-knit community energy the moment they step through the door. It is the kind of place where history lives in the walls and friendliness lives in the staff.
The store sits near an old train station, adding another layer of nostalgic charm to the whole experience. Whether you are stopping in for groceries, a sandwich, or just to soak up the atmosphere, Wanamakers feels like a genuine discovery.
In a world full of chain stores and fast food, finding a place like this is something to truly appreciate and revisit often.
Bulk Candy and Snack Selection
One reviewer warned, “Be careful, you will not leave with one item,” and nowhere is that more true than in the candy section at Wanamakers. The bulk candy and snack selection is a sugar lover’s paradise, offering everything from classic childhood favorites to unique gourmet treats.
Bagged bulk items like candies, nuts, and granola line the shelves, making it easy to grab a little of everything. The variety is impressive for a store this size, and the prices are fair enough that you will likely fill a bag or two before you know it.
This section is especially fun for families with kids, who will have a hard time choosing just one thing. It adds a playful, old-fashioned general store energy to the shopping experience.
Stocking up on snacks here before a hike at Hawk Mountain is honestly a brilliant idea.
Unique Gift Shop and Retail Section
Browsing the gift shop at Wanamakers is like going on a little treasure hunt. The retail section is filled with pretty, unique items that you simply will not find at a regular big-box store.
From store-branded clothing to handcrafted gifts, there is always something new to discover.
Reviewers have described the gift items as charming and one-of-a-kind, though some note that the pricing reflects the boutique nature of the selection. Still, for visitors looking for a meaningful Pennsylvania souvenir or a thoughtful gift, this section delivers in a big way.
The shop gets refreshed regularly, so even regular customers find new trinkets on return visits. It is the kind of place where you pick up something for a friend and then end up buying something for yourself too.
Plan to spend a little extra time here because the browsing is genuinely enjoyable.
Friendly Staff and Community Vibe
The people behind the counter at Wanamakers are a big reason why customers keep coming back. Reviewers consistently mention the courteous, kind, and genuinely warm staff as one of the best parts of visiting this store.
Even the owner has been praised by name for being approachable and generous with hospitality.
Walking in here feels less like a transaction and more like catching up with people who are happy to see you. That kind of energy is rare, especially in retail and food service.
It makes a simple lunch stop feel like a meaningful part of your day.
The community atmosphere is tight-knit, with locals often greeting each other by name. For visitors from outside the area, being welcomed into that warmth is a treat in itself.
Good food tastes even better when the people serving it genuinely care about your experience.
Delicious Soups to Warm You Up
Cold Pennsylvania days call for something warm and satisfying, and the soups at Wanamakers are exactly that. Customers have praised the soups as delicious and comforting, the kind of made-with-care recipes that remind you of a home-cooked meal rather than something from a can.
Paired with one of the store’s legendary hoagies or wraps, a bowl of soup turns a quick stop into a full, satisfying meal. The deli team puts the same attention into their soups as they do every other menu item, which means quality you can actually taste in every spoonful.
On a crisp fall afternoon after a hike at nearby Hawk Mountain, nothing sounds better than a warm bowl of soup and a fresh sandwich from Wanamakers. It is comfort food at its most honest and unpretentious, served by people who clearly enjoy feeding their community well.
Kombucha Refill Station
Not many general stores in rural Pennsylvania have a kombucha refill station, but Wanamakers does, and customers think it is pretty fantastic. This unique feature reflects the store’s commitment to offering something beyond the expected, catering to health-conscious shoppers who appreciate the option.
Kombucha lovers can bring their own bottles or pick one up in-store and fill up with the probiotic-rich drink. It is a surprisingly thoughtful addition to a store that already offers so much variety.
Finding this kind of specialty option in a small countryside shop adds to the sense that Wanamakers is always one step ahead.
Whether you are a kombucha regular or just curious enough to try it, this station is worth a stop on your way through the store. It is one of those quirky, memorable details that makes Wanamakers feel genuinely different from any other general store you have visited.
Local and Gourmet Grocery Selection
Wanamakers is not just about the deli. The grocery section is stocked with a thoughtful mix of local Pennsylvania products, gourmet specialty items, and everyday essentials that make it a genuinely useful stop for locals and travelers alike.
Reviewers have called the selection brilliant and surprisingly comprehensive for a store of its size.
You might come in for a sandwich and leave with local kimchi, specialty granola, and a bottle of something you have never tried before. The store curates its shelves with care, choosing products that feel intentional rather than generic.
That is a rare quality in small-town retail.
Prices on some items reflect the boutique nature of the selection, but the quality justifies the cost for most shoppers. Supporting a local store with this much character and variety is something many customers are happy to do on every visit to the Kempton area.
Live Bait and Outdoor Supplies
Here is something you might not expect from a store famous for its hoagies: Wanamakers also sells live bait, and it is apparently excellent. One reviewer raved about the fresh nightcrawlers, saying they caught great fish after picking some up at the store.
That kind of quality in an unexpected category says a lot about how seriously Wanamakers takes everything it offers.
For anglers passing through Berks County, this is a genuinely convenient and reliable stop before heading out to nearby waterways. The bait was described as super fresh and affordable, which is exactly what fishermen want to hear before a morning on the water.
It is a perfect example of what makes Wanamakers so special. Whether you need a sandwich, a gift, a snack, or fishing supplies, this one store somehow has you covered.
That kind of variety is what true general stores are all about.
Perfect Stop Near Hawk Mountain
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is one of Pennsylvania’s most beloved outdoor destinations, and Wanamakers General Store is the perfect complement to any visit there. Located just a short drive away, the store has become a go-to before and after hike stop for nature lovers exploring the area.
Multiple reviewers mention stopping at Wanamakers after a walk at Hawk Mountain, picking up a wrap, a sandwich, or a scoop of Nesting Box ice cream as a well-earned reward. The timing feels natural, and the food hits especially hard after a few hours of hiking through the ridge.
The store even hosted crowds during the Hawk Mountain arts tour, handling the influx of visitors with ease. Whether you are a birder, a hiker, or just someone who loves a scenic Pennsylvania drive, pairing Hawk Mountain with a stop at Wanamakers makes for a genuinely perfect day out.
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