Only in York County

It has been a multi-year attempt on this blog to deal with what used to be where on Route 30. Sometimes I think this should be my full-time gig! Think we could all agree enough to co-author a book on the whole “It used to be” subject in York County?

Regarding that Route 30 stuff, commenter Frank Soyke writes, “Here is how I recall the lineup on Route 30 circa the late 70’s – early 80’s: Jolly Fisherman was where Hooters is now (after “Jolly,” it was in one form or another, The Pink Panther and the Broadway Cafe). Across the street was Arthur Treachers and Rax. Arthur Treachers became Kentucky Fried Chicken and then Popeyes when KFC moved down the west hill into the old Roy Rogers building. Rax changed hands several times before becoming the Mexican restaurant is is today. Next to the Rax where the Amish furniture store is today was the old Kiddietown store which moved there from the North Mall about 80. Down the hill to the west. Two Guys plaza sat on one side (Two Guys itself closed in fall of 1981 when West Manchester Mall opened.) Across 30 from Two Guys sat nothing until the mid 80’s when they built a Bob’s Big Boy where Lone Star is now (or was) and a Roy Rogers where KFC is now. To the East of Jolly Fisherman sat the North Mall with Bon-Ton and J.M. Fields as the anchors (Fields closed around 79). Fields building became a Showbiz Pizza and then Burlington Coat Factory and was eventually turned into the OTB which it is now. To the east of the North Mall, McDonalds sat on one side (where Bob’s Intown Spas is now) and across the street was Gino’s (at the present Taco Bell site and Ponderosa (where a bank is now).”

(By the way, Frank, you brought up one near and dear to another commenter. Dawn Becker wrote, “The Hooters also used to be the home of a nightclub named Broadway Cafe. That was such a great place!”)

Anyway, even with all that, there is – apparently – something we’re missing!

Bill Schmeer writes, “The other day I turned onto Eleventh Avenue from North George Street and as I drove past the Wendy’s, next to Bob’s Intown Spas, I got a flash from the past. Wasn’t there an Italian restaurant where the Wendy’s is now? I remember it was a popular eating place, but with a fast food feel. I think it was a chain franchise and the name started with ‘S’.”

Well, guess what! I have help! As part of his response to our restaurants of the past directory, regular commenter Joe says, “Let’s not forget Roy Rogers along Rt. 30 which then became The Spaghetti Shop (fast food style pasta?!) Which eventually became KFC and is now KFC/Long John Silvers (which combines two places that previously existed elsewhere along Rt. 30!)”

Wow, you guys. That’s a lot of restaurants. I’m definitely adding any I’d missed to the restaurants of the past directory. Keep ’em coming… I really appreciate it.