Wanamaker’s General Store in Kempton, Pennsylvania, is the kind of place people talk about after one good lunch. Located at 8888 Kings Highway, it has the simple charm of an old country store, with a relaxed atmosphere that makes visitors feel welcome from the moment they walk through the door. Guests come for sandwiches, wraps, groceries, gifts, and, most of all, the much-loved chicken salad that has become a favorite among regulars.
Beyond the food, the store has a down-to-earth character that makes it feel like more than just a quick stop for a meal or supplies. Whether you are passing through the area, exploring nearby attractions, or simply looking for a memorable local bite, Wanamaker’s makes an easy addition to the day. With friendly service, comforting food, and plenty of small-town charm, it feels like the kind of hidden gem worth going a little out of your way to find.
1. A Chicken Salad Worth the Drive
Some lunches become little road trip legends, and the chicken salad at Wanamaker’s General Store has earned that kind of praise.
One visitor described ordering it on greens with avocado and oregano, then called it delicious enough to remember.
The appeal is simple.
Food from the deli is made to order, so it feels fresh instead of rushed.
If you like a lighter meal, ask for chicken salad over greens.
If you want something heartier, check whether it can be enjoyed as a sandwich or paired with another deli favorite.
Plan your visit during lunch hours, especially if you are driving in from another part of Pennsylvania.
The store is popular with locals and travelers, so a little patience helps.
Bring an appetite, leave room for a treat, and enjoy food that feels honest, filling, and easy to love.
2. No-Frills Charm on Kings Highway
A fancy sign is not what makes Wanamaker’s special.
The charm comes from the feeling that you have stepped into a real country store, not a place trying too hard to look old-fashioned.
Located at 8888 Kings Highway in Kempton, the store has a warm, lived-in style that many guests call nostalgic.
Shelves hold everyday groceries, fun snacks, local goods, gifts, and surprises you may not expect.
That mix is part of the fun, because a quick lunch stop can turn into a slow walk around the aisles.
If you are visiting for the first time, give yourself extra time before or after eating.
Look at the deli, browse the shop, and notice the small details.
Wanamaker’s works best when you do not rush it.
The store rewards curious visitors who enjoy simple places with personality.
3. Made-to-Order Deli Favorites
The deli counter is where many Wanamaker’s visits begin, and for good reason.
Reviews mention hoagies, wraps, subs, sandwiches, and seasonal specials that keep people coming back again.
Made-to-order food can take a little longer than grabbing something prepacked, but that is part of the reward.
You get a meal built fresh, with choices that fit your hunger.
Fans often praise the wraps for being consistent, while others point to the sandwiches as a reliable lunch pick after a drive, hike, or errand run.
Before ordering, scan the menu and listen for any specials.
If the chicken salad is your main goal, ask how it is being served that day.
For groups, the deli is helpful because one person can choose a hoagie, another can pick a wrap, and someone else can keep lunch lighter with greens.
4. Picnic Tables Make Lunch Feel Easy
Good food tastes even better when you can sit outside and slow down.
Wanamaker’s has picnic tables that turn a deli order into a relaxed country lunch.
Motorcycle riders, families, and road trippers have all praised the stop as a pleasant place to rest.
The roads around Kempton add to the experience, especially for people who enjoy scenic drives through Pennsylvania.
After ordering chicken salad, a wrap, or a sandwich, heading outside can make the meal feel like part of a small adventure.
On nice days, bring sunglasses or a light jacket, depending on the season.
If you are traveling with kids or friends, outdoor seating gives everyone a little space.
It is also a handy choice after time in the car.
Sit down, unwrap lunch, and let the store’s easygoing pace do its work.
5. A Country Store With Surprises on Every Shelf
You may arrive for chicken salad and leave with candy, dried fruit, nuts, and a gift you did not know you needed.
That is a very normal Wanamaker’s kind of visit.
Customers often mention the store’s bulk-style bagged items, including candies, granola, nuts, and dried fruits.
Others enjoy the gift shop area, where crafts, trinkets, clothing, and homey finds add to the browsing fun.
There is even a useful mix of groceries, so the store serves both travelers and nearby residents.
Give yourself a small shopping budget if you like snacks.
It is easy to pick up more than one item, especially when something reminds you of childhood or looks perfect for the ride home.
The shelves are part of the experience, and they help make Wanamaker’s more than just a lunch counter.
6. Friendly Service Keeps People Coming Back
A great chicken salad brings people through the door, but kind service makes them want to return.
Wanamaker’s has earned many happy comments for its welcoming staff and comfortable mood.
Visitors describe the people there as friendly, courteous, and helpful.
That matters in a small general store, where guests may need menu advice, directions, or a quick suggestion for what to try.
When a place feels warm, even a short stop can become a favorite memory.
If it is your first visit, do not be afraid to ask what is popular at the deli.
Staff may point you toward chicken salad, wraps, hoagies, or a seasonal option.
A simple question can lead to a better meal.
The store’s strong 4.8-star rating reflects more than food alone.
It shows how much people value feeling welcome.
7. A Smart Stop After Hawk Mountain or a Country Drive
Hungry after a hike or a long country drive?
Wanamaker’s fits neatly into a day spent exploring the Kempton area.
One reviewer called it a wonderful place to visit after hiking at Hawk Mountain.
Others mention it as a motorcycle destination because the surrounding roads are enjoyable and the sandwiches make a tasty reward.
That mix of scenery and good food helps explain why people travel from different parts of Pennsylvania for a simple meal.
Check the hours before you go, especially on Sunday, when the store is open from 9 AM to 3 PM.
Most other days it opens at 8 AM and stays open into the evening.
If chicken salad is your must-have, arriving earlier in the day is wise.
Popular deli items can draw attention, and lunch tastes better when you are not racing the clock.
8. Ice Cream, Kombucha, and Other Little Treats
Lunch does not have to end with the last bite of chicken salad.
Wanamaker’s gives visitors plenty of reasons to linger for something sweet, cold, fizzy, or just plain fun.
Reviews mention Nesting Box ice cream as a must-have, along with a unique kombucha refill station that surprised at least one guest.
The store also carries candy and snack items, so dessert can be as simple as a scoop, a bag of old-fashioned sweets, or something to enjoy later on the road.
If you are bringing kids, the treat options can make the stop feel special.
Adults may enjoy browsing for local goods while deciding what to take home.
The best plan is to eat lunch first, then wander.
A small after-lunch treat turns a quick deli visit into a cheerful country-store outing.
9. Planning Your Visit to Wanamaker’s
A good visit starts with knowing the basics.
Wanamaker’s General Store is at 8888 Kings Highway, Kempton, Pennsylvania 19529, and the phone number is 610-756-6609.
The store is usually open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 7 PM, Saturday from 8 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday from 9 AM to 3 PM.
Hours can change, so checking the official website before a longer drive is a smart move.
The store’s location at 40.6609211, -75.8453673 places it in a quiet rural area, which is part of its appeal.
Come hungry, but also come ready to browse.
Order chicken salad or another deli favorite, look through the groceries and gifts, and consider sitting outside if the weather is nice.
Wanamaker’s is not flashy.
It is friendly, practical, and memorable in the way small Pennsylvania stops often are.