Wrink’s Food Market, a longtime Route 66 business in Lebanon, Mo., until the death of its owner in 2005, is being prepared for a possible reopening in July, with a grand reopening likely around Labor Day weekend.
Wrink’s Market, which was a sort of dime store and food mart, had been operated by the ever-affable Glenn “Wrink” Wrinkle from 1950 until shortly before his death. Wrink’s Market boasted Clint Eastwood as one of its customers, and radio personality Paul Harvey also touted Wrinkle’s store.
The store quietly closed after Wrinkle’s death. Two area women leased the building for many months and planned to reopen it, but never did. They eventually were evicted.
Wrink’s Market will be reopened by his Glenn Wrinkle’s son Terry, said Terry’s wife, Cheryl. She said that Terry, retired from Coca-Cola, is busy repainting the store with “retro” colors. She also said the building’s awnings and neon signs also will be repaired.
A deli and a diner will be installed in the back of the store to satisfy Route 66 tourists and longtime Wrink’s customers who still get a hankering for its sandwiches. Wrink’s will continue to have a souvenir shop, no doubt catering to Route 66ers.
Cheryl also said that her husband may lease part of the building to an area barbecue restaurant. The building’s enormous basement has been cleaned, and it may also be leased for flea markets or other types of businesses.
We’ll have more details about Wrink’s reopening as the date approaches.
(Photo courtesy of The Road Wanderer.)
Keep it in the family! Good Luck Terry!
Hey Terry,
If I can make it up for the “Grand Opening” I will bring a picture
“Wrinks Market” that I have tattooed on my back.
Take care and good luck.
Best of Luck to you Terry, I had a blast visiting with you today at the store. What a great piece of history! Cannot wait to get back when you are open. You sure are close now.
Dan Starnes