The Vintage Cowgirl at Wrink’s Market in Lebanon, Missouri, announced on Facebook it was closing permanently after 8 p.m. Saturday.
It’s the second closure of the historic Route 66 business since its founder and longtime operator died in 2005.
“We have cherished every moment serving you and the community,” the post from the business stated. “The decision to close was not made lightly, and we are grateful for the support and loyalty you have shown us over the years.
“Thank you for being a part of our journey. We will always treasure the memories and relationships we have built. We look forward to seeing everyone one last time this week. Yeehaw!!”
The Vintage Cowgirl at Wrink’s Market also stated it would honor gift cards through July 13 and would issue a refund for whatever amount is unused.
The granddaughter of Wrink’s Market founder Glenn Wrinkle, Katie Hapner, and her sister-in-law reopened it in 2017.
The Vintage Cowgirl of Wrinks Market also took a page from Glenn Wrinkle and offered freshly made sandwiches. Famed radio host Paul Harvey praised Wrinkle’s sandwiches.
Wrinkle opened Wrink’s Market along Route 66 in 1950 and kept it going until he died at age 82 in 2005. He was such a legend of Route 66, he was featured or at least mentioned in scores of books and articles about the historic highway.
His son, Terry, reopened it for about two years starting in 2007, but it shuttered again amid the Great Recession.
(Image of Wrink’s Market in Lebanon, Missouri, by JymPoiranges via Flickr)