By GEORGE CUSTER/Editor — We all do it, don’t we; as we drive through town we sneak a glance. Is there any work being done there today? For the past several years the answer has been a disappointing no.
I stopped by a couple of years ago when I saw the front door open and a work truck there. I was giddy with anticipation. They’re remodeling the place! I asked the worker there if there was any timeline for reopening. The gentleman was very closed lipped. He had no idea as to when the project might be completed or whether a grand reopening was forthcoming. Still, I was excited at the prospect that things were moving forward. That can’t be a bad sign, can it? If the future of the iconic establishment was in jeopardy, why do any work on it.
Things are looking up
The familiar steeple-like roof had been repainted. The workman indicated that new kitchen equipment was being installed. Certainly, the place must be on the mend. But, when can we expect the doors to swing open to a brand new, though refurbished, A & W Restaurant?
Well, as I drove past today, I again saw the front door open and another work truck parked in front. The container box that has been sitting out front has also given me a sense of forward movement for some time now.
No news is good news, maybe
Same questions, same answers. No, the worker had no idea as to any timeline for completion. No, he just started today and doesn’t know anything more. Rats!
The sight of any work actually being done on our beloved A & W gives me renewed hope. I suspect that one day, soon, locals will be manning the counter. They’ll wear their A & W uniforms. Kids, traveling the 58 with their parents will shout “they’re open!”.
I hope they continue the tradition of making their root beer fresh, on site, every day. I can taste it already.
George Custer lives in Oakridge with his wife Sayre. George is a former smokejumper from his hometown of Cave Junction, a former captain in the U.S. Marine Corps. and ran a construction company in Southern California. George assumed the volunteer duties as the Editor of the Highway 58 Herald in 2022. He loves riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, building all things wood, and playing drums on the weekends in his office.
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