The Kmart Cafe: A Forgotten Icon

Do you remember the tantalizing aroma of freshly made burgers, the sizzle of golden fries, and the inviting warmth of a cup of coffee at the Kmart cafeteria? If you are a product of the late 20th century, chances are, you’ve spent more than a few afternoons at one of these gems. The Kmart cafeteria was a social cornerstone and a remarkable retail experiment, but like many great things, it’s now a relic of the past.

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The Birth of the Kmart Cafeteria

The Kmart cafeteria was created in the late 1960s, an era of bold innovation and experimental business ventures. Born out of Kresge’s transition to the Kmart brand, the cafeteria was an innovative idea aimed at enhancing the shopping experience by providing customers with a place to eat and rest during their shopping sprees. It was a novel concept at a time when the idea of combining retail and dining was still in its infancy.

The cafeterias were typically located near the center of the store, offering an open, relaxed environment where customers could take a breather from the hustle of shopping. The idea was simple: if shoppers could eat without leaving the store, they would stay longer and, hopefully, spend more.

More Than Just a Meal

The Kmart cafeteria offered more than just food – it provided an experience! It was a place where families could come together for a quick, affordable meal. Kids would sip on Icee slush drinks while their parents chatted over coffee, and seniors would gather for a friendly game of checkers while enjoying a hot lunch.

The menu was simple and catered to the American palate. Sandwiches, hamburgers, pizza, fries, and soft drinks were the mainstays, with daily specials adding variety. These specials usually offered heartier options such as macaroni & cheese, liver and onion, baked chicken, and fried fish. Prices were affordable, making it an attractive dining option for many.

The Kmart cafeteria’s fame grew rapidly, and by the mid-70s, it was a thriving part of the Kmart brand. It was not uncommon to see packed cafeterias in Kmarts across the country, filled with shoppers taking a break or locals stopping by for a quick bite.

A Victim of Changing Times

Unfortunately, like many things, the glory days of the Kmart cafeteria couldn’t last forever. As the retail landscape evolved, so did consumers’ habits and expectations. Fast-food chains and food courts became the norm, offering more variety and faster service.

By the late 1980s, Kmart was facing increasing competition from stores like Walmart and Target, and the company had to make tough decisions to stay afloat. One of these was the gradual phasing out of the Kmart cafeterias. The company began to experiment with fast-food options, introducing brands like Little Caesars and Wendy’s into their stores.

By the mid-90s, most of the Kmart cafeterias were closed, replaced by smaller snack bars or franchised fast-food outlets. Some stores attempted to keep the tradition alive by maintaining a scaled-down version of the cafe, but these were few and far between.

How’s That for a Taste of Nostalgia?

While the Kmart cafeteria may be a symbol of a bygone era, it remains etched in our collective memory. It serves as a lesson for modern retailers about the power of customer experience and the necessity of adapting to evolving market trends.

Despite its closure, the cafeteria’s legacy lives on. It’s more than a mere memory of meals and meet-ups; it’s a cherished chapter of American retail history, a testament to a time when shopping was not just a chore but a community experience. Although the Kmart cafeteria has disappeared, much like the stores, it will never vanish from our hearts!

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Kmart Trivia

Did you know that Kmart was originally called S.S. Kresge Corporation? Or that the first Kmart store opened in 1962 in Garden City, Michigan?

Here are some more interesting facts about this retail giant:

1. Kmart was the third largest discount store chain in the United States, behind Walmart and Target.

2. As of 2018, there were a total of 941 Kmart stores in operation across the globe.

3. Kmart was one of the first retailers to offer layaway plans and home delivery services.

4. The Kmart chain was once owned by Sears, but was sold off in 2019.

5. Kmart is one of the oldest retail chains in the United States?

6. Today, Kmart is a subsidiary of Sears Holdings Corporation and has 3 stores in the United States.

7. Kmart was the first retailer to introduce the self-serve checkout system

9. Kmart had its own line of products, known as “Kmart brand” or “KB” products

Kmart has a long and storied history, dating back to the late 19th century. The company has weathered many ups and downs, but has always managed to stay afloat, until now. Today, Kmart has only 3 store locations across the United States

To read our in-depth article about what happened to Kmart, please click here