Roadside America closes after 85 years in business

[bill937ca]

Coviv 19 takes another victim.

 

SHARTLESVILLE, Pa. -- A popular roadside destination in Berks County is closing its doors after 85 years in business. 

The miniature train village of Roadside America announced their permanent closure Saturday in a Facebook post after over three years of searching for a potential buyer.

"Nearly 3 years ago we decided to place the display for sale, hoping to find a buyer who would continue business operations. Despite meeting with multiple interested parties over the last 2 years, each with their own unique vision, none committed to moving forward with the village."

 

https://www.wfmz.com/news/area/berks/roadside-america-closes-after-85-years-in-business/article_d4df6b22-2cc2-11eb-a453-5748f3fac08c.html?fbclid=IwAR3Vt-ayr3sp2xVzVbML_gzA87FkI3GWcCtdM8CLxjEzTS4SoitSpwBkQEI

 

Roadside America Wikipedia article:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roadside_America

Edited November 22, 2020 by bill937ca

[brill27mcb]

That's a real shame, says this Pennsylvanian. It was something of an institution in this region. Sounds like it was not a COVID victim though, with no successful deal after 3 years of looking for a new owner. But COVID may have made the search come to a close.

 

The Choo Choo Barn in Strasburg, PA is still going - https://www.choochoobarn.com/

 

Rich K.

[cteno4]

Sad to see. It was on the lists of odd things to see if near, but never in the route of my PA travels.

 

was going to go see the choo choo barn on the last trip to Strasberg but wasn't enough time with train museum! Strasberg also has the National toy train museum! Definitely the best place to go and be a big kid for a whole weekend!

 

jeff

 

 

[bill937ca]

Actually 3 years to sell a business isn't that long. I've heard it can take 5-10 years depending on expectations and business cycles. I think they just gave up.

[cteno4]

Yeah and in this case it’s a pretty odd business to model and price! No a lot of compatibles.

 

jeff

[Yugamu Tsuki]

I always wondered if the House on the Rock would ever be interested on one of these collections. I visit there more than I should and I never really see a model train area and imagine they may have enough space and it would fit in with their other "collections".