Some things never go out of style, including a classic soda fountain. First opened in 1869, Goolrick’s is preparing to welcome customers once again at its grand reopening on Friday, August 7.
Located on Fredericksburg’s Caroline Street, Goolrick’s closed for four years to undergo an intensive restoration. It will hold a ribbon cutting at 11 a.m. on Friday to commemorate the reopening. The first 50 guests in attendance will receive free Goolrick’s merchandise.
Historic Building
“We’re incredibly excited to finally reopen the doors of Goolrick’s and welcome back our neighbors in the Fredericksburg community,” Joseph “Jeh” Hicks, director of communications at Jarrell Properties, said in a release. “Generations of Fredericksburg folks have lifelong memories tied to Goolrick’s, and a major focus throughout this project was honoring this landmark’s history while restoring the space to a standard that ensures Goolrick’s is here for many generations to come.”
The historic building dates back to 1808. It underwent an intensive renovation that was documented in the store’s video series “Reviving Goolrick’s.” Updates include restoration of the original tin ceiling and hand-laid tile flooring, plus structural repairs on other original fixtures.
The dining area has expanded to include seating for 50 guests. It includes lunch counter, high-top seating, and banquettes. The store also includes a revitalized retail area where customers can browse Goolrick’s merch and products created by local artisans.
Menu Items
Returning customers will be able to find the same classics that have graced Goolrick’s menu for generations. Nostalgic dishes like chicken salad, egg, salad, and grilled cheese are a few of the staples that keep customers coming back. The soda fountain will also serve hand-mixed coke along with cherry, vanilla, raspberry, orange, and chocolate sodas —plus metal-tin milkshakes and malts.
Later this year, Goolrick’s will be opening Section 7 in the lower level of the building — which hasn’t served the public in over a century. The menu will be lead by Executive Chef D’Andre Sykes, who began his career at Fredericksburg’s Fahrenheit 132 before stints in Nashville and Chicago, including Michelin-starred Elske.
Goolrick’s will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. 901 Caroline St., Fredericksburg
Feature image courtesy Mat Slagle at Made Digital Imagery
