Hampshire restaurant turns 50

Though much of the farmland that once surrounded the Chick-N-Dip restaurant in Hampshire has been developed into amenities such as a gas station and mini mart, the old drive-in-style diner has stood as an icon of eras past.

The restaurant - which celebrated its 50th birthday this week - has greeted locals and visitors alike at the intersection of Route 72 and State Street, the entrance to Hampshire.

"This is a landmark, right on the corner," said Justin Fulbright, 22, who has worked at the restaurant for about eight years. "No one gives directions like 'turn right here, go left there,' everyone knows where to go from the Chick-N-Dip."

While Hampshire is going through a development growth spurt, there's nothing modern about the diner with its walk-up window, memorabilia-filled dining room or cash-only requirement.

And that's how the staff and customers at Chick-N-Dip like it.

"People like being able to come to a place like this because there aren't many around," said manager Rich Wagner. "People enjoy it. It's not contrite or part of a chain or a box store."

Wagner's parents, Richard "Smiley" and Bonita "Twid" Wagner, have owned the restaurant since 1977 and handed over the management reins to their son in 1994. Other than new appliances, Wagner said, the restaurant and eating area have remained unchanged.

"There has been very little remodeling since the day it was built," Wagner said. "Some people would think of it as an indictment, but then others have paid thousands of dollars to get that vintage feel."

Jan Koerner, 70, of Hampshire, has been a frequent diner since the restaurant opened in 1958.

"When it first opened, this was the place to go for chicken," said Koerner, who was enjoying lunch Friday with friends Arlene Struthers, 73, of Elgin, and Carol Shaw, 71, of Hampshire. "They have the best chicken and coleslaw. It's the food that keeps us coming back."