Randsburg’s iconic general store to close

RANDSBURG, Calif. (KERO) – A landmark in eastern Kern County that has been open for more than a century is set to close its doors for good. In the living ghost town of Randsburg, California sits a general store steeped in history and memorabilia.

The Randsburg General Store isn’t just a restaurant and store, it’s also a piece of history that provides insight into California’s mining days. Beyond that, owner Brad Myers says it’s family too. And that’s why they are devastated to be closing in the coming weeks.

“Guys like me who are only open 14-15 hours a week can’t survive the high rents and operating costs.”

This is reality for Myers. He’s owned the Randsburg General Store for six years, but recently he says it’s been hard to stay afloat.

“It’s been a tough two years with the whole COVID thing, and now with the new administration it’s harder for small businesses to survive. The cost of operation has literally tripled over the past year.

And that’s why in mid-August, Myers announced that the iconic store would be closing and downsizing. It left people who grew up visiting the store emotional.

“I felt sad for them because, I mean, I know what these people are going through. It’s one of those things that’s been a part of my life for 60 years or more,” said client Jeffery Wadsworth.

Amy Brown adds that the store is a unique local place you won’t find anywhere else.

“My heart broke. I felt like I had to rush to get there and visit them one last time. I think it’s a great place. There is nowhere in Kern County where you can actually sit down and sit in a 118 year old bar and enjoy an ice cream or whatever you decide to have.

But for many like Brown and Wadsworth, it’s about memories.

“It’s a nostalgia thing for me because it’s part of what I grew up with and part of my son,” Wadsworth added. “He’s in his 40s now and he’s still doing the same thing with his kids.”

Myers says customers have told him what continuing the store’s legacy means to them. That’s why people from across the country are coming together to try to help.

“The outpouring of support just overwhelmed me and my wife.”

Wadsworth says he hopes this piece of history doesn’t become just that.

“It’s a part of Southern California. It would be a shame if that disappeared. »

If the store can’t stay open, the doors will officially close and they’ll move into another store – The Vault – in mid-October.