If you’re a Pittsburgher of a certain age, you remember Hills Department stores.
While it was known for its selling clothing, home appliances, housewares, toys and more, it was popular for its snack bar.
It’s been nearly 25 years since Hills went out of business, acquired by Ames who itself went out of business in 2002, but people still remember the popcorn, drinks and the distinct smell of the snack bar.
Those longing for days gone by, a Beaver County man is bringing back at least part of the classic department store.
Jason Powell of Aliquippa tells KDKA Radio he is starting up a mobile Hills Snack Bar.
“It will be a rolling/mobile unit taken to many events and neighborhoods where former Hills locations used to be,” Powell said in a Facebook post. “We plan to post our menu (which will include all the classics) and dates/locations in early 2023.”
The menu will include popcorn, pretzels, hot dogs, drinks and everything else that made the Hills snack bar so popular.
Powell tells KDKA why he wants to bring back at least a part of the classic store:
I want to reopen the Hills Snack Bar so that people can take a proverbial ‘walk down memory lane’. Even though it won't be the same without the actual store front, I just think being able to re-live some those memories, and taste some of those flavors again, and smell those old smells will make people smile and feel happy inside remembering back to the good ol days. And that's what this is all about and who this is all for "the people", and the communities who dearly miss their Hills stores, and for those "kids" like me who are now adults and moms and dads themselves, who will now have the opportunity to take their kids to the Hills Snack Bar to make new memories of their own. Sure anyone can get a Hotdog, a Pretzel or bag of popcorn anywhere, but standing in line with a group of like minding Hills loving individuals, hopefully sharing stories, smiles and laughter...that is what I hope makes the new Hills Snack Bar special.
Powell shared a photo of the work in progress, portable snack bar. He says he is reaching out to the sign company that original installed the Hills storefront signs to see if they can make one for him.
While the original Hills may be long gone, a new generation will be able to enjoy what was the favorite part of the store for many.
The news of the Hills Snack Bar comes just days after a website claimed the Ames Department stores are making a comeback.
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