Under New Ownership, Goolrick’s Prepares for 125+ More Years of Fond Memories
The Iconic Goolrick’s Pharmacy Building to Undergo Major Renovation
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. (May 11, 2022) – A true Fredericksburg landmark that locals and visitors adore — the historic Goolrick’s Pharmacy and its famous soda fountain. Now, customers will be happy to know the new owner is preserving Goolrick’s famous Soda Fountain and with it that nostalgic feeling of yesteryear. It is described as being America’s Longest Continuously Operated Soda Fountain.
On Monday, May 9, 2022, Jarrell Properties Inc. (JPI) finalized the purchase of the Goolrick’s Pharmacy building at 901 Caroline St. in downtown Fredericksburg. JPI purchased the building to restore its historic character and iconic soda fountain.
The family-owned and operated business, JPI, shares many of the heartwarming memories they hear from others who know and love Goolrick’s. JPI President James “Jay” Jarrell, III was born and raised in Fredericksburg. He warmly recalls, “I often stopped by for their vanilla shakes – awesome. During high school, I worked on a construction job downtown, and I had two egg salad and bacon sandwiches on white toast for lunch almost every day that summer.”
His son, James Jarrell IV, and daughter, Jewels Jarrell Stover, also grew up in Fredericksburg and now run the family business.
Jewels Jarrell Stover is fond of the milkshakes just like her father. She has great memories from her times at Goolrick’s and is excited about the opportunity to preserve this important landmark for future generations. She sees it as an amazing project, “especially after growing up and currently living and working in Downtown Fredericksburg.”
The building is in dire need of repair and renovation following years of heavy use, flooding and evidence of old fire damage. JPI’s experienced team plans on the renovation and rehabilitation of the building as soon as possible with the all-important goal of reopening Goolrick’s so it will continue to be a meaningful part of the Fredericksburg Downtown well into the future.
Goolrick’s Pharmacy and its popular soda fountain earned a reputation as a local gathering place that served classic luncheonette foods and fond memories.
Goolrick’s customers describe their Goolrick’s favorites in affectionate detail: Macaroni salad, egg salad with bacon sandwiches on white bread, thick milkshakes served in stainless steel malt blender cups and rich hot fudge sundaes are just a few of the notable menu items.
Preliminary plans to preserve the building and recreate the experience of a simpler time include:
- Renovating the entire building
- Moderate expansion of the dining space
- Restoration of the lunch counter and bar stools
- Renovating the living space on the second floor
- No plans to reopen the pharmacy, which was closed by the previous owner
The Jarrells seek a food service professional to manage and operate the soda fountain. They plan to bring back original sandwich recipes and other classic Goolrick’s favorites for future generations to enjoy.
Visit Goolricksfxbg.com to track the building’s progress as it makes its way through the renovations.
For more information regarding Goolrick’s, please contact Jeh Hicks, Director of Community Relations, Jarrell Properties Inc., at 540-899-3825 jeh@jarrellinc.com.