If you want a unique dining experience near Muncie, consider stopping at the historic Cammack Station. Located in the heart of Cammack just west of Muncie, this nostalgic restaurant has been converted from a 1930s filling station and grocery store into a food destination.
General Manager Shane Shafer works hard to ensure customers have a distinctive experience. “We are a lively and fun, out-of-the-way place that does our own thing,” says Shafer. “We are considered to be the only destination restaurant in the county.”
Shafer wants customers to enjoy every visit, and promises a clean and comfortable restaurant with freshly made meals surrounded by the sights and sounds of the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. What originated as Pete’s Grocery in the 1930s is now a community fixture offering signature meals such as Pete’s Fried Bologna Sandwich, along with his famous Onion Burger and the well-loved Breaded Tenderloin Sandwich.
“Pete had a little bit of everything: penny candies, a meat case, grocery items and pumped gas,” says Shafer. “He would make the local kids fried bologna sandwiches and Pete’s Onion Burgers right from the meat case and his little grill. These are now customer favorites.”
The restaurant team works hard to retain its history and nostalgic feel, with memorabilia lining the walls and the iconic gas pumps still visible out front. “Our customers are everything to us,” says Shafer. “We have an amazing collection of antiques for them to feast their eyes on while waiting for their freshly made meals.”
The menu is still displayed above the counter in all its letter-board glory, while more pieces from the past adorn the entire property. On a hot day, guests are encouraged to enjoy their ice cream on the peaceful brick patio – a scene that recalls the location’s roots.
Cammack Station has changed hands and undergone many changes since its inception in the ’30s. Before its current state, the property was purchased by a local man named Dick Howe who was ultimately responsible for the conversion from grocery store to restaurant. The space has continued to grow ever since. “In 2010 the first addition was added on to the building, to increase the dining room size from six tables to 18 tables,” says Shafer. “The last addition was added on to the building during the COVID shutdowns across America. While others tried to create to-go businesses, we chose to put that money towards our reopening and our future – invest in ourselves, if you will. The decision was the right one.” The restaurant was able to double their business, while reducing operations from a seven-day schedule to a five-day schedule.
Additionally, the restaurant team wants to bolster the surrounding community. Shafer sources all meats and produce locally, and orders custom ice cream flavors from a husband-and-wife team that run Sundae’s Homemade Ice Cream in nearby Geist. The restaurant also sponsors six car shows and cruise-ins running between May and October of every year. Car shows are held on the third Sunday of each month, and Friday night cruise-in shows are held on the last Friday of every month. All proceeds generated from these events are donated to a charity.
Shafer encourages visitors to also consider stopping by in October when the town transforms into a breathtaking fall celebration. “You’ll see cornstalks, pumpkins, gourds and an amazing color burst of mums,” he says. “We also do a Trunk-or-Treat car show, which is really about the kids. It’s old cars with trunks filled with candy, Halloween music and decorations, restaurant specials, and a pumpkin patch where the little guys can pick out their own pumpkins to take home.”
With a family-oriented gathering place, the Cammack Station staff members strive to provide a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of town, where families can enjoy freshly baked Strawberry Shortcake and spend time with one another. “Our goal is to continue to grow and build up our town, as well as continuing to provide families with a fun place to meet, enjoy a meal together, and watch the grandparents and grandchildren bond over things from the past,” says Shafer.
He loves throwing out a playful cautionary salutation.
“Once you try us, you will always want to ‘Cammack and see us,’” he says.
