The Parks’ general store, tucked in the pines on Route 66, has been a staple in the community of about 1,500 people since 1906.
PARKS, AZ — A 1906 general store was on the brink of closing on Route 66 in Arizona until a family stepped in to save it.
Stepping into the Parks Old Route 66 Store feels like stepping back in time. Not only for its 50s theme and location on the Mother Road, but also because the store itself is 20 years older than Route 66.
NOTE: Consider this a follow up to our recent post of the video and story of Old Route 66 that we published last week. And there is more to this story. Stay Tuned. ~ Jeffrey Bennett, Editor
Paul Hausmann grew up in Parks, visiting the store and hearing over a century’s worth of stories.
“How they used to sit here and the cowboys used to get drunk and shoot flies on the ceiling,” Paul said. “I used to use the gas pump right out front when I first started driving to fill up my dirt bike for my car. The store is just like the community gathering spot back in the day.”
But the store has gone through many owners, and last year it went up for sale, with rumors that it might be torn down.
“I just told him we have to jump in, we have to make an offer, we have to try,” Veronica Hausmann said.
Veronica said that with the stories, family, and local history, they couldn’t just sit back and watch. So they pooled together their money and got their family involved to remodel and reopen the store as Parks Old Route 66 Store.
“We’re the true Radiator Springs out here, and I think without it the community would be in a world of hurt,” Veronica said.
Angela Porr is Paul’s cousin and also grew up going to the store. She helped get it open and now.
“It’s a huge part of the community so it means a lot,” Angela said. “So, when I knew when they were going to buy it and do it, I was like whatever we can do to help in there.”
Today, you can get food, vintage candy, 66 memorabilia, and most of all, a glimpse into the past.
“It’s neat to be a part of history,” Veronica said. “We’re a part of history now.”
They plan to keep the store in the family, so that one day their kids and grandkids can take over.
Written by Mason Carroll for Arizona’s FAMILY ~ November 27, 2025