The original Wooden Nickel Pub opened in Valdosta, Georgia in August of 1978. The owners at the time, Martin Theatres, were based in Columbus,
Georgia and operated theatres in towns large and small, throughout the south. The restaurant concept was going to make use of existing property
beside an established theater, providing patrons the opportunity to dine before or after attending the movies.
The building was a modest, understated structure, which revealed a warm and
inviting interior. The use of cedar and other natural materials, an unusual
bar area, great music, and a family friendly game room all added to the cozy,
inclusive feel of the 80 seat restaurant.
The menu offered was unlike anything available in Valdosta. Fried mushrooms,
the now famous Camel rider, the Greek treat, gyros, all unexpected
items for a South Georgia establishment, but were well received by the Valdosta
community. Many of the items were prepared fresh daily by the staff,
including chili, salad dressings, mushrooms and onion rings. The quality and
consistency of the food, along with fast friendly service, became the
cornerstones of the Wooden Nickel’s success.
Other units were opened, one in Albany, Georgia and one in Clarksville,
Tennessee, and although the menu and look of the restaurants were identical,
the Valdosta pub was by far the most successful and enduring. A typical visit to
the Pub would, without fail, include running into someone you knew,
often dozens of familiar faces, all enjoying themselves and each other.
Young and old, bikers and bankers, students and teachers, EVERYONE was
welcome at the Wooden Nickel and the staff made everyone FEEL welcomed.
In January of 2005, Carmike Cinemas, the owners at the time, decided to close
the Wooden Nickel, much to the chagrin of the entire community. The
reaction to the announcement of closure was met with a ground swell of support.
The last days of the restaurant were filled with long time patrons getting their last
taste of something they loved, trusted and embraced as their own. After over 25
years of service to the Valdosta community, the Pub closed its doors, forever?
Thankfully, this is NOT how the story ends. In September of 2006, Michael
Woodruff and Walt Gill, two Valdosta business men, took a chance on a
sure thing, the Wooden Nickel Pub.
The Wooden Nickel opened in a new location, Inner Perimeter Road, but still on the north side of Valdosta, maintaining it’s presence in the
‘neighborhood’.
A beautiful new building retains the look and spirit of the original, while adding expanded seating capacity, a cozy porch and a private
meeting room for all types of occasions.
The menu reflects all the favorite items the people of Valdosta know and love and the community showed up by the thousands to enjoy, once again,
what only the Wooden Nickel can provide: great food, friendly service and FUN for all who enter our world.
