Stuckey’s History: The Rise, Fall, and Revival of America’s Roadside Icon

Tony Albert
Sep 17, 2025
3 min read

“Vintage 1970s Stuckey’s roadside sign with bold red script on a bright yellow background and an arrow marquee, symbolizing classic Americana highway travel.”

Stuckey’s history begins in 1937 with a simple pecan stand in Eastman, Georgia. W.S. “Sylvester” Stuckey, Sr., a young entrepreneur, borrowed $35 to start selling pecans from local farms. His wife Ethel soon added homemade candies to the mix, including what became the company’s signature treat: the pecan log roll.

Stuckey’s History in the Golden Age of Road Travel

By the 1950s and 60s, Stuckey’s history had become part of the story of America’s golden age of road trips. Families packed into station wagons, loaded up maps, and hit the highways in search of vacation memories.

At its peak, the company had more than 368 stores across 30 states. Each one was instantly recognizable: teal-colored roofs, friendly billboards lining the interstate, and aisles filled with quirky souvenirs. Travelers could find:

Clean restrooms — a rarity at the time.
Candy counters — with pecan treats, taffy, and other sweets.
Gas pumps and food counters — making Stuckey’s a one-stop shop.
Novelty items — from coonskin caps to saltwater taffy, giving kids a reason to beg their parents to stop.

For decades, a road trip almost wasn’t complete without pulling off at a Stuckey’s.

The Decline in Stuckey’s History

Like many roadside giants, Stuckey’s history also has a downturn.

Several factors caused the decline:

Infographic showing Stuckey’s history — from its origins in 1937 as a Georgia pecan stand, to its 1950s–60s roadside empire of over 368 stores, decline from interstate bypasses and corporate changes, and modern revival led by Stephanie Stuckey in 2019.”

The Interstate Highway System: Many new interstates bypassed the original highways where Stuckey’s stores thrived, cutting off crucial traffic.
Corporate Ownership Changes: In 1964, Stuckey’s was sold to the Pet Milk Company. Later mergers and acquisitions shifted the company’s focus, and the personal, family-run touch began to fade.
Changing Travel Habits: As fast food chains and convenience stores grew in the 1970s and 80s, Stuckey’s struggled to keep up.

By the 1980s, hundreds of locations had closed. Travelers who once counted on Stuckey’s now passed shuttered buildings — teal roofs fading, billboards falling, a symbol of a bygone travel era. Even today, some of these abandoned Stuckey’s stores still stand along highways, reminders of the chain’s former glory.

Stephanie Stuckey and the Modern Revival

Stuckey’s history took a surprising turn in 2019, when Stephanie Stuckey, granddaughter of the founder, bought back the struggling company. At the time, Stuckey’s was burdened with debt, with only a handful of licensed stores left.

Despite having no background in candy making, Stephanie brought determination and vision:

She reacquired candy and pecan plants in Georgia, bringing production back under family control.
She expanded product lines, with new pecan snacks, brittles, and gifts sold online and in stores nationwide.
She leaned heavily into nostalgia marketing — using social media to share the Stuckey’s story, post vintage photos, and reconnect with loyal fans.

Under her leadership, Stuckey’s returned to profitability and became a case study in brand revival. For many, Stephanie Stuckey herself is now as much a part of the story as the original pecan log roll.

Why Stuckey’s History Still Matters for Travelers

So why does Stuckey’s history still resonate today?

Because it represents more than candy or souvenirs — it’s about the experience of the American road trip. Stuckey’s was part of a time when families traveled slower, when the stop itself was an adventure, and when highways connected not just places but memories.

Today, stopping at Stuckey’s (or even spotting an old abandoned location) connects travelers to that legacy. It’s a reminder of road culture, family vacations, and the joy of exploration.

Where to See Stuckey’s Today

If you want to experience Stuckey’s for yourself:

Use the Stuckey’s Store Locator to find active stores. Many are now inside gas stations or convenience stores, but a few standalone classics still exist.
Keep an eye out on road trips, especially in Georgia and the Southeast, where many of the original stores were located.
Even if you don’t find a store, you can order pecan log rolls and snacks directly online — a sweet taste of nostalgia delivered to your door.

Conclusion: Stuckey’s History Lives On

Stuckey’s history tells the story of American travel itself — a rise fueled by highways, a decline brought on by change, and a comeback led by passion and grit.

From W.S. Stuckey Sr.’s pecan stand in 1937 to Stephanie Stuckey’s revival today, the brand embodies resilience, nostalgia, and the enduring charm of roadside Americana.

So next time you’re driving and see that teal-roofed sign, pull over. Buy a pecan log roll. And remember — you’re not just grabbing a snack. You’re taking part in living history.