Riding (Wagons) West into the Sunset

Wagons West Restaurant is a landmark to many of us in the greater Pinecrest area. So too are some of the people who frequent the establishment in Suniland Shopping Center. Since 1974, when it was the Suniland Luncheonette, the Langley family (Russell, Joyce, son Wade & daughter Nancy) have called the restaurant their second home.

Russell, Joyce and Wade outside Wagons West in 2012

Over the past few years, Nancy has moved away, and both Russell and Wade passed. Joyce Langley continued to frequent Wagons multiple times a week, until she decided to move to Virginia to be near Nancy.

“I really can’t imagine my time here without Wagons and the people inside,” explained Joyce. Wagons West owner and friend Walter Muench remarked, “Their entire family is really part of our family. We’re sad to see her go.”

But before she “rode west into the sunset” at the end of June, Wagons West celebrated with a party in her honor. Fittingly, Walter presented her with the honorary title of General Manager emblazed on a polo shirt.

This is what community is all about folks. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. I’ll miss seeing Joyce waiting outside for a table on Sundays.