The Top 10 Places Cochise County Residents Still Miss Today
I've lived in Cochise County for decades. I’ve seen businesses come and go, but there are some places you never quite get over losing.
A reverent hush still falls over my family as we remember the multi-entertainment center, Hastings. It wasn’t just a store. It was a place where you could get lost in their endless selection of movies, music, books, and games. It was a Friday family tradition, and things haven’t been the same since they closed their doors.
Remember Cactus Corners on Highway 92?
Taking you into the Wayback Machine, I also miss Cactus Corners. It was located in the building that Pollitos most recently occupied.
Cactus Corners had a little bit of everything, and Vinny from Vinny's New York Pizza owned it, creating a local mini-restaurant franchise. The food was fantastic, and it felt like one of those local places where everybody knew somebody. Judging by the responses from our social media followers, I'm definitely not the only one feeling nostalgic about the many businesses that have come and gone from Cochise County over the years.
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Hastings Tops Nearly Every List
If there was one clear winner in the conversation, it was Hastings.
The beloved entertainment store wasn't just a place to shop. It was a destination. Our family wasn’t the only one that could spend an afternoon browsing books, renting movies, checking out music, or discovering new games.
We had a lot to say about it, too.
"Hastings. Hands down," said Sean. "Nothing else is missed by our family on the same level."
"Hastings was really nice," recalled Karen.
"Hastings, Golden Corral, Kmart and Sears," wrote Peggy.
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Restaurants We Still Crave
Readers fondly recalled several restaurants that have vanished over the years. While many were beloved local spots, a handful of chain eateries are also missed.
Here are some of the places we’re missing most:
- Golden Corral
- Po' Folks
- Ricardo's
- The Mesquite Tree
- Dominic's
- Long John Silver's
"Ricardo's!" said Nikki, keeping it simple and heartfelt. This locally owned Mexican Restaurant had all the favorites, but their steak was a thing of beauty, but I miss their salsa the most.
"Po Folks Restaurant," remembered Margaret. This Southern-themed place had a real down-home flavor we still miss to this day.
"The Mesquite Tree Restaurant," added Gary. This was one of our most upscale dining experiences. Remember the suspended model train that ran on a track near the ceiling?
It even boasted its very own ghost, according to my friend Mike, who worked there for years and said many of the staff hesitated to work the closing shift, because that was when they were most likely to run into him!
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Entertainment Spots That Brought People Together
Many residents miss the places where families gathered for fun.
The Geronimo Drive-In, the bowling alley, the roller-skating rink, and the old BMX track all received mentions.
"The roller skating rink," remembered Martha. "The Geronimo Drive-In was awesome," Jim added.
The Stores That Defined Sierra Vista
Beyond Hastings, residents brought up Kmart, Sears, Montgomery Ward, JCPenney, Bookmans, Surplus City, and Yellow Front.
These weren't just stores. They were landmarks. A few of us old-timers still use “The Old K-Mart” as a landmark.
For newcomers, that’s where the Fry Boulevard U-Haul is now located, in case you’re wondering.
Getting Sentimental Over These Places
As I read the responses, I realized that people aren't just mourning old buildings. They're pining for the experiences, friendships, family traditions, and character these local businesses brought to Cochise County.
It's hard not to feel a little sad when so many hometown favorites have disappeared.
If you want to see what other businesses were mentioned on our Facebook post and add your own, click here:
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