Cut Rate: A look back at the diner that was part of Sumter since 1935
Sumter Fire Department members enjoy a meal at Sumter Cut Rate's diner/soda fountain in 2015. The dining space closed for good on Friday, but the pharmacy area will remain open. A new tenant, Honey Hive on Main, will move into the dining space in early July under a lease agreement with Quixote Hospitality, which owns the establishment.
SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO
A short article from Aug. 8, 1935, announced the opening of Cut Rate soda fountain in Sumter.
SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO
This short article from Aug. 8, 1935, announced the opening of Cut Rate soda fountain in Sumter.
SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO
Cut Rate Diner cook Wayne Geddings grills chickens behind the store in January 2005.
SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO
Cut Rate Diner serves lunch on Thursday in Sumter on June 4, the day before the diner's last day of service. The diner announced on Facebook on Monday, June 1, that June 5 would be its last day before closing and that the space would re-open in July with local restaurant Honey Hive inside.
ABIGAIL PITTMAN / THE SUMTER ITEM
Cut Rate Diner serves lunch on Thursday in Sumter on June 4, the day before the diner's last day of service.
ABIGAIL PITTMAN / THE SUMTER ITEM
Cut Rate Diner serves lunch on Thursday in Sumter on June 4, the day before the diner's last day of service.
ABIGAIL PITTMAN / THE SUMTER ITEM
Cut Rate Diner serves lunch on Thursday in Sumter on June 4, the day before the diner's last day of service.
ABIGAIL PITTMAN / THE SUMTER ITEM
This ad was published in July 2005.
SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO
This ad for the diner's 80th anniversary was published in August 2015.
SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO
This Cut Rate ad was published in November 1936.
SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO
Geraldine Singleton occupied the same corner stool at Sumter Cut Rate Soda Fountain each weekday morning. People often meet her there to give her contributions for the free annual Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners that feed thousands who wouldn't otherwise have one.
SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO
Mamie Brown, who worked at Sumter Cut Rate Drugs on South Main Street for more than 31 years, replenishes the supply of chicken salad in 2004.
SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO
A table is reserved for Cpl. Andrew Gillette of Sumter County Sheriff's Office, who was killed in the line of duty, in February 2020.
SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO
A Cut Rate Diner employee takes a customer's order during the COVID-19 pandemic.
SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO
Posted
The landmark Cut Rate diner in the downtown area has closed, but a newer restaurant will soon take over the space in a move that all parties say is about progress and growth. The diner/soda fountain area at Sumter Cut Rate Drug Store closed Friday, June 5, for good while the pharmacy will remain open. A new rental tenant, Honey Hive on Main, will move into the dining space at the 32 S. Main St. location in early July. Here we take a look back at the diner through the years. It has served as a gathering place for friends and family since 1935.
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