Viral Woolworths photo evokes nostalgia among Aussies: ‘Bring back the good old days’
- Replies 15
Nostalgia is a powerful sentiment, especially when it comes to reminiscing about the good old days of bargain shopping and community gathering spots.
Recently, a Woolworths menu from over half a century ago has captured the hearts of shoppers, sparking a wave of nostalgia-fueled calls for the return of a cherished supermarket feature.
The image, which was uploaded to social media, showcased a Woolworths cafeteria menu from 1970, with prices that seem almost too good to be true by today's standards.
The menu lists mouth-watering options such as Baked Macaroni with old English cheese for just 99 cents and a hearty baked meatloaf dinner complete with brown gravy, creamy whipped potatoes, and garden vegetables for a mere 95 cents.
For a little over a dollar, customers could indulge in a roast beef dinner with all the trimmings.
The Woolworths cafeteria wasn't just a place to grab a cheap meal; it was a social hub, a place where shoppers could take a break from their retail therapy and enjoy a warm, cooked meal.
It was a staple of the Woolworths experience in the 1950s and 1960s before the cafeterias were eventually phased out.
The viral photo has stirred up a wealth of fond memories among customers who remember the days when a trip to Woolies could include a sit-down meal that wouldn't break the bank.
Comments like 'Bring back the good old days' and 'Dinner was cheap back then' reflect a yearning for the simplicity and affordability of the past.
Another shared: ‘My husband and I used to go to Woolworths for dinner once a week when we first got married as a "treat."’
‘Wow—memories. I remember many a weekend eating at their counter. My mum also worked there many moons ago. Those were the good old reasonable days,’ a fourth person said.
‘I used to go there, I completely forgot the prices though! Hmmm, I wonder if in 45-50 years the menu board would say $49.99,’ someone commented.
However, some savvy shoppers pointed out that while the prices seemed shockingly low, they were proportional to the wages of the time.
In 1970, an average full-time worker in Australia earned around $20 a week, making the 99-cent lunch special a significant expense.
Fast-forward to today, and the full-time average adult weekly wage is $1,886.50, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Adjusting for inflation, the cost of a cafeteria meal today would be comparable to what it was back then.
A social media user commented: ‘Multiply the prices [by] 13-14 and it'd be the same today.’
Despite the economic rationale, the emotional appeal of the Woolworths cafeteria is undeniable. The photo has sparked a conversation about the changing nature of shopping and dining and whether there's room in modern Woolworths stores for a revival of the beloved cafeteria.
As we reflect on the changing times, it's worth considering what we've gained and what we've lost. The convenience of modern supermarkets, with their vast selection and one-stop-shop appeal, is undeniable.
Yet, there's something to be said for the community aspect of the old Woolworths cafeterias, where a meal was more than just sustenance; it was an opportunity to connect with neighbours and take a moment to relax during a busy day.
What do you think, members? Would you welcome the return of the Woolworths cafeteria, or are those days best left in the past? Share your thoughts and memories with us in the comments below.
Recently, a Woolworths menu from over half a century ago has captured the hearts of shoppers, sparking a wave of nostalgia-fueled calls for the return of a cherished supermarket feature.
The image, which was uploaded to social media, showcased a Woolworths cafeteria menu from 1970, with prices that seem almost too good to be true by today's standards.
The menu lists mouth-watering options such as Baked Macaroni with old English cheese for just 99 cents and a hearty baked meatloaf dinner complete with brown gravy, creamy whipped potatoes, and garden vegetables for a mere 95 cents.
A menu from a Woolworths cafeteria in the 1970s became popular on social media. Image source: Facebook
For a little over a dollar, customers could indulge in a roast beef dinner with all the trimmings.
The Woolworths cafeteria wasn't just a place to grab a cheap meal; it was a social hub, a place where shoppers could take a break from their retail therapy and enjoy a warm, cooked meal.
It was a staple of the Woolworths experience in the 1950s and 1960s before the cafeterias were eventually phased out.
The viral photo has stirred up a wealth of fond memories among customers who remember the days when a trip to Woolies could include a sit-down meal that wouldn't break the bank.
Comments like 'Bring back the good old days' and 'Dinner was cheap back then' reflect a yearning for the simplicity and affordability of the past.
Another shared: ‘My husband and I used to go to Woolworths for dinner once a week when we first got married as a "treat."’
‘Wow—memories. I remember many a weekend eating at their counter. My mum also worked there many moons ago. Those were the good old reasonable days,’ a fourth person said.
‘I used to go there, I completely forgot the prices though! Hmmm, I wonder if in 45-50 years the menu board would say $49.99,’ someone commented.
However, some savvy shoppers pointed out that while the prices seemed shockingly low, they were proportional to the wages of the time.
In 1970, an average full-time worker in Australia earned around $20 a week, making the 99-cent lunch special a significant expense.
Fast-forward to today, and the full-time average adult weekly wage is $1,886.50, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Adjusting for inflation, the cost of a cafeteria meal today would be comparable to what it was back then.
A social media user commented: ‘Multiply the prices [by] 13-14 and it'd be the same today.’
Despite the economic rationale, the emotional appeal of the Woolworths cafeteria is undeniable. The photo has sparked a conversation about the changing nature of shopping and dining and whether there's room in modern Woolworths stores for a revival of the beloved cafeteria.
As we reflect on the changing times, it's worth considering what we've gained and what we've lost. The convenience of modern supermarkets, with their vast selection and one-stop-shop appeal, is undeniable.
Yet, there's something to be said for the community aspect of the old Woolworths cafeterias, where a meal was more than just sustenance; it was an opportunity to connect with neighbours and take a moment to relax during a busy day.
.png){kind=icon}
