A Farewell to K & W and a Nod to Jackson’s

I read the news today, oh boy. Well, technically I read it on Monday. After 88 years in business, all K & W Cafeterias announced they were closing every location effective immediately.

Thankfully for us, we do not have a K & W here in Gaston County, but it is still tough to watch such a familiar piece of nostalgia come to an end.

And honestly, where am I supposed to get my Jell-O now? For those of us in Gaston County, the answer is simple: Jackson’s Cafeteria.

For more than 52 years, Jackson’s Cafeteria has been serving up comfort food fast right here in our backyard. I still love the whole concept, especially in a world filled with grab and go meals and drive-thrus.

You walk in, grab your tray and silverware, move down the line, and pick out whatever looks good. The best part comes first. Those desserts are right there waiting, so you really have no excuse to skip them.

We have watched a few icons fade away lately. Earlier this year, the longtime BBQ King in Charlotte closed its doors for the last time.

In a world that chases whatever is new and shiny, the loss of K & W is a reminder that even the classics are not guaranteed to stick around. But for now, our Jackson’s is still here.

When I moved to Gaston County in 2000, my coworker Donna Craig immediately pointed me to Jackson’s and insisted the pot roast was the go-to dish. She was right.

Growing up in Charlotte, my family would hit up J & K Cafeteria on Pineville-Matthews Road a couple of times a month. I loved choosing my own meal instead of having an adult decide for me. If I wanted two starches, I got two starches.

And I will never forget the night in 2001 when my now Australian brother-in-law visited for the first time and grabbed two entrees like it was the most normal thing in the world. We didn’t even know you could do that!

So as we say goodbye to K & W, maybe let it serve as a reminder for all of us. These old favorites do not last forever. If you have not been by Jackson’s in a while, this is a good moment to stop in and enjoy a plate.

Just make sure you save some Jell-O for me.

Thank you for reading! Please share with your friends and neighbors!

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GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)

🏗️ $8 MILLION REVAMP COMING TO DOWNTOWN GASTONIA

Owner Jim Morasso, working with the City of Gastonia, is working to transform the 1920 Citizens National Bank building at 212 W. Main Avenue into an $8 million destination with a wellness center, business club, and restaurant called “The Fed”. A new public passthrough and 25 jobs are expected. [Gaston Gazette]

🎄 STANLEY CHRISTMAS LIGHT SHOW RETURNS FOR 2025

The Stanley Christmas Light Show at 733 Upper Spencer Mountain Rd., Stanley is back with more than 30,000 pixel lights and synchronized music. Enjoy nine songs already programmed, with more coming this week. Shows run nightly starting at 5:30 p.m. Tune to 94.9 FM and follow parking guidelines.

🟡 HELLO, GASTON! OPENING SPOTS FOR LOCAL ADVERTISERS

Hello, Gaston! is opening a limited number of advertising opportunities for local businesses. With thousands of loyal readers each week, it’s a smart way to boost visibility and reach hometown customers. Business owners interested in growing their audience are invited to connect and explore partnership options.

🎨 “JOURNEY” EXHIBIT OPENS AT BLISS GALLERY

Bliss Gallery debuts “Journey” tonight at its opening reception, featuring artists Kristin Nylen and Kathy Holbrook. Their paintings and stories reflect the beauty found in people and place. The exhibit also highlights Holy Angels residents and participants, celebrating the creativity and talent of artists of all abilities.

🎅 SANTA’S MAILBOX IS OPEN IN CRAMERTON

Cramerton’s Santa Mailbox is now ready for letters at Centennial Center. Kids can drop off wishes through Sunday, December 14, and may even receive a magical reply from the North Pole. A simple way to spark holiday cheer across town this season.

📰  QUICK BITES

Disclaimer: News items marked with ($) in this section indicate sponsored content.

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GO-SEE-DO GASTON

PLAN AHEAD

Holidays at the Garden
📍 Daniel Stowe Conservancy, 6500 S. New Hope Rd., Belmont
📅 Friday, November 28 - Saturday, December 27
⏰ 5–10 p.m.
Step into a sparkling wonderland with millions of lights, festive fountains, and cozy fireside treats. Enjoy Santa visits, train rides, live music, and an adults-only speakeasy. More Details. ($)

The Chutes: Winter Tubing
📍 Crowders Springs, 4914 Linwood Road, Kings Mountain
📅Saturday, November 29 - Saturday, February 28
⏰ times vary
Snowless tubing lanes, campfire treats, and family fun supporting Crowders Camps near Crowders Mountain. Recommended for ages five and up. More Details. ($)

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4 (🌕Full Moon Tonight!🌕)

Christmas in Cramerton
📍 8th Avenue, Cramerton
⏰ 3–6 p.m.
Enjoy Christmas in Cramerton with food, treats, a 4 p.m. parade starting at Town Hall, and free Santa photos at Confluence from 5 to 6 p.m. More Details.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5

Annual Christmas Craft Show
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
📅Friday, December 5 - Saturday, December 6
⏰ times vary
Enjoy two days of shopping local artisans, handmade gifts, and festive holiday treasures at the market! More Details.

Holiday Laser Shows
📍 1500 E Garrison Blvd, Gastonia
⏰ 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sing along to classic holiday hits inside The Schiele’s planetarium as lasers, lights, and sound transform the dome into a dazzling indoor winter wonderland. More Details.

A Very Cherry Who-Ville Christmas on Main Street
📍 219-221 E Main Street, Cherryville
⏰ 6–10 p.m.
Step into Who-Ville on Main Street in Cherryville with whimsical decorations, family activities, local vendors, and photo stops for holiday memories. More Details.

Mount Holly “Deck the (Grand) Hall” Celebration
📍 The Grand Hall, 400 E. Central Avenue, Mount Holly
⏰ 6–9 p.m.
Celebrate with music, shopping, Santa visits, and the lighting of Mount Holly’s Christmas tree. More Details.

Dallas Carols on the Square & Carriage Rides
📍 Downtown Dallas
⏰ 6 – 9 p.m.
Sing along to Christmas carols, sip hot chocolate, and enjoy free carriage rides at the Gaston County Museum. More Details.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6

Lowell Christmas Parade and Artisan Market
📍 Downtown Lowell
⏰ 1–5 p.m. market, 4 p.m. parade
Enjoy an artisan market, festive music, and a cheerful Christmas parade through downtown. More Details.

Mount Holly Christmas Parade
📍 West Central Avenue to Main Street, Mount Holly
⏰ 3 p.m.
Festive floats, local groups, music, and classic small town holiday cheer fill historic downtown for this beloved annual parade. More Details.

Kings Mountain Christmas Parade
📍 Deal Street to Railroad Avenue, Kings Mountain
⏰ 3 p.m.
More than one hundred floats, live performances, and Santa’s arrival fill downtown Kings Mountain. More Details.

Gastonia Breakfast with Santa
 📍 Rankin Lake Clubhouse, 1750 Rankin Lake Road, Gastonia
⏰ 8–9 a.m.
Kids can enjoy breakfast with Santa and share their wish lists. More Details.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7

Christmas in the City
📍 Downtown Gastonia
⏰ 5–8 p.m.
Parade, marketplace, tree lighting, and free kid activities fill Downtown Gastonia with holiday cheer. Santa visits the Rotary Pavilion after the ceremony. More Details.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9

Free Tuesday at The Schiele Museum
📍 1500 E. Garrison Boulevard, Gastonia
⏰ 4–8 p.m.
Enjoy free evening admission to explore natural history exhibits, the planetarium, and interactive displays at Gastonia’s own Schiele Museum. More Details.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10

Stanley Christmas Parade
 📍 Downtown Stanley, South Main Street
⏰ 3 – 4 p.m.
See floats, bands, and community groups as Stanley’s Christmas Parade fills Main Street. More Details.

Let’s Do Lunch (sponsored by the Gaston Business Association)
📍 118 Wesleyan Dr, McAdenville
⏰ 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.
Join neighbors for a relaxed lunch gathering at Spruced Goose Station to connect, network, and support a local investor business. No cost to attend, self-pay lunch. More Details.

Disclaimer: Event details are subject to change or cancellation. Please check with the event organizers for the most up-to-date information. We are not responsible for any changes after publication. Events marked with ($) in this section indicate sponsored content.

#GASTONGRAM

SEE YA LATER, GASTON!

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