In a world of gadgets galore and ever-changing technology, Hilligoss Bakery in Brownsburg, Indiana, is stealing hearts with a surprise slice of nostalgia. This little bakery has grown into a local legend-not just because of its pastries, but because of the cash register: a 42-year-old Commodore 64 computer.
It all started when a photo of the Commodore 64 at Hilligoss popped up online, and retro tech enthusiasts couldn’t stop talking about it. Some eagle-eyed commenters identified the bakery, and after a little digging, it was confirmed: Hilligoss Bakery is still using the same trusty Commodore 64 registers they’ve had for decades. Talk about staying power!
Apparently, a Doughnut shop in U.S. is still using a Commodore 64 for business. pic.twitter.com/i7gO90JAZ4
— Tony Lyon (@RetroVidGaming) December 16, 2024
Since 1974, Hilligoss Bakery has been a staple in the community of Brownsburg, and it’s no surprise that they’ve become a local favorite. With a 4.7-star rating on Google from nearly 500 reviews and a 4.5-star rating on Facebook, the bakery is clearly doing something right. Sure, the Commodore 64 catches people’s attention, but the top-notch pastries and friendly vibe keep them coming back.
Keeping the Commodore 64 running might seem an improbable task today, but indeed an honest and charming one at best. Why change when this one still works with great accuracy for their concerns? Not to mention waste prevention due to electronic waste by people being forced into upgrades. Genius.
For the few that may not know, the Commodore 64-or C64-was one heck of a revolutionary when it launched in 1982: affordable and capable, it became-and still holds the title of-the best-selling single computer model of all time, with up to 17 million units sold. Obviously, you wouldn’t run modern applications on one, but it’s more than up to basic tasks such as point-of-sale. Sometimes simpler is, in fact, much better.
Hilligoss’ Commodore 64 looks to be one of the original “breadbin” models, named for its rounded, breadbox-like shape-fit for a bakery, no? And inside that iconoclastic case is the legendary SID, or Sound Interface Device, chip, still a valuable piece of tech among retro gamers and music enthusiasts today.
Retro computing has seen a bit of a renaissance in recent years, as fans continue to find every conceivable creative way to give new life to vintage machines. You can upgrade a C64 with the help of modern accessories like the RAD Expansion Unit, use SD2IEC adapters to emulate floppy drives, and much more. In his case, Hilligoss doesn’t need any such thing: his trusty old system manages just fine. That goes to prove it’s not necessary to overcomplicate things to get something done.
What makes Hilligoss Bakery so special isn’t just the retro registers, it is how they married tradition with practicality. People love looking for the old-school cash register, and it’s a fun talking point. But at the end of the day, it’s the bakery’s delicious treats and friendly atmosphere that keep people coming back.
While the world upgrades to the latest and best, Hilligoss Bakery proves that sometimes it’s just better to stick with what works. It’s practical, charming, and a little slice of nostalgia that’s hard to resist. Long live the Commodore 64 and long live Hilligoss Bakery!
