The Mystery Behind Amarillo’s Abandoned Storefront Signs

In a perfect world, every great business we have had in Amarillo would still be open. We would still have Gardski's and Hastings to enjoy. Some of our businesses close because of bad management. Sometimes the owners retire. Sometimes they just run their course.

Regardless of why they close, there are things that happen after the doors are closed and the lights are off. The building is empty. Sometimes they are empty for a while, and sometimes they get new ownership pretty quickly.

Get our free mobile app

The Vanishing Signs: Fast Takedowns and Corporate Rules

The one thing that has always left me wondering is the signage on the building. There are some places that close, and it is a race to see how fast they can take it down. There was talk that sometimes the corporate office will fine the business owner if it is not down right away.

Then there are places that have been closed for years but the sign still boasts of them once being there. The signs are up and it is still free advertisement even though there is no hope of visiting one nearby.

Ghost Signs: When Old Logos Refuse to Leave

So why do places like Denny's on Georgia and Chuck E Cheese have no signage, and it was all gone pretty much the day after closing? Then there are places like Hooter's where the signs are still up.

Corporate Policy or Local Oversight?

In fact, the only thing missing from outside of the Hooter's restaurant is the horse they purchased from Center City. Apparently, that is in storage to pass on to whoever purchases the property.

Then there is also the Big Lots and Party City, which both still have all the signage. Maybe that is a corporate thing, and since they pretty much all closed shop, there is no corporate to care?

Amarillo’s Curiosity About Lingering Storefronts

Why is it that some have to come down right away while others will haunt our city until new ownership? Are they just trying to remind us of a time they were here? We really want to know.