Vintage Walgreens Lunch Counter Plate

"Ding, ding! Order up!"

Sure to have been slid across many a lunch counter in its time, this Vintage Walgreens Lunch Counter Plate hails from the 1940s when the company dipped its toe into an early version of the franchise license market. Offering a cooperative location model known as an "Agency Store," independent small-town pharmacists operated their local business in conjunction with the growing power of the Walgreens name. 

The brainchild of founder Charles Walgreen Sr., the program launched in 1929, allowing the brand to expand into small and mid-sized communities without the expense of developing company-owned stores. In many locations, pharmacies operated soda fountains and lunch counters in addition to conveniences, services and merchandise, often becoming the heart of a local downtown community. Through the Agency program, independent druggists were permitted to carry and display the Walgreens name on their signs in addition to receiving operational and merchandising support from the company's headquarters. The program grew into a massive cooperative network reaching 2,000 independent stores across the United States, before being phased out in the 1980s as retail trends shifted. 

Like many quality-conscious hotels, clubs, airplanes, trains, cruise ships, and restaurants the world over, Walgreens contracted Syracuse China to create a striking branded plate to serve patrons at Agency refreshment counters. Frequented by hungry downtown shoppers in search of a quick bite, counters and sometimes a few free-standing tables or booths were popular after-school hangouts for students. Each of these handsome plates has been crafted from Syracuse China's sturdy ironstone and features a bold 'Walgreens Agency' design at the top of the banded rim.  

With origins as the Onondaga Pottery Company (O.P. Co.) in 1871, named for its home county, the company began utilizing a “Syracuse China” back-stamp in 1895. As the first American company to produce high quality vitreous china, Syracuse put its home city on the map, soon becoming synonymous with American-made china. Available in two sizes, these classic plates are sure to be at home among your dining and serveware collection. 

Limited quantities and subject to prior sale. In very good vintage condition. Please select 7" or 9" plate from the drop down menu. Microwave, Dishwasher and Oven Safe.