It has been six years since Uncle Sam’s closed its doors for the final time.
In September 2019, the owners announced that their South Main Street location in Wexford would close for renovations. Fifteen months later, in January 2021, the restaurant reopened as a traditional fish and chip shop called the Salt & Vinegar.
The diner in December 2014.
Unfortunately, the new chipper didn’t last very long. Activity on its Facebook page indicates that it shut down at some point in 2022.
Rita and Pio Veccio established the diner in 1995. However, they sold the business in February 2009 so that they could focus on a new venture in Clonard.
Before big names such as McDonald’s, KFC, Supermac’s, and Domino’s came to Wexford, diners relied on Uncle Sam’s and Burger Mac if they wanted American-style fast food. Otherwise, they had to settle for a bag of chips, a Chinese, or maybe a pizza from Robertino’s.
The diner was particularly popular among pubgoers in the southern end of the town, as it was one of the few places that stayed open late into the night. It also attracted teenagers, especially after they poured out of discos such as “Tracks” and “Twisters,” which were often hosted in the nearby Dun Mhuire.
By 2019, the fast food landscape had entirely changed. Similar restaurants had sprung up around town, and there was also increased competition from the larger brands. These factors may explain why the owners decided to pivot to a more traditional cuisine.
