If it ain’t broke: Large companies and organizations are often mocked for sticking with outdated technology, but having the latest gadgets isn’t necessary for every business. For example, a bakery in Indiana has been spotted using a Commodore 64 to manage its sales. This is not an isolated case of a modern business utilizing the best-selling 1982 PC, as the device maintains a loyal following among enthusiasts today.
Recently surfaced photos reveal that Hilligoss Bakery in Brownsburg, Indiana employs a couple of Commodore 64s as their cash registers. While relying on a 42-year-old PC may seem odd, the device likely has more than enough power to handle transactions for donuts.
Originally taken in 2010, these images have recently been recirculated on social media. The C64s also appeared in another picture from 2021. Hilligoss Bakery has a solid reputation with ratings of 4.7 on Google Maps and 4.4 on Yelp.
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
The Commodore 64, launched in 1982, is reputed to be the best-selling individual PC model ever, with estimated sales ranging from 10 to 17 million units. It was priced at $595 at launch (around $1,945 in 2024 dollars) and came with a 1 MHz CPU and 64KB of RAM, which inspired its name.
Although most of the C64’s 10,000 software titles were games, it did support business applications, which some companies, like Hilligoss Bakery, continue to utilize. It is unknown if the bakery has been using the Commodore 64s since 1982, but considering that the business has been operating since 1974 and is marking its 50th anniversary this year, it’s quite possible.
Must read: The Commodore Story: Gone But Not Forgotten
This is not the only instance of businesses holding onto the Commodore 64. The Commodore USA Facebook page shared another example in 2016: a car repair shop in Poland that has been using a Commodore 64 to balance driveshafts since at least 1991, even surviving a flood.
In some situations, older technology can reduce costs and provide security through obscurity. For example, Southwest Airlines avoided the notorious CrowdStrike data breach by continuing to use Windows 95. However, maintaining and repairing vintage equipment can become challenging.
Thankfully, the ongoing popularity of the Commodore 64 ensures that replacements, restorations, and repairs remain feasible. Last year, a devoted modder showcased how it’s possible to assemble a new Commodore 64 from scratch using replacement parts. Furthermore, a modern version of the device was released in 2019, which supports original software and can connect to modern displays via HDMI.
