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LOOKING BACK AT 75 YEARS

When I first walked into Lincoln Center in 1991, I truly believed I had hit the lottery. Not because everything was polished or easy, but because I could feel what this place meant, and what it could become.

Back then, things worked a little differently. The Center didn’t have PG&E electric meters for each space, so part of my job was walking the entire property store by store checking meters and calculating usage by hand. It took time. A lot of time. But looking back, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It forced me to slow down, to see every corner of the Center, to get to know our merchants, and to understand the dynamic of this place in a way you just can’t from behind a desk.

Even before my time here, the stories of those who built Lincoln Center always stayed with me. I’ve heard so many over the years, but one that’s always been my favorite was of Greenlaw Grupe, one of the original visionaries, teaching Lou Velez how to fly fish right there in the middle of the parking lot. It wasn’t about business in that moment. It was about people, about sharing something you love. And to me, that says everything about the foundation Lincoln Center was built on and the spirit that still defines it today.

Over the years, there have been moments where our team took chances, moments that helped shape who we are today. One that stands out is bringing the first Starbucks and Noah’s Bagels to San Joaquin County right here to Lincoln Center. At that time, Starbucks was still growing and not everyone was convinced. But we believed in the idea that Lincoln Center should evolve, should introduce new experiences, and should always stay just a step ahead.

As we celebrate 75 years, I’ve found myself reflecting more than usual. When you step back and really look at it, you realize just how fortunate you’ve been. I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside so many different business owners over the years, people willing to take risks, invest in this community, and believe in Lincoln Center. That’s never something I’ve taken for granted. It’s those entrepreneurs, the ones who bet on Stockton, who open their doors day after day, that truly define this place.

What makes that even more meaningful is the relationship between our merchants and this community. As you read through these pages of our anniversary Chronicle, you’ll see a common thread, gratitude. Our business owners know that their success is directly tied to the people who choose to support them. There’s a genuine appreciation

for the customers who show up, year after year, and make Lincoln Center part of their lives.

But if you ask me what I’m most proud of, it isn’t any one deal or development, it’s the traditions.

There’s nothing like the holidays at Lincoln Center. Year after year, you see it happen, families coming home for Thanksgiving, old friends running into each other, people lingering a little longer than they planned. The Center fills up in a way that feels different. It’s not just busy, it’s alive. You realize you’re part of something much bigger than a shopping center. You’re part of people’s traditions.

Some of those traditions are my own. When my kids were younger, we had our routines, pre-game dinners at Santiago’s before University of the Pacific basketball games, nights that felt simple at the time but mean so much more looking back. Now, those same kids have families of their own, and I get to experience Lincoln Center through a new lens.

These days, it’s my grandsons getting their haircuts at Village Barber Shop, or seeing their excitement during the holidays, that reminds me just how special this place is. And some traditions never change, Christmas Eve lunch at Bud’s Seafood Grille is still one I hold onto.

That’s what Lincoln Center is all about. It grows with you. It becomes part of your story and then part of the next generation's story too.

Because Lincoln Center has never just been about shopping or dining. From the very beginning in 1951, it was built to serve as a gathering place, a true community hub.

Seventy-five years later, that mission hasn’t changed.

I’ve had the privilege of watching generations grow up here. Businesses that took a chance on us decades ago are still here, still thriving. And new ideas continue to find their place alongside longstanding traditions.

That’s the balance we’ve always tried to protect, honoring where we came from while continuing to evolve. When people ask me what Lincoln Center means to me, the answer is simple. It’s personal. It’s family. It’s history, and it’s possibility all at once.

And after all these years, I still feel the same way I did on day one. Like I hit the lottery.

Phil D. Johnson, President

PHIL JOHNSON

A VISION THAT BUILT A COMMUNITY

This article was originally published in the Lincoln Center Chronicle commemorating the 35th anniversary and has been updated for the 75th anniversary.

The story has been told many times throughout the years, but it is worth telling again.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of Lincoln Center, and the development and growth of Lincoln Village, and the Center epitomizes the growth of Stockton since 1951.

In 1938, founders Roy Sims and Greenlaw Grupe established Sims-Grupe, planting the seeds for what would become a defining part of Stockton’s landscape.

The late Greenlaw Grupe Sr. often recalled the excitement of Lincoln Village’s early years. The concept of a planned community came to Grupe through his association with the Urban Land Institute. In 1948, he attended a meeting of the organization and returned to Stockton with an idea that quickly took root.

Grupe’s first task was to find the financing and a site for his planned community. Warren Atherton liked Grupe’s plan and suggested the 1,600 acres owned by the Holt family as a location. “As we raised

capital, we bought the land in stages,” Grupe recalled. The first homes were constructed by Nomellini Construction Co., and Sims & Grupe had no trouble selling them. “We sold a thousand homes one year…we were closing an average of three a day.”

The demand for housing was prompted by the end of World War II. “Soldiers were coming home, looking to buy a home and start a family,” Grupe related. “Our first homes went for $5,200.”

Once the population of Lincoln Village began to grow, plans were developed for a shopping center. Four or five rough drafts were considered before one was selected, but even that plan underwent changes as the Center progressed. The first plans called for developing the South Center first. But when ground was broken in 1951, it was on the north side of Benjamin Holt Drive.

Actually, the first business to open in Lincoln Center was the Chevron gasoline station on the corner of Ben Holt and Pacific.

It was on Halloween day 1951 that Black’s Grocery store opened along with the Bottle & Cork liquor store. Bob Hunefeld was the owner of the liquor store and recalls why he and “Bus” Black opened on Oct. 31. “A new liquor tax was going to take effect on Nov. 1 and we wanted to jump the gun.

A lot of people stocked up that day,” he recalls.

The actual grand opening for Lincoln Center was observed in November, with a total of 12 stores in the original building.

That first complex of businesses included Iona Hepper’s Village Gifts, forerunner of today’s Flair; Village Barber, which remains in the Center though under different ownership today; Gingham Gal Fountain, Village Dry Cleaners, Day’s Shoe Repair, and Village Pharmacy.

Today, more than 90 businesses are open in Lincoln Center, and that number should continue to grow in the years ahead as planned expansions take place.

When Grupe first approached the Stockton City Council with his idea of a planned community three miles north of the then city limits, one councilman thought he and his partners were nuts. The city declined to extend city water and sewer services out to the development, so Grupe and his partners put in their own water distribution facility and sewers.

Grupe recalled roughing the design of the Center and Lincoln Village on large sheets of paper and taking them to the county offices for approval. He and his partners planned locations for everything, including schools and churches.

A drive today around Lincoln Village is testimony to the vision these men had 75 years ago.

GROWING UP IN THE CENTER

ANNA WOLFF, ANNA WOLFF ALTERATIONS & CAROLYN WALKER,

Some people become so connected to Lincoln Center that it’s hard to imagine the Center without them.

For decades, Anna Wolff of Anna Wolff’s Alterations and Carolyn Walker of Flair Boutique have each spent their days just doors away from one another, watching businesses change, generations of families grow up, and familiar faces return year after year.

“We’ve known each other since the first day I came here,” Anna says. “That was the ’70s.”

Their paths at Lincoln Center started very differently. Anna first came to Stockton from Argentina to visit her aunt and uncle, who had opened Aghazarian’s Alterations. What was meant to be a visit eventually turned into a life here. She attended Delta College to learn English, went back home for a short time, and then returned to Stockton for good.

From the very beginning, she worked alongside her aunt and uncle in the shop, eventually taking over the business herself years later. Even then, she never changed the name on the storefront. “I didn’t take the sign out because I think it’s a sign of respect and love,” she says.

Carolyn’s story began after walking into Flair looking for work while raising two young children. It started with her organizing candles and slowly grew into

buying clothing, traveling to fashion markets in New York, and eventually building the boutique into what it is today.

Over time, Flair became a family business in more ways than one. Carolyn eventually passed the store down to her daughter, Starr Donati, who has now been part of the boutique herself for more than 40 years.

Both women have become constants at Lincoln Center and not because they were trying to, but simply because they loved being there.

“It’s been my home,” Carolyn says.

Anna feels the same way. “I grew up in this Center,” she says. “It’s been a wonderful ride.”

Between the two, they can remember nearly every chapter of Lincoln Center history, from the old pharmacy and the Dutch Pride Dairy to longtime restaurants, retailers, and businesses that have come and gone over the decades. But what stands out most to both of them isn’t the buildings, it’s the people.

“Our customers are our friends,” Carolyn says.

For Anna, that connection is what has kept her here all these years. “I enjoy being here with the people,” she says. “That’s all that counts.”

Heartbeat of the Center

Behind the scenes of every early morning coffee run, late-night dinner, community event, and everyday visit to Lincoln Center is a team working around the clock to keep the Center running seamlessly. Our dedicated maintenance and security teams are the heartbeat of Lincoln Center, constantly striving to create a place where guests feel safe, welcome, and right at home.

Leading that effort is Cecil Rockett, our Head of Security, who has been part of the Lincoln Center family for more than 35 years. Alongside him, our maintenance team brings years of experience, caring for every corner of the Center with pride and dedication. Together, their commitment, hard work, and around-the-clock presence help make Lincoln Center the premier shopping and gathering place our community knows and loves.

FLAIR BOUTIQUE

Maintenance team from left to right: Javier Tamayo, Cole Gandee, Tony Ferriera, Reyli Rocha-Zuniga, Matt Mello, Edwin Lyons. Not pictured: Cameron Seawell

Cecil Rockett, Head of Security

2026 SUMMER

events

Celebrating 75 years all summer long!

Friday, June 26 - 6-9 pm

Bring your dancing shoes, grab your friends, or make it a date night. is duo is the #1 all request, crowd interactive, sing-along, dueling piano show around the globe!

Friday, August 21 - 6-9 pm

A night lled with family fun from live music by the Key of C to the 100ft fun slide, join us and support the Child Abuse Prevention Council’s Ducky Derby.

18 SEPT.

Friday, September 18 - 6-9 pm is 14-piece tribute band features three dynamic vocalists and a powerhouse rhythm and horn section. Foreverland recreates hits from the Jackson 5 era through the end of the King of Pop’s musical career.

Saturday, October 3 - 9 am-5 pm

You don’t want to miss this ONE DAY shopping extravaganza - featuring clothing, accessories, shoes, gifts, home decor, sportswear - all at amazing prices from our retailers.

A FAMILIAR PRESENCE

Longest Standing Tenants

1951 - Village Barber Shop

Village Barber Shop has been part of Lincoln Center since the beginning, opening as one of the original 12 stores and remaining a steady, familiar presence ever since. Today, it’s in the hands of Bobby Page, the fifth owner, who carries that legacy forward with genuine care and pride. The shop is especially known for the way it honors veterans, something you feel the moment you walk in, with walls covered in photos and clippings that tell real stories of service and sacrifice.

1966 – DAD’s Hot Dogs

DAD’s Dogs is the kind of place that lives in people’s memories, known to many longtime guests by its original name, Dok Shoons. It’s been a place where kids were treated to a hot dog and a fair lemonade, turning simple moments into long lasting traditions. The photos on the walls show the very customers who grew up coming through its doors, a reminder of the families and memories tied to this place over the years.

1966 – Flair Boutique

Flair Boutique traces back to the very beginning, with Iona Hepper’s Village Gifts (one of the original 12 stores) and later The Village Flair, the same store we know today as Flair Boutique. For decades, Carolyn Walker and Starr Donati have continued growing Flair into the warm, welcoming boutique so many of us love. Through their eye for fashion, personal touch, and deep roots in this community, Flair has truly become more than just a store.

1967 - Parkwoods Cleaners

Parkwoods Cleaners has long been a trusted stop for so many in the community, cared for by Jeff and Renee Kitto since 1998. While it’s undergone ownership and name changes over the years, it’s always kept a personal touch that doesn’t go unnoticed. You’ll often find Renee there greeting customers with a smile. It’s the consistency and friendliness that have made Parkwoods a place people rely on, time and time again.

1971 - Anna Wolff Alterations

Originally known as Aghazarians (a name that still lives on in the space today), the business was started by Anna Wolff’s aunt and uncle, Jay and Maria, who came to America bringing their craft and dedication with them. Since opening in Lincoln Center in the early 1970s and later moving to its current location, that same care and attention to detail has remained at the heart of everything they do.

1974 - Silveria’s Flowers & Gifts

What began on the Brickwalk as California Floral Co. has grown into the beloved shop we know today as Silveria’s Flowers & Gifts. Known for its beautiful arrangements and thoughtful touches, it’s been somewhere people turn to for life’s meaningful moments, both big and small. With a long-standing presence and a genuine connection to the community, Silveria’s continues to bring a little extra care and beauty to Lincoln Center every day.

1978 – New Yen Ching

The place people grew up coming to and keep coming back to, especially for their freshly made hand drawn noodles.

1982 – Podesto’s Market

A true neighborhood market, where you stop in often and usually run into someone you know.

1986 – FINA

A go-to for so many occasions, whether you’re looking for something every day or something a little more special.

1989 – Best Wishes

A big part of so many thoughtful moments over the years, where you go when you’re looking for just the right gift.

1992 – Dynasty Seafood Restaurant

A longtime favorite for gathering over a good meal, where so many celebrations and dinners have taken place over the years.

1993 – As well as…

1983 – Gary J. Long Jewelers

Gary himself is a big part of what makes this place special, somewhere the experience feels just as personal as the service itself.

1989 – Steven Otani, D.D.S.

A familiar and trusted presence, caring for generations of patients with a steady, thoughtful approach.

1991 - Edward T. Graham, D.D.S.

Some patients have been coming to Dr. Graham for so long that it often feels more like catching up than an appointment.

THE FACES OF

Lincoln Center

GREAT SPECTACLES

– Lynda Winter & Tara Heredia

For Lynda and Tara, Great Spectacles has been a partnership built over years of creativity, trust, and a shared eye for something special.

Lynda first opened Great Spectacles in 1990 before it found its home in Lincoln Center in 2002. Tara joined not long after, in 1998, and together they have spent more than 25 years side by side, growing the business and evolving with the industry.

While it may have started as a small operation, it’s grown into something far more distinctive. It’s now an independent optical shop that draws attention from top designers around the world. Brands don’t just work with Great Spectacles, they seek them out.

“We care about our customers, we care about our community,” Lynda says. “That’s what makes us different.”

That care shows up in every detail from their curated frames to the way the space itself feels. Lynda’s instinct for design has shaped the store from the beginning, often setting trends before they even reach the mainstream.

And then there’s the fun. From industry trips in New York and Paris to all the unforgettable behind-the-scenes moments, their journey has been filled with experiences most people only dream about. “We’ve had a lot of fun along the way,” Tara says. “Every trip, every show…it’s all been part of building what we have here.”

BUNGALOW

– Mathew Ferdun-Wood

Mat’s story at Lincoln Center started long before Bungalow ever existed, back when the store was known as C.R. Porter. At 17, he was working in the back, unpacking boxes and helping with deliveries, quietly observing, asking questions, and learning everything he could.

“I was just curious,” he says. “I always wanted to know why things were done a certain way.”

We’re proud to spotlight the familiar faces of Lincoln Center, the business owners who make this place feel like home.

These are the people who remember your name, greet you with a smile, and go the extra mile to make every visit special. More than just a merchant, they are the heart of our community, building relationships, creating traditions, and over time, becoming like family.

His curiosity didn’t go unnoticed. Over time, he moved from the back of the store to the front, eventually becoming a trusted part of the business and developing an eye for design that was entirely his own. Years later, in 2018, he took a leap by purchasing the store and reimagining it as Bungalow.

While Bungalow still carries the history of C.R. Porter, it’s ultimately Mat’s vision, thoughtfully curated, personal, and everchanging.

His approach has been shaped not only by his years of experience but by his own life. With a growing family, he’s leaned into pieces that are as durable as they are beautiful and designs that work for real homes.

Alongside furniture, Bungalow has now expanded into gifts, décor, and kitchen pieces, all selected with the same attention to detail. And while the space continues to evolve, some things haven’t changed. Mat still approaches the work the same way he did at 17: curious, observant, and always learning.

GARY J. LONG JEWELERS

– Gary Long

At Gary J. Long Jewelers, every piece tells a story. An engagement ring. An anniversary gift. A custom design made to mark a moment someone never wants to forget. After more than four decades at Lincoln Center, Gary Long has been part of thousands of those moments.

Gary first arrived at Lincoln Center in 1983 at just 29 years old, buying the jewelry store from longtime owner Jim Glasscock. “Didn’t have 10 cents in my pocket, but I knew I could run a jewelry store” he says.

And after years in the jewelry business, Gary built a reputation for himself not only for quality and craftsmanship, but for relationships. Today, the store is especially known for its custom work, helping customers create one-of-a-kind pieces designed specifically for them.

“We have the best customers. I have the best employees,” Gary says. “Best thing I ever did.”

Outside the store, Gary has also spent his time supporting local organizations, nonprofits, and community events throughout Stockton. “We’ve been so fortunate over the last 43 years,” he says. “If it hadn’t been for the community, we’d be nothing.”

Gary still keeps up with changing trends, traveling to jewelry shows, and continuing to adapt as styles, technology, and customer preferences shift over time. But at the center of it all will always be quality work, strong relationships, and taking care of each and every customer.

SHINE YOGA STUDIOS

– Taylor Puccinelli

If Shine Yoga Studios feels like it has a personality, that’s because it does. Taylor talks about the studio like it’s its own person, one that’s a little flirty, a little cheeky, and always welcoming. It’s something that’s grown over time, shaped by the people who walk through the doors and the community that’s built around it.

Taylor has been part of that from the very beginning. Starting at the front desk, she worked her way into teaching, then training, then leadership, gradually becoming part of the foundation of the studio itself.

By the time she stepped into ownership in 2022, it felt like a continuation of something that already had a strong identity. She mentions one of the most important parts of running Shine is to stay true to the vision it was built on while still allowing it to grow naturally over time.

“I think the biggest takeaway… is that if you try to stray from the vision, the vision fails,” she says with the vision being simple, to create a space where everyone feels like they belong.

“Every body, every person… has a place at Shine,” Taylor says.

And that’s where the personality comes to life. It makes the studio feel less intimidating, more approachable, and gives people something to connect to beyond just the workout. From classes and teacher trainings to events and collaborations, everything is centered around bringing people in and making sure they feel comfortable once there.

FLEET FEET

– Alicia Farnsworth

Alicia didn’t plan on building a career at Fleet Feet, at least not at first. Her part-time job quickly turned into over 15 years in a role where she now helps shape both the store and the community around it.

One of the best parts of Lincoln Center has always been the people Alicia sees day after day. “You can walk around and feel like the mayor when you’re in Lincoln Center,” she laughs. “Everybody knows who you are… it’s just a great community.”

Alicia truly creates a sense of connection within Fleet Feet. Whether it’s a casual Tuesday night run or an organized training program, Alicia and

her team are focused on giving people a place to belong.

“We try to create this extra layer of community,” she explains. “If you want to be active and have somewhere to hang out and do all of these things together, we’re here.”

Under her leadership, the store has expanded its training programs and group runs, welcoming everyone from first-time runners to seasoned athletes chasing new goals. It’s not just about miles logged, it’s about showing up, together.

NÉKTER JUICE BAR & MAX MUSCLE

– Mark Sarale

Mark has spent most of his career helping people build routines.

For 30 years at Max Muscle, and now nearly a decade since opening Nékter at Lincoln Center, he’s created businesses that have become part of people’s everyday lives whether that’s grabbing a smoothie after a workout, picking up supplements, or simply stopping by to talk for a few minutes.

When asked what he loves most about owning businesses in Stockton, Mark says “The people that I’ve met. I still have customers from Max Muscle that I’ve had for 30 years.”

His connection to his customers is a big reason why Mark still likes spending time inside the stores himself. You can usually find him sitting at the bar top outside of Nékter, behind the counter, or talking with customers at Max Muscle. He genuinely enjoys all the conversations and relationships that have come with the business.

And after years of owning businesses in different shopping centers, Mark says Lincoln Center stands apart from the rest. “In all my years, there’s nothing like this place,” Mark says.

He credits the Center for creating an environment where businesses feel supported, and customers want to spend time. From events and marketing to the care that goes into maintaining the property itself, Mark says it’s something he noticed immediately.

It’s the same standard he holds himself to as a business owner. While he jokes that his son, Marcus, handles “all the stuff I’m not good at,” Mark focuses on the customer experience and making sure people feel taken care of the moment they walk through the door.

FINA

– Lisa Dixon and Deanne Garibaldi

For 40 years, sisters Lisa and Deanne have built the store around their own instincts, often bringing in styles Stockton hadn’t quite seen yet. “We take a lot of risks,” Lisa says. “All the stuff that we start, people don’t always understand at first…but then it catches on.”

Retail has always come naturally to the two as they grew up in their family’s downtown Stockton department store, Mariani’s. By the time the sisters opened FINA, both already had experience in the fashion world on their own as well. Lisa had worked at Macy’s while Deanne worked in San Francisco for brands like Levi’s and Gunne Sax.

Still, opening their own store felt like a leap. Lisa was eight months pregnant at the time, Deanne was just moving back home from San Francisco, and suddenly the sisters were opening a boutique together with only weeks to prepare. But from the beginning, customers responded to it.

Over the years, FINA became known for staying ahead of the curve. The sisters were the first to bring in AG jeans locally, and created one of the biggest crazes by bringing in Nomination charm bracelets from Italy. At one point, lines wrapped around the building daily with customers waiting to build bracelets of their own. “Nobody else had them yet,” Lisa says proudly. “We were the first.”

Even now, there’s an energy to FINA that still feels very much like Lisa and Deanne. The racks are constantly changing, the front table is always being restyled, and every week the windows have a new look to grab your attention. Customers stop in knowing there will always be something new to discover.

NOTHING BUNDT CAKES

– Mike Robinson

Twelve years in and Mike still talks about Nothing Bundt Cakes with the same energy he had on day one, maybe even more! What began as a post-retirement pivot from the tech world has grown into a place that’s become part of people’s everyday moments and biggest celebrations. He opened the bakery in 2014, stepping into a completely new industry with equal parts confidence and curiosity. It wasn’t a traditional path, but it turned out to be the right one.

The foundation has always been clear to Mike. “It's all about the community,” he says. “It’s about involvement and supporting people at every level.” It’s what sets him apart, from the local partnerships and school support he’s invested in

over the years to the customers who continue coming back again and again. It’s also helped make his bakery one of the top-performing Nothing Bundt Cakes locations in the country, consistently ranking in the top four nationwide.

Whether it’s a birthday, graduation, baby shower, or just a random Tuesday afternoon craving, Mike loves knowing the bakery has become part of so many celebrations over the years. And while flavors rotate throughout the year, he’s never changed his own favorite. “It’s always been chocolate chocolate chip, and it always will be,” he says.

For someone who once worked in tech, Mike laughs at how unexpected this chapter of life turned out to be, but it’s hard to imagine him anywhere else.

MARKET TAVERN, LA MESA, & PRIME TABLE

– Arezou Soleimani

Walk into any of the restaurants Phil Wong has created, and it doesn’t take long to notice, there’s a rhythm to it. The way people are greeted, the way drinks are made, and the way the whole space feels are just a little more intentional.

Arezou has been part of Lincoln Center for nearly two decades, first helping open Papapavlo’s and now managing the bars across Market Tavern, La Mesa, and Prime Table.

From the beginning, she approached it differently. At a time when craft cocktails weren’t common in the area, she was already thinking about what could be done better, bringing in ideas from outside the region and figuring out how to make them work here.

“Innovation,” she says. “If everyone’s doing the same thing, why does anybody care?” Her originality and mindset show up everywhere, from building cocktails with fresh, local ingredients to working closely with the kitchen so everything feels connected. It’s not just about what’s in the glass, it’s how it all comes together.

Whether it’s a regular or someone walking in for the first time, she is always making sure people feel comfortable, recognized, and taken care of. “You want to invest in the guest’s experience,” she says. “They’re not here for you, they’re here to enjoy themselves.”

BUD’S SEAFOOD BAR & GRILLE

– Bud, Jeanne and Matt

Milsaps

Some customers at Bud’s Seafood Grille have been coming in long enough that their table is basically understood. In fact, they actually call the restaurant when they aren’t coming for their usual reservation. “It’s a reverse reservation,” Bud jokes. It’s truly a place where the staff knows the regulars, the regulars know each other, and on busy Friday nights, longtime customers fill nearly every table.

When Bud and Jeanne opened the restaurant at Lincoln Center in 1993, the whole family helped bring it to life. Bud ran the restaurant while their son, Matt, bussed tables after school, and their daughter, Melissa, came home from college during spring break to help train the hostesses before opening day.

Jeanne was working full-time at the courthouse at the time, still heading straight to the restaurant most nights to hostess alongside the rest of the family. “What am I going to do, go home?” she says, laughing. “It took the whole family to do it, really.”

And somewhere along the way, Bud’s Beef became one of the restaurant’s most unexpected signatures. With years of experience as a meat cutter, Bud knew the cut he chose had just the right flavor and tenderness people would love, even if ordering beef at a seafood restaurant wasn’t exactly expected.

At first, customers didn’t always know what to make of it, so Bud would walk samples out to tables himself and encourage people to give it a try. Once they did, they were hooked. Bud’s Beef is still one of the restaurant’s most talked-about dishes, right alongside the seafood.

As the restaurant grew, so did Matt’s role in it. After attending college and Delta’s culinary program, he returned to the family business and gradually helped shape its next chapter. Bud and Jeanne credit him with bringing fresh ideas to the restaurant while still holding onto tradition. Even after more than three decades, Bud and Jeanne still genuinely enjoy being there, grabbing dinner at the restaurant themselves, working alongside their staff, and spending time talking with customers who have become friends over the years.

PAPAPAVLO’S BISTRO & BAR

– Andy and Jennifer Pappas

Papapavlo’s has been part of Lincoln Center long enough that some of the stories don’t just stay in one moment, they stretch across years. Andy and Jennifer have watched those moments unfold over time. “We’ll cater someone’s wedding, and then years later we’re doing their kids’ graduation,” Jennifer says. “Or they got engaged here, and now they’re back for something else.”

It was nearly four decades ago that Andy opened the doors to Papapavlo’s, carrying with him something that had been part of his life from the beginning: food and family.

“My mom cooked Greek food all the time, and when my father came here from Greece, cooking was all he knew,” he says. “It’s a big part of our heritage, we've always had cooking in our blood.”

When Papapavlo’s moved to Lincoln Center in 2007, it became a place where those moments could keep building, where people didn’t just visit once but kept coming back time and time again.

Customers become regulars, employees come back with their own families, and over time, it all starts to feel connected. “You end up with this whole extended family,” Jennifer says.

That connection goes beyond the restaurant itself. Andy and Jennifer have stayed closely involved with the community, working with local schools, colleges, and community events, continuing to show up in ways that matter.

AP’S PIZZA

– Adam Pijl

Long before AP’s Pizza, Adam and his family were already part of daily life at the Center. His parents owned Payter’s beginning in 1980, two of his sisters later opened Zuesters, a clothing boutique nearby, and as a kid, Adam spent countless hours at the restaurant, sometimes even falling asleep in the back while his parents worked late into the night.

By his teenage years, he was working alongside them, learning firsthand the importance of hard work, relationships, and taking care of customers. Even when life took him beyond Stockton, Lincoln Center always remained a constant.

So in 2014, when the opportunity came to purchase what was then David’s Pizza, Adam took it, continuing both his family’s legacy in the restaurant business and his lifelong connection to Lincoln Center.

More recently, Adam introduced a new chapter with the transition to AP’s Pizza. While the name changed, the heart of the restaurant stayed the same. Same recipes, same team, and the same welcoming atmosphere that customers have known for years.

What Adam values most about Lincoln Center hasn’t really changed. “It’s always been family,” he says. And after growing up here, creating relationships here, and now running a restaurant of his own here, it’s easy to understand why.

THEN & NOW

Walk down memory lane with us as we celebrate 75 wonderful years of Lincoln Center!

View from above

The Big L

THEN >>

Rising above Lincoln Center in its early years, the Big L quickly became a landmark for the community, a bold symbol that marked the Center as a new gathering place in Stockton. Visible from blocks away, it wasn’t just signage; it was a point of pride and a clear signal that Lincoln Center had arrived.

<< THEN

When Lincoln Center was first developed, it was part of a forwardthinking master plan designed to serve a growing community “way out north” of Stockton’s city center. Built when development was just beginning to expand, the Center brought shopping, services, and gathering spaces closer to home, setting a new standard for convenience and community-focused design.

NOW >>

75 years later, Lincoln Center stands as a vibrant, established destination at the heart of North Stockton. What was once considered “way out north” is now a central gathering place home to locally owned businesses, community events, and everyday moments. While the city has grown around it, Lincoln Center continues to evolve, staying true to its original vision of serving the community it helped shape.

<< NOW

Today, the Big L remains Lincoln Center's most recognizable icon. In 2016, the addition of the digital readerboards were added to give tenants and local businesses a modern way to connect with the community. The Big L continues to stand as a familiar welcome, connecting generations of shoppers, families, and merchants while serving as a lasting reminder of where Lincoln Center began.

The Brickwalk

<< THEN

One of the original twelve stores to open at Lincoln Center, Black’s helped establish the Center as a convenient, local place to shop from the very beginning. Over time, the space became home to Gaines Market and later Don Quick Market, continuing its role as an everyday destination for local shoppers.

NOW >>

Today, the space is home to Podesto’s Market, a beloved, family-owned Stockton store. Carrying on the tradition of quality and neighborhood connection, Podesto’s has become a cornerstone of Lincoln Center; bringing fresh food, specialty items, and a local touch to a space that has served the community for generations.

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In the early years of Lincoln Center, the Astro Slide was a standout attraction drawing families and kids for a thrill that was ahead of its time. Reputedly one of the first slides of its kind, it added an element of play and excitement that made Lincoln Center more than just a place to shop, but a destination for family fun.

NOW >>

Today, that spirit of play lives on through the Fun Slide featured at Lincoln Center events. While the design has changed, the joy remains the same; creating memorable moments for a new generation of families and reminding visitors that fun has always been part of the Lincoln Center experience.

<< THEN

When the Brickwalk first took shape, it reflected mid-century shopping center design with a more enclosed, “indoor-outdoor” feel. Covered corridors, skylights, and high ceilings created a protected pedestrian space, allowing shoppers to stroll the brick path while staying sheltered from the elements; a design that bridged the gap between traditional outdoor centers and the emerging mall era.

<< NOW

Today, the Brickwalk is an open-air centerpiece of Lincoln Center. Through thoughtful renovations over the decades, the space was opened up to embrace a modern, outdoor lifestyle bringing in natural light, fresh air, and room to gather. Now home to seasonal events, evening strolls, and signature traditions like nightly snowfall during the holidays, the Brickwalk continues to evolve while remaining the heart of the Center’s community experience.

Grocery Stores

HOME

& GIFTS

JEWELRY

Did You Know?

Think you know Lincoln Center? You might… but we’re willing to bet there are a few things you don’t. In honor of 75 years, we’re sharing some fun facts and hidden history about a place that’s seen it all and continues to bring our community together.

THE GINGHAM GAL

The Gingham Gal Fountain was one of Lincoln Center’s original businesses when the Center opened in 1951! While it started as a soda fountain located just outside of Black’s Market, it remained part of the same space through every era that followed, including Gaines Market, Don Quick, and eventually Podesto’s Market. Over the years, the Gingham Gal grew and became a coffee shop (famously remembered for its cinnamon rolls!), and while it’s no longer here today, the name remained woven into Lincoln Center history for generations.

SILVERIA’S FLOWERS & GIFTS

Before it became home to Silveria’s Flowers & Gifts, that space served a very different purpose, it was originally the sales office for the homes in Lincoln Village. In the early days of Lincoln Center, prospective homeowners would stop there to learn about the brandnew neighborhood taking shape nearby. Today, while the space looks much different, it’s still centered around helping people celebrate life’s biggest moments…just now with flowers instead of floorplans.

THE ISLANDER

One of Lincoln Center’s most iconic restaurants didn’t just close, it moved, quite literally. After The Islander shut down, the entire Polynesian-style building was relocated to a new site off Highway 99, where it was cut into sections and transported piece by piece. The original location was later replaced by Tower Records, and today, Chase Bank stands there instead.

CHRISTMAS FAIRE

Our first Christmas Faire was held in 1986, and 40 years later, the magic is still going strong. The live reindeer and photos with Santa have always been part of the tradition, becoming a holiday favorite from the very beginning of Lincoln Center. Over the years, the Christmas Faire has grown into one of Stockton’s favorite holiday traditions, complete with live music, snow falling on the Brickwalk, horse and carriage rides, the Chug-A-Bug train, and festive fun throughout the center. Save the date for this year’s Christmas Faire on Sunday, November 15!

BIG L

Installed in 1954, our iconic “Big L” stands 97 feet tall, topped with an 18-foot rotating “L” visible for miles and has welcomed visitors to the center for more than 70 years. Originally a Central California oil derrick discovered in Turlock, it’s been part of our story ever since!