Many large companies and organizations are often derided for using outdated computers, but not every business needs the latest digital technology. For example: A bakery in Indiana was photographed using Commodore64 to handle sales. This isn't the first time a 21st century business has been spotted using 1982's best-selling PC, as the device is still beloved by enthusiasts to this day.
Recently exposed photos show a pair of Commodore 64s being used as cash registers at Hilligoss Bakery in Brownsburg, Indiana. While it may seem unusual to do business with a 42-year-old computer, the device likely has enough processing power to fulfill donut orders.
The photos were originally taken in 2010 and have recently resurfaced on social media. The C64 can also be seen in another photo from 2021. HilligossBakery seems to have a great reputation, with a 4.7 rating on Google Maps and a 4.4 rating on Yelp.
The Commodore 64, released in 1982, remains by far the best-selling personal computer model of all time, with sales estimated at between 10 million and 17 million units. The system was priced at $595 at launch (approximately $1,945 in 2024 dollars) and featured a 1MHz CPU and 64KB of memory, hence the name.
While most of C64's 10,000 pieces of software are games, it also supports business software, which companies like Hilligoss Bakery use all the time. It's unclear if the bakery has been using Commodore64 since 1982, but given that the company has been in business since 1974 and this year marks its 50th anniversary, it's possible.
This isn't the only enterprise sticking with Commodore64. In 2016, the CommodoreUSA Facebook page highlighted another example: A car repair shop in Poland had been using Commodore 64s to balance driveshafts since at least 1991, even surviving a flood at one point.
In some cases, using older technology can reduce costs and provide security through concealment. For example, Southwest Airlines avoided the infamous CrowdStrike data breach by continuing to use Windows 95. However, maintaining and repairing older equipment can present significant challenges.
Fortunately, due to the Commodore 64's long-standing reputation, replacement, restoration and repair are still possible. Last year, an enthusiastic modder showed it was possible to build a new Commodore 64 from scratch using replacement parts. Additionally, a modern replica of the device was released in 2019, supports the original software, and can connect to modern displays via HDMI.