LANCASTER, Pa. — In a day and age where all-you-can-eat buffets are declining in popularity, one spot in Lancaster County is thriving.
Shady Maple Smorgasbord in East Earl Township is having its best summer yet, feeding over 8,000 hungry customers each day.
“The food is excellent here at Shady Maple. Second of all, the atmosphere at Shady Maple is wonderful,” said Don Mann, a Shady Maple customer.
Mann lives in Montgomery County and says the hour-and-a-half drive and price he pays to go to Shady Maple is worth it.
The 95-year-old family-owned restaurant survived the negative impacts of all-you-can-eat dining during COVID-19 that took out major businesses, like Old Country Buffet.
Shady Maple leaders say commitment to Pennsylvania Dutch cooking and their prime location helps them hold their USA Today title as The Best Buffet in America.
“It is a high-paced restaurant. It’s not like your average restaurant. But I always say it’s the biggest, smallest kitchen in the world. Because it’s the biggest kitchen I’ve ever worked in, but we still could expand if we need to,” said Sumer Smith, a food quality manager at Shady Maple.
And although annoying for some, this summer’s hot temperatures are a win for Shady Maple.
“We have thirty campgrounds within 30 miles of us here. We’re blessed to have that, and I think what better way to get some air conditioning for a while?” Phil Weaver, the president of the Shady Maple Smorgasbord.
He also says he believes the temporary closing of the Hershey Farms and Bird in Hand restaurants contributes to their increase in customers, but every success story comes with challenges.
With over one hundred food options and beverages, Weaver says a major problem here is food waste and shoplifting.
“There’s a lot of hurting people out in this world that would just like to have a good solid meal. And the waste that we have at times is just to me really sad,” says Weaver.
Weaver also says they’re expecting a slower September as kids go back to school but because of their faith, they know their success is secure.
“We feel it’s because of His blessing on our lives. It’s truly been a blessing over the years." Weaver said.