Most people would expect the largest buffet in America would be located in a big city like Las Vegas or New York, but it’s actually right here in rural Pennsylvania! This buffet is known as Shady Maple Smorgasbord.
According to Shady Maple Smorgasbord, Mr. and Ms. Martin began their business by selling produce on the roadside in front of their home in East Earl, Pennsylvania in 1962. This stand, located under a group of maple trees, is where the name Shady Maple Farm Market originated.
In the 1970s, their daughter, Miriam Weaver and her family would take over the business and open the first block building to sell produce. Teaming up with the Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA), they installed a grocery department, and the Shady Maple business began its journey with two cashiers and a few hard working employees.
As time went on, the business continued to improve. In 1982, the store reached a store employment of 240 people, as well as the addition of the “Fast Food Cafeteria,” with a capacity for 100 guests. But the Weavers weren’t done yet!
They relocated their business to a new building and renamed it the “Shady Maple Smorgasbord.” The idea was that the Smorgasbord would be located on the top floor of the building, while the lower floor would be reserved for a gift shop and fast food restaurant. The business was an incredible success and within a brief amount of time, the Smorgasbord began to gain more popularity.
Many guests have commented on how “the employees’ commitment to friendliness and service makes the Shady Maple Companies a positive shopping and dining experience for everyone.”
Shady Maples Smorgasbord only continued to expand. After more remodeling, the business began to accompany larger parties for weddings, business conferences, and other large gatherings starting in 2005.
During the time of the Covid-19 pandemic, Shady Maple went above and beyond to ensure the safety and comfort of their guests and employees through multiple adjustments. Some of which included offering to go and touchless meals, practicing social distancing, wearing masks and gloves at the buffet, and much more.
Today, Shady Maple Smorgasbord employs over 750 people and is a business that continues to flourish and grow. Marvin Weaver, the founder and owner of Shady Maple, and his family have expressed their gratitude and in debt to the local and distant communities that have shown their support for the business.
“We give the Lord Jesus Christ the glory for any success that has been accomplished over the years,” states the Weaver family. “We invite you all to visit and enjoy Shady Maple.”