The buffet has long been a staple in American dining, offering a variety of food at an affordable price. However, as fad diets became more popular in the 2000s, buffets began to struggle to maintain their customer base. The COVID-19 pandemic added another layer of difficulty for buffet restaurants, forcing many to close their doors permanently.
One buffet that has managed to not only survive, but thrive, is Shady Maple in East Earl, Pennsylvania. Despite the challenges faced by the buffet industry, Shady Maple continues to draw in crowds of hungry diners. On a typical Saturday, 8,000 people wait in line to enjoy the traditional Pennsylvania Dutch fare that the buffet has to offer.
Producer Abby Narishkin takes viewers inside the kitchen of Shady Maple, giving them a behind-the-scenes look at how the restaurant manages to prepare food for thousands of customers each day. Narishkin also takes a seat herself to taste test the breakfast and lunch offerings, giving viewers a firsthand look at why Shady Maple has managed to stand out in an industry that has seen many closures.
Despite the rise and fall of American buffets, Shady Maple has found a way to adapt and continue to attract diners. With its traditional Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine, the buffet has managed to stay relevant in an ever-changing culinary landscape. As one of the few buffets left standing, Shady Maple’s ability to draw in crowds of eager diners is a testament to its staying power in an industry that has faced numerous challenges.
Watch the video by Business Insider
Video “How America’s Largest Buffet Survived The Death Of All-You-Can-Eats | Big Business” was uploaded on 06/08/2024 to Youtube Channel Business Insider