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About Us

We Make Food Fun

Shady Maple is an icon of the Lancaster County community, holding the distinction of being the largest buffet in the USA. People cross states to come to Shady Maple, but it’s not just for the delicious food. It’s for the experience. People don’t just go to Shady Maple, they visit. They aren’t just our customers, they’re our guests.

Not Just Different, Unique

Old-world PA Dutch charm, charity, kindness, and values mixed with the comfort and pride of a job well-done result in an experience like no other. Whether browsing for treasures in the 40,000 square foot gift shop; eating at the 1,200 seat buffet packed with Lancaster County Authentic Favorites; shopping at our modern market for top quality produce, groceries, and our hand-smoked and cured meats; or enjoying scrumptious treats from the bakery; every guest will leave full and happy, with a heart full of kindness. We set a family table and take pride in providing guests with the best food or your own, join us to celebrate life and food every day but Sunday.

Values & Mission

For more than 50 years, Shady Maple has been a company based on faith in God, commitment to community, and providing value to our customers. Our values are the roots of who we are, and our vision is rooted in those values: Faith, Truth, Integrity, Initiative, Compassion, and Authenticity.

Our Mission is to behave according to our values and vision.

The Vision

Our vision is to serve all, with honor and integrity, each day. We strive to create experiences of joy and celebration, act with integrity, give generously, provide solutions, be reliable, act willingly, and speak life.

Our Community

Our community stretches far beyond the boundaries of Lancaster County, PA. Everyone that wants to travel to PA Dutch country, experience their local roots, or simply taste a slice of country life so good it reminds them of all the great things in life, is part of our community. People come to experience our food, quality, and authenticity, then leave with great lifelong memories.

Our guests are family, and we’re always pleased to put out an extra plate – there’s plenty and a helping of dessert after, too.

What Does Making Food Fun Mean?

The Shady Maple brand has its roots in family, humility, creativity, and hard work. It encompasses food, abundance, and authentic Lancaster County in a single plaza bursting with good, clean, family-oriented fun for all ages. We strive to offer our community the best, from down-home, comfort foods made from scratch to quality grocery experiences. When we say, “We Make Food Fun,” or “Making Food Fun” we mean we make good memories, great food, and fun times for the whole family.

Shady Maple is not just a peacefully bustling plaza, restaurant, gift shop, or grocery store; it is an experience.

Smorgasbord Employee
Testimonials

Fannie, Breakfast Grill – 18 years
“Shady Maple treats their employees wonderfully. They go above and beyond. My favorite part of my job is the interactions with customers while I prepare their orders.”

Charlie, Cook – 5 years
“My coworkers are very friendly. This feels more like family than a job!”

Special Family Events

At Shady Maple, making food fun is a full time job! We offer many events throughout the plaza, year round, including the Farm Market, Smorgasbord, and the Gift Shop. Enjoy Midnight Gladness, our Whoopie Pie Celebration, Fastnacht Day, the Apple Festival, and Watermelon Week festivities at the Farm Market. Dig in to Kids Night at the Smorg, explore our holiday events, or enter to win contests. The 12 days of Christmas events at our Gift Shop are legendary for finding that perfect unique gift for your loved ones. This is only a partial list, there are too many to list here, so be sure to check often! Come on down, and bring the whole family!

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