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Buggy Backup! Yoder's Drive-Thru Buffet Overwhelmed by Demand
Buggy Backup! Yoder's Drive-Thru Buffet Overwhelmed by Demand
Intercourse, PA – Lancaster County's newest culinary experiment, Yoder's Drive-Thru Buffet, is experiencing teething troubles, with reports of significant delays, overflowing parking lots, and even minor fender-benders involving both horse-drawn carriages and modern automobiles. The "all-you-can-eat" Amish feast, launched just last week and advertised at
The concept is simple: patrons pay a flat fee ($24.99 for adults, $12.50 for children) and drive through a series of stations, where servers load their vehicles with generous portions of traditional Amish fare. Think steaming platters of roast chicken, hearty noodles, mashed potatoes and gravy, buttered corn, and, of course, the famous Yoder family apple dumplings.
However, the reality has been far from smooth. "We estimated a throughput of approximately 12.7 vehicles per hour," explained Jedediah Yoder, the buffet's founder and patriarch. "But we've been averaging closer to 4.3, especially during peak dinner hours. The demand is just... well, it's bigger than my best barn-raising!"
Reports suggest the issues stem from a variety of factors. The initial novelty of the experience, combined with rave reviews on local social media groups, has created a massive influx of customers. The mix of horse-drawn transportation and automobiles has also proven challenging.
"The horses get spooked by the cars honking," complained Martha Stoltzfus, a local Amish resident who waited over an hour for her family's dinner. "And the smell of the exhaust fumes... let's just say it's not conducive to a pleasant dining experience, even if it is 'all-you-can-eat'."
Beyond the traffic congestion, the sheer volume of food being consumed has also presented logistical nightmares. The Yoder family, who have been farming in Lancaster County for seven generations, are struggling to keep up with the demand for ingredients.
"We're going through approximately 750 pounds of potatoes, 400 pounds of noodles, and 250 chickens every single day," revealed Sarah Yoder, Jedediah's daughter and the buffet's head chef. "Our root cellar is looking pretty bare, and we've had to call in reinforcements from neighboring farms just to keep the dumplings baking!"
The Lancaster County Sheriff's Department has even issued a statement urging drivers to exercise caution in the area surrounding Yoder's Drive-Thru Buffet. "We've seen a 34.8% increase in traffic-related incidents on Route 340 in the past week," said Sheriff Deputy Daniel Miller. "Most are minor, but the potential for a serious accident is there. We urge everyone to be patient and drive defensively."
Despite the challenges, the Yoder family remains optimistic. They are implementing several changes, including expanding the parking lot, streamlining the food distribution process, and even considering a separate "buggy lane" to alleviate congestion.
"We're learning as we go," Jedediah Yoder admitted with a smile. "But we're committed to providing our customers with an authentic and delicious Amish dining experience. Even if it means a little bit of a wait."
The Yoder's Drive-Thru Buffet is currently operating from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily. The family encourages customers to check their Facebook page for updates on wait times and potential menu changes. And remember, patience is a virtue… especially when apple dumplings are involved.
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