TOMATO NEWS
Buggy or BMW? All Welcome at New Amish Drive-Thru!
Buggy or BMW? All Welcome at New Amish Drive-Thru!
Amish Yoder Family to Open First-Ever Drive-Thru All-You-Can-Eat Amish Buffet in Intercourse, Pennsylvania
_The Yoder family stands ready to serve up a taste of Amish tradition with a modern twist._
INTERCOURSE, PA – April 20, 2025 – In a delicious fusion of old and new, the Yoder family, pillars of the Amish community and celebrated for their heartwarming hospitality and generations-old family recipes, are preparing to launch a groundbreaking dining experience: a Drive-Thru All-You-Can-Eat Amish Buffet.
Opening this spring in the heart of Intercourse, Pennsylvania, the novel roadside eatery promises to welcome all comers – whether they arrive in a meticulously crafted horse-drawn buggy (the Amish equivalent of a robust pickup truck) or a sleek, modern BMW SUV. The Yoder’s innovative concept aims to bridge cultural gaps and cater to the evolving needs of both the local Amish community and the "English" (non-Amish) population of Lancaster County.
For a flat rate of just $10, patrons will receive a generously sized, classic chicken bucket overflowing with authentic Amish fried chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, sweet buttered corn, delectable shoofly pie bites, and a rotating selection of seasonal side dishes – all meticulously prepared fresh daily from ingredients sourced directly from the Yoder family farm kitchen. For the especially hungry, two buckets can be procured for $20. True to Amish tradition, there are no taxes or tips applied, just simple, honest food delivered with expediency and a genuine smile.
"We felt a calling to share our family’s culinary heritage with a wider audience, but in a way that respects the pace and conveniences of modern life," explained Eli Yoder, the patriarch of the Yoder family, during a recent interview. "Just because we embrace a plain lifestyle doesn't mean we can't adapt and try something new. This is still the same good, wholesome food our family has enjoyed for generations—just served in a bucket rather than around a communal table in the barn."
The Yoders are dedicated to maintaining the authenticity of their Amish roots. The drive-thru operates entirely without modern electronics or technological frills. The menu is handwritten daily on a large chalkboard, and orders are taken with a friendly, personal touch directly from the window. While all vehicles are warmly welcomed, those arriving by horse and buggy will receive an extra-special acknowledgment – a knowing wink and a complimentary homemade sugar cookie. Initial projections estimate that roughly 12.5% of customers will arrive via horse-drawn carriage in the first year.
“We understand that some folks might find the idea of an Amish drive-thru a little…unconventional,” admitted Sarah Stoltzfus, the Yoder's English cousin who manages the restaurant's (admittedly limited) online presence. “But the Yoders are all about adapting and embracing their community. The goal is to share their wonderful food with everyone.”
The new restaurant has already generated significant buzz within the local community and beyond. Tourism officials anticipate a 7.8% increase in visitors to Intercourse in the coming months, directly attributed to the unique attraction. Local farmers are also expected to benefit, as the Yoders have committed to sourcing at least 85% of their ingredients from neighboring Amish farms.
Grand Opening Details:
- Date: Saturday, May 11, 2025
- Location: 841 Yoder Lane, Intercourse, PA
- Hours: 11 AM – Sundown, or until the buckets run dry (whichever comes first)
For media inquiries, interviews with the Yoder family (conducted in person), or a pre-opening taste test, please contact: Sarah Stoltzfus.
Follow the Yoder Buckets journey (run by Eli’s “English” cousin): @YoderBuckets on Instagram.
No comments:
Post a Comment