Phil Weaver shut the doors to Lancaster Countyâs biggest restaurant on March 16, 2020, complying with an order issued by Gov. Tom Wolf to close all indoor dining establishments and bars in the hopes of curtailing a dangerous virus.
That day, Weaver said, was one of the first times he realized COVID-19 posed a serious threat. And while the governorâs initial order presented a significant hit to his business, it was only supposed to last two weeks all it would take to âflatten the curveâ of virus infections.
Two weeks turned into two more weeks. Then it was a color-coded guideline for when counties could begin to reopen. All the while, Weaverâs buffet-style restaurant, Shady Maple Smorgasbord in East Earl, remained closed for indoor dining and offered limited takeout options.