Lancaster, PA -  This year, Miller's Smorgasbord celebrates 95 years of serving up hearty, home-cooked meals steeped in Pennsylvania Dutch tradition. From its humble beginnings in 1929 to becoming a beloved Lancaster County landmark, the story of Miller's is as rich and comforting as the dishes it continues to serve.

Before the bustling Route 30 even existed, Enos Miller established a truck repair and gas station on Lincoln Highway East. His wife, Anna, with her warm hospitality and knack for home-cooked meals, began offering her culinary delights to Enos' customers. Word quickly spread about Anna's PA Dutch specialties, such as Chicken and Waffles, and soon, diners were coming from far and wide just for a taste of her cooking. As demand for Anna's dishes grew, the dining area expanded, eventually taking over the space where the repair shop once stood.

In 1948, after nearly two decades of delighting guests, Anna and Enos sold the restaurant to their long-time employees, Beatrice and Thomas Strauss. Under their care, the restaurant flourished, and in 1957, they officially renamed it Miller's Smorgasbord, introducing the now famous “seven sweets and seven sours,” a staple of the Smorgasbord that continues to be served to this day.

The Strauss family continued to innovate, and in 1973, they expanded Miller's baking capabilities by establishing Miller's Bakery next to the restaurant. This allowed for their signature baked goods and desserts, which had become just as famous as the main dishes, to be sold directly to the public. Today, visitors can purchase beloved favorites like raisin bread, chocolate pecan pie, sticky buns, and shoofly pies at the Locally Made Food Shop.

Dan Strauss, son of Beatrice and Thomas Strauss and Managing Partner, states, “We are dedicated to preserving and building upon the legacy that our parents, along with Anna and Enos, established—offering exceptional food in a warm, welcoming atmosphere here in Lancaster County. We are excited to know that our next generation is set up to continue this legacy into the future. My youth is filled with cherished memories, from living on the property to working in the kitchen, rolling pie crusts.”

As Miller's Smorgasbord observes its 95th year, the establishment remains a family-owned treasure, dedicated to preserving the traditions that have made it a culinary icon. To mark this milestone, Miller's has updated its entrance and lobby, infusing it with a 1920s ambiance reminiscent of Enos' original garage. A new gift shop, Anna's Gifts & Sundries, has also opened at The Shoppes at Miller's, offering a selection of jewelry, home decor, and Lancaster County mementos in honor of Anna's legacy.

"As we celebrate 95 years, we are reminded of the deep roots and rich traditions that have made Miller's Smorgasbord a cherished part of Lancaster County. It's an honor to continue the legacy that began with Enos and Anna Miller, serving up the same hearty, home-cooked meals that have brought generations of families together. We look forward to the next 95 years of sharing our love for great food and warm hospitality with all who walk through our doors," says Tom Neely, CEO.

To commemorate 95 years of success, Miller's Smorgasbord will host special events throughout October, including weekly giveaways and Saturday Meet the Artisan Days. Guests can still enjoy the same tried-and-true recipes, cooked from scratch and served with a smile. From the soup and salad bar featuring over a dozen Lancaster County salads to the carving station, Anna's chicken and waffles, award-winning fried chicken, and more, there's something for everyone at Miller's. It is one of the reasons, Miller's continues to be named of the USA Today's 10Best Buffets. 

As Anna would say, “Eat yourself full,” and join us in celebrating nearly a century of tradition and taste. Visit our website Millers1929.com for more details on our celebrations and history.

About Thomas E. Strauss, Inc.: Since 1929, Thomas E. Strauss, Inc. has been a local family-owned hospitality group in Lancaster County PA. Its businesses include Miller's Smorgasbord, Miller's Bakery, Locally Made Food Shop, Anna's Gifts & Sundries, The Quilt Shop at Miller's, Plain & Fancy Farm, Plain & Fancy Restaurant, Smokehouse BBQ & Brews, Plain & Fancy Country Store and AmishView Inn & Suites.