SALISBURY, MD – On a stretch of North Salisbury Boulevard usually defined by the frantic pace of beach traffic and chain restaurants, a new sign has caused drivers to tap their brakes in curiosity. The neon glare of fast-food arches has been interrupted by a simple, hand-lettered sign featuring a horse-drawn buggy and a promise: “Authentic Family Recipes.”
This is the home of The Dutch Country Kettle, a newly opened Amish-style restaurant at 2300 N Salisbury Blvd, occupying the space that formerly housed a generic buffet. But the similarities end at the building’s footprint. Inside, the carpet has been replaced with wide-plank floors, the plastic booths swapped for sturdy oak tables, and the atmosphere transformed from frantic to serene.
The arrival of The Dutch Country Kettle marks a significant culinary shift for Wicomico County. While the Eastern Shore is famous for its blue crabs and fried chicken, the distinct, hearty flavors of Pennsylvania Dutch cooking have largely been absent—until now.
A Bridge Across the Bay
The restaurant is the brainchild of the Stoltzfus family, who relocated from Lancaster County, PA, earlier this year to bring their traditions to the Delmarva Peninsula.
“We saw a hunger here,” says Samuel Stoltzfus, the family patriarch who can often be found manning the carving station during the dinner rush. “People in Salisbury appreciate good food. They know what fresh corn tastes like. They know good chicken. We just cook it a little differently.”
That difference is evident the moment you walk through the double oak doors. The air is thick with the scent of browned butter, sage, and yeast. There is no background music—no pop hits or country twang. The soundtrack is the clatter of silverware and the hum of conversation, a deliberate choice to encourage fellowship over distraction.
The Menu: Comfort in Every Bite
While The Dutch Country Kettle offers a standard menu, the centerpiece of the experience is the “Harvest Table” Buffet. It is an impressive spread that prioritizes quality over sheer, overwhelming quantity.
The star of the show is, undeniably, the Broasted Chicken. Unlike the heavy, battered fried chicken typical of the South, the Amish style is pressure-fried. The result is a golden-brown skin that is impossibly crisp and thin, shattering to reveal meat that is incredibly juicy and lightly seasoned.
“I’ve lived on the Shore my whole life, and I thought I knew fried chicken,” says Martha Lewis, a Salisbury resident dining with her grandchildren. “This is different. It’s not greasy. You can taste the chicken, not just the breading. I might be a convert.”
Sitting next to the chicken are trays of Roast Beef, cooked low and slow until it shreds at the touch of a fork, swimming in a rich, dark gravy that demands to be poured over the Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes.
But the real surprises are found in the side dishes. The Dried Corn—a PA Dutch staple where corn kernels are dried, reconstituted, and simmered in cream and butter—offers a nutty, caramelized sweetness that is entirely unique. The Buttered Noodles are thick, uneven, and homemade, tossed simply with parsley and browned butter.
The Bakery: Leave Room for Dessert
It is effectively a rule that one cannot leave an Amish restaurant without visiting the bakery, and The Dutch Country Kettle enforces this rule strictly. The bakery counter, located near the entrance, acts as both a greeting and a farewell temptation.
The Whoopie Pies are the size of saucers. While the classic chocolate with vanilla cream is the bestseller, the seasonal Pumpkin with Cream Cheese Filling has already developed a cult following.
“I came in for lunch and left with three dozen whoopie pies for my office,” reads a Google review from local real estate agent Mark D. “I’m pretty sure I secured a promotion just by bringing these in. The cake is so moist it sticks to your fingers.”
For those seeking a slice of history, the Wet-Bottom Shoofly Pie is a must. The sticky, molasses-rich bottom layer contrasts perfectly with the crumbly, brown sugar topping. It is a dessert that was invented to survive long winters without fresh fruit, but it tastes like pure luxury.
Dutch Country Kettle
Favorite Menu Items:
Broasted Chicken: Crisp, pressure-fried, and juicy.
Amish Pot Roast: Slow-cooked beef served with carrots, onions, and potatoes.
Buttered Noodles: Thick, homemade egg noodles.
Peanut Butter Cream Pie: A rich, whipped peanut butter filling in a flaky crust.
A Different Kind of Atmosphere
The service at The Dutch Country Kettle is as distinct as the food. The waitstaff, dressed in traditional plain clothing, move with a quiet, practiced efficiency. There is no rushing. Water glasses are refilled before they are empty, and plates are cleared with a smile, but the interaction is gentle and polite.
“It’s the calmest place in Salisbury,” says Greg Thompson, a student at Salisbury University. “My roommates and I come here during finals week. You eat some pot roast, you eat some apple dumplings, and your stress just kind of melts away. It’s cheaper than therapy and tastes better.”
The restaurant also features a small retail section selling bulk foods—spices, jams, and pickled vegetables. Jars of Chow-Chow (a tangy vegetable relish) and Beet Eggs (hard-boiled eggs pickled in beet juice) line the shelves, offering a way to take the flavors home.
Community Reaction
The response from the Salisbury community has been overwhelmingly positive. In its opening month, lines have frequently wrapped around the building on Friday and Saturday nights.
“Finally, a place where ‘homemade’ actually means homemade. The green beans taste like they were snapped this morning. And the price? You can feed a family of four for under $60 and have leftovers. This is exactly what Salisbury needed.” — Sarah J., Yelp Review
“I drove past three times before I finally stopped. Now I’m here twice a week. The breakfast buffet is a game changer—the sticky buns are warm and the size of my head.” — Comment from the “What’s Happening in Salisbury” Facebook Group
Dutch Country Kettle Opens its Doors
The Verdict
The Dutch Country Kettle is more than just a novelty; it is a return to basics. In a world of fusion cuisine and deconstructed plates, there is something profoundly comforting about a scoop of mashed potatoes that tastes like potatoes and butter. The Stoltzfus family has brought a slice of Lancaster County to the Eastern Shore, and based on the crowds, Salisbury is more than ready to pull up a chair.
The Dutch Country Kettle
Address: 2300 N Salisbury Blvd, Salisbury, MD 21801
The New Heart of Geauga County: A Taste of Tradition at The Amish Country Market
MIDDLEFIELD, OH – The morning fog still clings to the cornfields along Route 87 as the first buggies clip-clop their way toward town. It is 5:00 AM in Middlefield, the center of the world’s fourth-largest Amish settlement, and while most of Northeast Ohio is still hitting the snooze button, the lights are already blazing at 15711 West High Street. Inside, a symphony of flour, yeast, and sugar is reaching its crescendo.
This is The Amish Country Market, a destination that has rapidly transformed from a simple roadside stop into a culinary cornerstone of Geauga County. While the area is dotted with cheese co-ops and bulk food stores, The Amish Country Market offers something distinctly different: a fusion of traditional Amish baking, modern comfort food innovation, and an atmosphere that feels less like a grocery store and more like a community living room.
A Fresh Approach to Tradition
For years, visitors to Middlefield expected a certain “script” from their Amish country experience: buy a block of Swiss cheese, grab a fry pie, and head home. The Amish Country Market, however, flips the script. Housed in a spacious, welcoming building on the main drag of West High Street, the market is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of owner Danny Kuhns and his team.
What started as a mobile venture—a humble food truck trailer serving pretzels—has blossomed into a brick-and-mortar emporium that houses three distinct culinary experiences under one roof: The Pretzel Bar, Elliott’s Ice Cream, and a full-service Amish Bakery.
Walking through the double doors, the first thing that hits you is the smell. It isn’t just the singular scent of baking bread; it is a complex, layered aroma of caramelizing sugar, frying dough, and the savory tang of grilled chorizo. It is the scent of “homemade” amplified to an industrial scale, yet retaining that specific warmth that only comes from hands-on preparation.
The Pretzel Bar: A Twist on the Classic
While the market offers many delights, the undeniable anchor of the operation is The Pretzel Bar. If you think you know what a soft pretzel tastes like based on mall food court experiences, you are in for a startling re-education.
The pretzels here are born from a unique family recipe that emphasizes a lighter, fluffier interior enclosed in a perfectly golden, slightly chewy skin. They are hand-rolled and twisted daily, ensuring that no two are exactly alike—a hallmark of artisan quality. But where The Amish Country Market truly innovates is in how they utilize this dough.
The menu features “Pretzel Wraps,” a concept that has developed a cult following among the local workforce and visiting tourists alike. Imagine a breakfast sandwich where the biscuit or bagel is replaced by fresh, warm pretzel dough wrapped around farm-fresh eggs, cheese, and meats. The result is a portable pocket of comfort that is simultaneously savory, slightly salty, and buttery soft.
“The Chorizo Wrap is the sleeper hit,” says Mark Miller, a delivery driver from Chardon who stops by twice a week. “It’s got that little bit of spice from the sausage, but the pretzel dough soothes it out. It’s the best breakfast in the county, hands down.”
For purists, the classic cinnamon sugar pretzel remains a best-seller. Dipped in real butter and coated generously in a cinnamon-sugar blend, it bridges the gap between snack and dessert.
The Bakery: The 5:00 AM Standard
In Middlefield, baking is a serious business. The competition is stiff, with generations of family recipes floating around the community. The Amish Country Market has carved out its niche by focusing on freshness that borders on obsessive.
The donut case is the first stop for the early morning crowd. These are not factory-stamped donuts. They are large, irregular, and boast the distinct “fry ring” that marks a perfectly proofed yeast donut. The glaze is applied while the donuts are still hot, creating a delicate, crackling shell that gives way to an airy interior.
“You have to get there early for the apple fritters,” advises Sarah Jenkins, a local resident and frequent patron. “They are the size of a catcher’s mitt and loaded with actual apple chunks, not just filling. By 9:00 AM, they are usually gone.”
Beyond donuts, the bakery produces loaves of bread that recall a time before preservatives. The white bread is soft enough to compress into a dough ball but sturdy enough for a heavy sandwich. The cinnamon swirl bread, often sold still warm in the bag, needs nothing more than a toaster and a pat of butter to become a gourmet meal.
Elliott’s Ice Cream: A Sweet Expansion
Recognizing that man cannot live on bread alone, The Amish Country Market integrated Elliott’s Ice Cream into its operations, making it a year-round destination for frozen treats. This isn’t just a freezer in the corner; it’s a full-service dip shop offering hard scoops, sundaes, and their famous ice cream cakes.
The synergy between the bakery and the ice cream shop is where the magic happens. Visitors can order a “donut sundae”—a fresh glazed donut split open and filled with a scoop of butter pecan or vanilla bean, topped with hot fudge. It is an exercise in decadence that has become a bucket-list item for foodies exploring Geauga County.
During the sweltering Ohio summers, the market becomes an oasis. Families crowd the tables, enjoying hand-spun milkshakes made with real milk and generous scoops of ice cream, offering a cool respite after a day of touring the local furniture shops and antique malls.
More Than Just Food
While the calories are the main draw, The Amish Country Market has evolved into a true general store. The retail space is lined with products that showcase the craftsmanship and agricultural prowess of the surrounding community.
Shelves are stocked with bulk foods—spices, soup mixes, and baking supplies—packaged simply and priced fairly. You can find jars of locally tapped maple syrup, a staple of the Geauga County economy, alongside pickled beets, chow-chow, and vividly red strawberry jams.
Outside, the market showcases another pillar of the Amish economy: poly furniture. Rows of colorful, indestructible Adirondack chairs and patio sets line the storefront. Made from recycled plastics but designed to look like painted wood, these pieces are built to survive Northeast Ohio winters and have become a popular souvenir for visitors looking to take a piece of the “simple life” home to their suburban patios.
The market also features a rotating selection of seas onal items. In the spring, the front walk is bursting with hanging baskets and bedding plants. In the fall, it transforms into a harvest display of pumpkins, mums, and cornstalks.
The Service Ethos
Perhaps the most defining characteristic of The Amish Country Market is the atmosphere. In an interview with the Geauga County Maple Leaf, owner Danny Kuhns emphasized that the act of service is just as important as the quality of the product. “If (customers) have a bad day, they can walk out feeling better,” he stated.
This philosophy is palpable. The staff, a mix of Amish and non-Amish employees, operate with a quiet, friendly efficiency. There is a lack of urgency that is refreshing; transactions are not rushed, and conversations about the weather or the roads are commonplace. It is a place where “How are you?” is an actual question, not just a greeting.
Reviews on social media frequently mention this hospitality. “The staff is so polite and quiet. It’s a nice break from the noise of the world,” wrote one reviewer. Another noted, “I dropped my ice cream cone right after paying—total klutz move. They replaced it instantly with a smile and didn’t charge me. That’s rare these days.”
The Verdict
The Amish Country Market is more than just a grocery store or a bakery; it is a successful bridge between the traditional Amish lifestyle and the modern consumer’s desire for authentic, high-quality experiences. It honors the heritage of Middlefield while offering products—like the chorizo pretzel wrap or the bubble tea now available at The Pretzel Bar station—that appeal to contemporary tastes.
For the traveler driving through Northeast Ohio, seeing the sign for 15711 West High Street is a signal to hit the brakes. Whether you are in search of a 5:00 AM coffee and donut, a hearty pretzel lunch, or a gallon of premium ice cream, this market delivers with a consistency and warmth that keeps the parking lot full and the bell on the door ringing.
The Amish Country Market
Address: 15711 West High Street, Middlefield, OH 44062 Phone: 440-313-6230
Hours: Monday – Friday, 5:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Saturday, 5:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Closed Sundays)
The Road Less Traveled: Discovering Central Pennsylvania’s Hidden Plain Communities
When most people think of “Amish Country” in Pennsylvania, their minds immediately drift to the rolling hills of Lancaster County. They picture tour buses, massive buffet complexes, and outlet malls sitting uncomfortably close to cornfields. But for those willing to venture further north and west, deep into the heart of the Keystone State, a different kind of Plain community awaits.
Central Pennsylvania—specifically the Kishacoquillas Valley (known locally as “Big Valley”) in Mifflin County and the Buffalo Valley in Union County—offers an experience that is far less commercial and significantly more authentic. Here, the buggies might be yellow (a distinctive trait of the Byler Amish) or white (the Nebraska Amish), rather than the standard gray or black found in Lancaster. The roads are quieter, the mountains are steeper, and the businesses are designed primarily for the locals, not the tourists.
If you are looking for a connection to the simple life without the crowds, here are three must-visit Amish and Mennonite businesses in Central Pennsylvania that define the region’s character.
1. Peight’s Country Store (Belleville)
If you want to understand the heartbeat of Big Valley, you start at Peight’s. Located just outside the town of Belleville, Peight’s Country Store serves as the unofficial department store for the local Amish population. It is a sprawling, no-nonsense establishment that sells everything a homestead needs to function.
Walking into Peight’s is a sensory shift. The floors are polished concrete or simple tile, and the lighting is functional. The first thing you’ll notice is the footwear department, which stocks an immense variety of muck boots, work shoes, and the specific black bonnets and straw hats worn by the local orders. But venture deeper, and you find a grocery store that puts chain supermarkets to shame.
The bulk food aisle is the star here. You can buy flour, oats, sugar, and spices in quantities ranging from a few ounces to fifty-pound sacks. The prices are incredibly low, and the turnover is high, ensuring freshness. The deli counter in the back serves up thick-cut meats and cheeses that are a fraction of the cost you’d pay in a city, often sourced from local farms.
What the locals say:
Reviews for Peight’s often highlight its utility and authenticity. One Google Local Guide wrote, “This is the real deal. No tourist traps here. Just great prices on bulk spices, baking supplies, and the best deli meat in the valley. If you need a winter hat or a bag of candy melting wafers, this is where you go. It’s where the locals shop.” Another visitor noted, “I love just walking through and seeing the different buggy groups interacting. It’s a community hub. Plus, their homemade root beer extract is a game changer.”
Location:
Peight’s Country Store, 136 Peights Store Ln, Belleville, PA 17004
2. Brookside Pantry (Reedsville)
On the other end of Big Valley, tucked away near Reedsville, sits Brookside Pantry. While smaller than Peight’s, this Mennonite-run market punches well above its weight class when it comes to baked goods. It is the kind of place you might drive past if you aren’t looking for the modest sign, but once you find it, you’ll be a regular.
Brookside is famous for its “donut days.” On specific mornings (usually Fridays and Saturdays), the smell of frying dough wafts down the road, acting as a siren song for locals. These aren’t the air-filled, overly sweet donuts of national chains; these are dense, yeast-raised masterpieces often glazed while still hot.
Beyond the bakery, Brookside Pantry offers a meticulously curated selection of jams, jellies, and pickled goods. Their shelves are lined with jars of chow-chow (a tangy vegetable relish), pickled beets, and peaches that look like they were canned yesterday. The store also carries a range of gluten-free baking supplies, catering to modern dietary needs while maintaining traditional quality.
What the locals say:
The bakery gets the lion’s share of the praise. “The donuts at Brookside are dangerous,” jokes one frequent customer on Facebook. “I stopped in for a loaf of white bread and left with a dozen glazed. They are heavy, yeasty, and perfect.” Another reviewer praised the deli: “Best chipped ham in Mifflin County. The ladies behind the counter are so sweet and they slice it exactly how you ask. It’s a gem of a store.”
Location:
Brookside Pantry, 75 Brookside Dr, Reedsville, PA 17084
3. Buffalo Valley Country Store (Mifflinburg)
Crossing over the mountain ridges into Union County brings you to the Buffalo Valley, an area of stunning agricultural beauty. Here, the Buffalo Valley Country Store stands as a landmark on Old Turnpike Road. Housed in a large, barn-like structure, this store bridges the gap between a bulk food market and a destination deli.
The deli here is legendary among the workforce in Mifflinburg. At lunchtime, you will see construction trucks parked next to buggies, all waiting for the made-to-order hoagies. The bread is baked fresh daily—soft, slightly sweet, and sturdy enough to hold generous piles of turkey, roast beef, and Swiss cheese.
For the home cook, the Buffalo Valley Country Store is a treasure trove. They stock hard-to-find baking ingredients, such as clear jel (essential for fruit pie fillings), specialized sprinkles, and every type of nut imaginable. The store also features a “bent and dent” section where thrifty shoppers can find deeply discounted groceries, a practice common in Plain community stores that emphasizes waste reduction.
What the locals say:
Travelers often stumble upon this store and make it a permanent waypoint. “We found this place by accident while driving the back roads to Penn State,” reads a TripAdvisor review. “Now we stop every single time. The hoagies are huge and cost half of what we pay in Philly. The whoopie pies are the size of your head.” A local resident adds, “It’s clean, bright, and smells amazing. The staff is efficient and friendly. It’s the best place in Union County for bulk snacks.”
Location:
Buffalo Valley Country Store, 22665 Old Turnpike Rd, Mifflinburg, PA 17844
The Verdict
Central Pennsylvania offers a version of Amish Country that feels untouched by the commercialization found elsewhere. A trip to Peight’s, Brookside, or Buffalo Valley isn’t just a shopping excursion; it is a lesson in value, quality, and community. Whether you are stocking your pantry with bulk oats or eating a donut on the tailgate of your truck, the experience is undeniably real.
The Quiet Pursuit of Quality: Exploring North Carolina’s “Plain” Businesses
North Carolina is a state known for its dynamic contrasts. It is the home of high-tech research triangles and banking capitals, bustling coastal tourism, and rugged mountain adventures. Yet, tucked away in the rolling foothills of the western part of the state, primarily in Yadkin and Iredell counties, exists a different rhythm of life. Here, among winding backroads and sprawling farmland, communities of Amish and Mennonite families have established roots.
While North Carolina’s “Plain community” population is smaller than those in Pennsylvania or Ohio, their cultural and economic footprint in their local regions is significant. For outsiders—often referred to as “English” by these communities—the draw to their businesses is powerful. In an era of optimized supply chains and impersonal digital transactions, there is a deep-seated craving for the authentic, the handmade, and the slow-cured.
Amish and Mennonite businesses are renowned not just for their products, but for the philosophy behind them: a dedication to hard work, integrity, and a refusal to cut corners. A visit to these establishments is more than a shopping trip; it is a sensory immersion into a simpler, heartier way of life.
Here are three popular businesses in North Carolina, born from these traditions, that have become beloved destinations for locals and tourists alike.
1. Yoder’s Dutch Pantry (Hamptonville, NC)
Located just off Interstate 77 in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Yoder’s Dutch Pantry is perhaps the most famous culinary ambassador for the plain community in North Carolina. It is not merely a restaurant; it is a destination dining experience that often involves a wait, though patrons universally agree it is worth every minute.
Yoder’s is operated by Mennonites, a related Anabaptist group that shares many culinary traditions with the Amish but generally adopts more modern conveniences, such as electricity and cars. The restaurant itself is a sprawling, welcoming space that feels like a massive, bustling farmhouse kitchen. The aroma hits you the moment you step out of your car—a warm blanket of freshly baked yeast rolls, savory sausage gravy, and sweet cinnamon.
The menu is a tribute to hearty, stick-to-your-ribs comfort food. Breakfast is legendary, featuring enormous pancakes, farm-fresh eggs, and thick-cut bacon. Lunch and dinner focus on classics like country-fried steak, roast beef that falls apart at the touch of a fork, and pot roast swimming in rich, dark gravy.
However, the true star of Yoder’s is the attached bakery. The glass cases are an overwhelming display of pies—shoofly, pecan, chocolate chess, and towering meringue creations—alongside sticky buns the size of dinner plates and loaves of fresh bread.
Real Reviews from Patrons:
The dedication to quantity and quality is a recurring theme in reviews. One happy customer noted on TripAdvisor: “If you leave here hungry, it is your own fault. The portions are huge and the food is delicious country cooking. The fried chicken was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The highlight, though, was the coconut cream pie. It was piled high with meringue and the filling was perfect.”
Another local guide on Google Reviews summarized the experience: “This is comfort food at its finest. It feels like going to grandma’s house for Sunday dinner, if your grandma cooked for 300 people. The service is always friendly and efficient, despite how busy they get. Don’t skip the bakery on your way out; the sourdough bread is a staple in our house.”
Just a short drive down the road from Yoder’s, deeper into the agricultural heart of Yadkin County, lies Wholesome Country Creamery. If Yoder’s is where you go for a full meal, Wholesome Country Creamery is where you go to taste the pure essence of the land.
This dairy farm and creamery is owned and operated by the Hostetler family, who are part of the local Amish community. The operation is a testament to the difference that small-batch, farm-to-table processes make in dairy products. They raise grass-fed cows and process their milk right on the farm, avoiding homogenization to preserve the natural structure and flavor of the milk.
Visiting the creamery is a delightful step back in time. The small retail shop is clean, simple, and intensely focused on the product. Visitors can buy whole, 2%, and skim milk, but the real draws are the specialty items. Their chocolate milk is thick, rich, and tastes almost like a melted milkshake. They also produce heavy cream, buttermilk, and butter that has a distinct golden hue and flavor depth that supermarket sticks lack.
And then there is the ice cream. Made onsite using their own cream, the flavors range from classic vanilla bean and rich chocolate to seasonal favorites like fresh strawberry or peach. You can enjoy a scoop right there on the farm’s porch, watching the very cows that produced it grazing in the nearby fields.
Real Reviews from Patrons:
Customers are often stunned by the difference in taste compared to commercial dairy. A Yelp reviewer raved: “I will never be able to drink grocery store milk again. The chocolate milk here is absolutely incredible—it’s so creamy and rich. You can taste the difference in the quality of the milk. It’s worth the drive out here just to stock up.”
Another visitor commented on Facebook: “We stopped by for ice cream after hiking at Stone Mountain. The butter pecan was amazing, loaded with pecans. It’s a beautiful little spot, very peaceful, and you feel good knowing you are supporting a local farm family. The prices are very reasonable for the quality you get.”
Location Information:
Wholesome Country Creamery, 6400 Windsor Rd, Hamptonville, NC 27020
3. Troyer’s Country Market (Salisbury, NC)
Moving further east toward the central part of the state, near I-85, Troyer’s Country Market in Salisbury offers the quintessential Amish-style general store experience. While not located in the primary Yadkin Valley settlement, Troyer’s is owned by folks with Amish and Mennonite roots and serves as a massive purveyor of goods sourced from plain communities across the country, particularly Pennsylvania and Ohio.
Walking into Troyer’s is a sensory overload in the best possible way. It is a sprawling emporium dedicated to bulk foods, deli meats, cheeses, and baked goods. For home bakers and cooks, the bulk aisles are paradise. You can find every conceivable type of flour, sugar, spice, and sprinkle packed in simple plastic containers. There are rows of colorful jams, jellies, pickled vegetables (including the polarizing chow-chow), and jarred peaches that look like stained glass.
The back of the store is dominated by a bustling deli counter. It is famous locally for offering premium Amish-style deli meats—like Lebanon bologna or roasted turkey—and cheeses at prices significantly lower than standard supermarkets. At lunchtime, the line for their made-to-order sandwiches, stacked high on homemade pretzel buns or soft white bread, often snakes through the aisles.
Like any good country market, the bakery section is dangerous for anyone with a sweet tooth, featuring whoopie pies, fry pies, and cinnamon rolls baked fresh daily.
Real Reviews from Patrons:
The immense selection and deli quality are huge draws. A Google Local Guide wrote: “This place is dangerous for my wallet! I went in for sandwich meat and came out with spices, three types of cheese, a bag of incredible granola, and a shoofly pie. The deli sandwiches are huge and delicious. It’s a great place to stock your pantry with baking essentials.”
Another frequent shopper noted on TripAdvisor: “Troyer’s is a gem in Salisbury. The deli prices can’t be beat, and the quality of the meats and cheeses is top-notch. I love wandering the aisles looking at all the different jams and bulk candies. It feels like an old-fashioned general store, and the staff is always helpful.”
Location Information:
Troyer’s Country Market, 1103 S Main St, Salisbury, NC 28144
Here are the locations of the Amish and Mennonite businesses in North Carolina.
Note: The map reflects the actual real-world locations of these businesses.
Troyer’s Country Market in Salisbury closed in 2021. The map shows Yoder’s Amish Market Click to open side panel for more information in Salisbury, NC, which serves the area with similar Amish goods.
North Carolina Amish Markets
1. Wholesome Country Creamery (Naturally Wholesome Products) Click to open side panel for more information
Located in the rolling hills of Hamptonville, this dairy farm and creamery offers grass-fed milk, ice cream, and butter produced right on the farm.
Specialties: Non-homogenized milk, heavy cream, and seasonal ice cream flavors.
2. Yoder’s Dutch Pantry Click to open side panel for more information
While often associated with Amish country, this popular restaurant and bakery is located in Grifton. It is famous for its hearty breakfasts and bakery items.
Popular Items: Yeast rolls, pot roast, and a wide variety of pies.
3. Yoder’s Amish Market Click to open side panel for more information
Located in Salisbury, this market fills the gap for authentic Amish goods in the region (similar to the former Troyer’s).
Features: Bulk foods, deli meats, cheeses, and outdoor furniture.
JACKSON, TN – For weeks, drivers along the Highway 45 Bypass have watched with curiosity as a distinct structure took shape. It wasn’t another steel-and-glass strip mall or a fast-food franchise clad in neon. Instead, a sprawling, timber-framed building with a deep wrap-around porch and a dark metal roof rose from the red Tennessee clay. There was no massive illuminated sign, just a simple, hand-painted wooden plaque near the road that read: “Coming Soon: The Miller Homestead Kitchen.”
The Miller Homestead Kitchen, located at 2450 Highway 45 Bypass, officially opened its heavy oak doors to the public, bringing the authentic tastes, sights, and smells of Pennsylvania Dutch country deep into the heart of West Tennessee. By 10:30 a.m., thirty minutes before opening, a line of eager patrons snaked around the building, the air thick with anticipation and the unmistakable, intoxicating aroma of fresh yeast rolls and frying chicken.
The arrival of an authentic Amish restaurant in Jackson is something of a culinary anomaly for the area, traditionally known for its barbecue and soul food. Yet, the overwhelming response on opening week suggests that Jacksonians are more than ready to embrace the “plain” culinary traditions focused on heartiness, scratch-made ingredients, and communal dining.
Stepping Back in Time
Walking into The Miller Homestead Kitchen is an immediate sensory shift from the busy highway outside. The interior is vast and open, illuminated by large windows and simple wrought-iron chandeliers. The walls are rough-sawn pine, accented by handmade quilts for sale and jars of colorful pickled vegetables lining high shelves.
There are no televisions blaring sports channels. There is no background pop music. The soundscape is composed of clinking silverware, boisterous conversation, and the rhythmic hustle of servers dressed in traditional plain attire—long, solid-color dresses and aprons for the women, and simple shirts with suspenders for the men.
The dining room is dominated by long, communal trestle tables made of sturdy maple. While smaller private tables are available, the Miller philosophy encourages neighbors to sit with neighbors.
“We wanted a place that felt like Sunday dinner at Grandmother’s house, every single day of the week,” says Sarah Yoder, who manages the front of the house and whose extended family operates the kitchen. “In our tradition, food is fellowship. You don’t rush it, and you certainly don’t leave hungry.”
The Main Event: The Barnraiser Buffet
While the restaurant offers a standard menu, the undeniable draw is the “Barnraiser Buffet,” an all-you-can-eat spread that has already become the talk of the town. It is a staggering display of comfort food engineering.
The cornerstone of the offering is, predictably, the fried chicken. Unlike the heavily battered, spicy varieties often found in the South, the Miller chicken is pressure-fried (broasted) to a distinct golden brown. The skin is impossibly thin and crisp, shattering on impact, while the meat underneath remains succulent and mildly seasoned, letting the natural flavor take center stage.
Flanking the chicken are trays of slow-roasted beef, fork-tender and swimming in a rich, dark gravy that demands to be ladled over everything on the plate. The third protein staple is usually homemade sausage or thick-cut, honey-glazed ham.
The sides are where the scratch-made ethos truly shines. The mashed potatoes are clearly real, dotted with pools of melted butter. The green beans are cooked long and slow with smoky bacon hocks, just as any Southerner would approve of. But the star of the side dishes are the buttered noodles—thick, uneven, hand-cut egg noodles simply tossed in real farm butter and a little parsley. They are deceptively simple and utterly addictive.
“It’s the noodles for me,” said Jackson resident Marcus Thorne, who visited on day two for lunch. “I didn’t know pasta could taste like that. It’s chewy and rich. I think I ate three plates of just noodles and gravy. Don’t tell my cardiologist.”
The Bakery: A Destination of Its Own
If patrons manage to survive the main course, the attached bakery offers a secondary challenge. Before you even reach the dining room, you must pass glass cases overflowing with baked goods that defy modern portion control standards.
The undisputed king of the bakery is the Cinnamon Roll. These are not standard pastries; they are saucers-sized behemoths, easily six inches across, spiraled thick with cinnamon and brown sugar and drowned in a cream cheese glaze that is still warm.
“We bought a six-pack of the cinnamon rolls to take to the office,” reads a five-star Google review from local business owner Brenda H. “It was a mistake. Nobody got any work done. We just sat around in a sugar coma talking about how soft the dough was. They are dangerous.”
The bakery also features items rarely seen in Tennessee, such as authentic Shoofly Pie—a dense, molasses-based crumb pie—and whoopie pies the size of hamburgers. Loaves of fresh-baked white and wheat bread, still warm in their plastic bags, line shelves next to jars of apple butter and homemade peach jam.
Community Embrace
The reception in Jackson has been nothing short of phenomenal. In its first week, the restaurant has seen consistent lines for both lunch and dinner services. The community seems hungry not just for the food, but for the experience.
On local community Facebook groups, the buzz is constant.
“Finally got into the new Amish place out on the bypass,” posted resident Jennifer Clark. “Y’all. The roast beef. It falls apart if you look at it hard enough. And the staff is just the sweetest people you’ll ever meet. It was worth the 45-minute wait.”
Another local reviewer, Stan Davies, offered a practical tip: “Go hungry. Seriously. Do not eat breakfast if you are going for lunch. It is a mountain of high-quality food for a very reasonable price. And bring cash, it helps the line move faster, though they do take cards now.”
The Miller Homestead Kitchen has managed to do something remarkable in a very short time: it has created a sense of place and tradition in a brand-new building. It serves as a delicious reminder that sometimes, the best way forward culinarily is to take a significant step back to basics: butter, flour, time, and care.
The Miller Homestead Kitchen is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. They are closed on Sundays and Mondays.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: A Taste of Lancaster County Arrives on Route 37
Slow Food in the Fast Lane: The Whispering Pines Amish Market Opens in Toms River
TOMS RIVER, NJ – The relentless hum of traffic on Route 37 is the familiar soundtrack of life in Ocean County. It’s a world of brake lights, big-box stores, and the eternal rush to the shore. But as of this week, a new destination at 1256 Route 37 West is inviting locals to downshift, breathe deeply, and step into a world where time seems to move just a little bit slower—and smell significantly sweeter.
The Whispering Pines Amish Market & Bakery has officially opened its doors, transforming a formerly nondescript retail space into a bustling hub of Pennsylvania Dutch tradition. The contrast is striking. Outside, cars speed toward the Garden State Parkway. Inside, the air is thick with the intoxicating aroma of yeast, caramelized brown sugar, and warm cinnamon, and the only rush is the line forming for fresh-out-of-the-oven sticky buns.
While Ocean County has its share of excellent Italian bakeries and Jersey diners, the arrival of authentic Amish fare fills a unique culinary niche in Toms River. The market is not merely a novelty; it is a full-service bakery, a sprawling bulk food pantry, and a deli offering a taste of a simpler, heartier way of life.
A Bridge Between Worlds
The market is a logistical feat designed to bring authentic goods to the Jersey Shore. While staffed by a mix of local employees and members of the Mennonite community—who, unlike the Old Order Amish, drive cars and utilize electricity in their businesses—the products are sourced directly from Amish producers in Lancaster and Lebanon counties in Pennsylvania. Every morning before dawn, a van makes the trek westward, returning loaded with baked goods that still hold the warmth of stone ovens.
“People in Toms River appreciate good food, honest food,” says Sarah Stoltzfus, one of the market’s managers, as she deftly stacks loaves of golden-crusted sourdough. “We don’t use preservatives. We use real butter, real cream, and time. You can taste the difference when dough isn’t rushed.”
The interior of Whispering Pines is distinctively rustic. Handmade wooden shelving replaces metal gondolas, and the lighting is warm and inviting. There is a palpable sense of calm, a quiet politeness among the staff that seems contagious to the customers, many of whom wander the aisles with looks of nostalgic wonder.
The Bakery: The Heart of the Operation
If the market has a soul, it resides in the bakery section. This is not the place for delicate, foam-based patisserie. This is the home of robust, stick-to-your-ribs comfort baking.
The immediate bestseller is, predictably, the Glazed Cinnamon Roll. These are not the palm-sized pastries found in mall food courts. These are dinner-plate-sized behemoths, spirals of soft, yeasty dough generously studded with cinnamon and slathered in a rich cream cheese glaze that cracks delicately when bitten.
Another favorite is the classic Shoofly Pie. A polarizing dessert for the uninitiated, the Whispering Pines version balances the intense sweetness of the molasses “wet bottom” with a buttery, slightly salty crumb topping that creates a perfect textural harmony.
“I haven’t had a shoofly pie like this since my grandmother passed away thirty years ago,” said resident Eleanor Vance, 74, wiping a crumb from her cheek during the soft opening. “It tastes like history. It brings tears to my eyes.”
The bread selection is equally impressive. Loaves of white, wheat, and rye are heavy and dense, meant to be sliced thick and slathered with the market’s house-churned rolled butter. The jalapeño cheddar bread offers a surprising kick and has already become a favorite for grilled cheese enthusiasts across the county.
Of course, no Amish market is complete without Whoopie Pies. The bakery offers the traditional chocolate cake with vanilla crème filling, alongside seasonal variations like pumpkin spice and red velvet. They are the size of saucers, soft, moist, and intensely sweet.
The Pantry and Deli: Stocking Up
Beyond the immediate gratification of the bakery, the back half of the store is dedicated to bulk foods. In an era of shrinking grocery package sizes and rising prices, the bulk aisle at Whispering Pines feels like a revelation.
Clear bins line the walls, filled with everything a home cook could imagine. There are dozens of different flours, soup mixes that only require water and a simmer, dried fruits, nuts, and an entire wall dedicated to spices.
“I just bought enough smoked paprika and garlic powder to last me six months, and it cost me four dollars,” laughed Mark Davison, a father of three from nearby Beachwood. “The spices smell so fresh; they aren’t dusty like the ones sitting in the supermarket for a year.”
The shelves are also stocked with jarred goods that read like a tour of a Pennsylvania farmhouse pantry: pickled beets, chow-chow (a tangy vegetable relish), bread-and-butter pickles, and a dizzying array of jams. The “Traffic Jam”—a blend of peaches, strawberries, and cherries—is already a top seller, perhaps an ironic nod to the market’s location on Route 37.
The deli counter at the rear of the store features high-quality meats and cheeses free from fillers. They offer authentic Lebanon bologna, a smoky, tangy cured beef sausage that is a PA Dutch staple, alongside incredibly sharp cheddars and creamy havarti. The prepared food section includes tubs of homemade chicken salad, potato salad made with a vinegar-and-bacon dressing, and coleslaw that is crisp and lightly sweet.
Whispering Pines
A Community Embrace
The reception from the Toms River community has been overwhelmingly positive, bordering on zealous. Social media pages for local foodie groups have been lit up with photos of giant donuts and glowing reviews.
“Finally, something different in TR! I went in for a loaf of bread and came out with $60 worth of stuff I didn’t know I needed. The apple dumplings served warm with their vanilla sauce are absolutely life-changing. Forget the diet; go here immediately.” — Online review from user ‘JerseyShoreMom_82’
“It’s the cleanest store I’ve ever been in. The staff is so polite and quiet, it’s such a nice break from the noise of the rest of the day. And the soft pretzels? They are dipped in real butter. I’m obsessed.” — Quote from customer Dave R. outside the store.
Whispering Pines Amish Market & Bakery is more than just a new place to buy groceries. It serves as a sensory reminder that sometimes, the old ways of doing things—with patience, simple ingredients, and a dedication to craft—truly are the best ways. In the middle of the hustle of Ocean County, Route 37 has found its sweet, quiet center.
ID used to identify users for 24 hours after last activity
24 hours
_gat
Used to monitor number of Google Analytics server requests when using Google Tag Manager
1 minute
_gali
Used by Google Analytics to determine which links on a page are being clicked
30 seconds
_ga_
ID used to identify users
2 years
__utmx
Used to determine whether a user is included in an A / B or Multivariate test.
18 months
_ga
ID used to identify users
2 years
__utmv
Contains custom information set by the web developer via the _setCustomVar method in Google Analytics. This cookie is updated every time new data is sent to the Google Analytics server.
2 years after last activity
__utmc
Used only with old Urchin versions of Google Analytics and not with GA.js. Was used to distinguish between new sessions and visits at the end of a session.
End of session (browser)
__utmz
Contains information about the traffic source or campaign that directed user to the website. The cookie is set when the GA.js javascript is loaded and updated when data is sent to the Google Anaytics server
6 months after last activity
__utmt
Used to monitor number of Google Analytics server requests
10 minutes
__utmb
Used to distinguish new sessions and visits. This cookie is set when the GA.js javascript library is loaded and there is no existing __utmb cookie. The cookie is updated every time data is sent to the Google Analytics server.
30 minutes after last activity
_gac_
Contains information related to marketing campaigns of the user. These are shared with Google AdWords / Google Ads when the Google Ads and Google Analytics accounts are linked together.
