Buffets often break even on food and eke out a profit by minimizing the cost of labor. Self-service allows a buffet to bypass a wait staff, and all-you-can-eat dishes (which are generally less complex and prepped in enormous batches) can be made by a “skeleton crew” of line cooks.

Shady Maple Smorgasbord is located at 129 Toddy Drive, East Earl in Lancaster County, and is the largest buffet in the United States. In 1962, under maple trees, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Martin sold produce along the road, this was the beginning of the Shady Maple Farm Market, according to Shady Maple.

Usually, canapés or sandwiches, finger food, small salads and light soups are offered here.