It All Started Here
Over a half century ago, a family tradition was born beneath a maple tree.
2023: Being Thankful
Today, Shady Maple employs more than 750 people and founder/owner Marvin Weaver is quick to acknowledge that his management team and employees play a vital role in making the businesses successful. The employee's commitment to friendliness and service make the Shady Maple Companies a positive shopping and dining experience for everyone. The Weaver family feel greatly indebted to all the people from local and distant communities for their faithful patronage. Ultimately, Marvin and Miriam, their sons, Phillip, Curtis, Linford, their wives and families give the Lord Jesus Christ the glory for any success that has been accomplished over the years. They invite all of you to a visit and enjoy Shady Maple.
2020: Pandemic Hits
After being shutdown by the Covid-19 Pandemic in early 2020, the Shady Maple Smorgasbord adapted to the new realities by offering to-go and touchless meals. When finally the Smorgasbord could reopen, Shady Maple instituted policies emphasizing social distancing, as well as masks and gloves when at the buffet. By keeping its guests comfortable and safe, Shady Maple persevered through a difficult time.
2010: Grocery Remodel
In 2010 the Shady Maple Farm Market went through a remodel that revitalized the grocery shopping experience. A new Shady Maple Cafe, Customer Service Center, restrooms, entrance and more was added to the great product and shopping.
2005: Banquet & Conference Center
In 2005 an addition was added to the Shady Maple Smorgasbord. A Banquet and Conference Center was added to the upper level. Now, everything from weddings, to business conferences, to large family gatherings could enjoy the Shady Maple experience. A catering division that took Shady Maple “on the road” was created and operated out of the Banquet Center. On the lower level of the Smorgasbord, the Gift Shop was expanded to over 44,000 sq. ft. and the Fast Food Dutchette was expanded as well.
2000: A New Smorgasbord
In September 2000, a brand new Smorgasbord building was opened. Located on the same Shady Maple complex, the new Smorgasbord building was approximately 110,000 sq. ft in size, with two large levels. The top level included the Smorgasbord which could seat 1,200 people, while the lower level included a large gift shop and Fast Food Dutchette.
1992: Farm Market Remodel
In 1992, a year-long remodel of the Shady Maple Farm Market took place. Upon completion the grocery store totaled 110,000 sq. ft. with a large entrance foyer. On the second floor a new office facility was built, as well as a state of the art bakeshop. The expanded bakeshop employed over 60 people. The in-store cafeteria was expanded to seat 250 people.
1989: Smorgasbord Growth
In April of 1989, the Smorgasbord building was enlarged and doubled in size. It was now home to 180 employees and a seating capacity of more than 500 people. Even with the expanded building, the word of mouth about Shady Maple grew and the customers continued to flock and create lines of hungry customers.
1985: Era Of The Smorgasbord Begins
In July 1985 Shady Maple entered a new business: the Shady Maple Smorgasbord. The concept of “all you can eat for one price” took off in a new restaurant building with over 300 seats. The Smorgasbord on the top level of the building, and the lower level included a gift shop and fast food restaurant. The Smorgasbord was incredibly successful and within a short amount of time, as popularity grew, a one to two-hour wait was not uncommon.
1982: Shady Maple Cafeteria
In the spring of 1982 the Weavers launched a large expansion and remodel of the farm market. Once it was completed, the store was 70,000 sq. ft. in size and included, “The Fast Food Cafeteria.” Mr. Weaver had worked in a hospital cafeteria for two years and with the skills and concepts, he recognized he could successfully add a new cafeteria tie-in to the Shady Maple Farm Market. The new cafeteria eatery seated 100 people, and the entire store employed up to 240 people.
1980: The Decade of Growth
By 1980 the farm market consisted of 45,000 sq. ft, included 10 cash registers, 130 employees, an in-store bakery, large warehouse and a small food-lunch counter.
1971: Early Expansion
In the fall, customers were already pouring in and the Weavers decided to make some changes to better serve their customers. The garage doors were removed and air conditioning was installed. A year later a stock room was added and 25 people were now on the company payroll.
1970: The First Building
In July of 1970 the Weavers took over the family business and opened the first block building to sell produce. At the same time they teamed with IGA and installed a grocery department. Overhead garage doors enhanced the ‘farm market’ experience. The Shady Maple business began now with two cash registers and a few employees.
1962: Simple Beginnings
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Z. Martin (Miriam Weaver’s parents) started selling produce in a roadside stand in front of their home (located directly beside the current Farm Market). The stand, located under the large maple trees, is where the name Shady Maple Farm Market originated.
