That was the title of an article that appeared in the local paper in 1896, and it told the story of the nearly century-old Landis Store and Tavern.  Originally established as a hotel by John Weller in 1800, it was Samuel Landis, one of the areas premier landholders that allowed the building to be erected at these very crossroads.   Mr. Weller eventually sold his establishment to Landis, who ran it for several years before allowing his son John to take over as proprietor.  Landis continued to run it solely as a hotel until a man named Samuel Tee approached him with a request that he be allowed to rent a portion of the hotel as a store.  Sam Landis eventually became owner of the store, and went on to become the first postmaster of Landis Store in 1853, saving the local residents a three-mile trip to receive their mail.  As the tradition continued, son John eventually followed in his father's footsteps and became postmaster also.

In 1872, with the war over and the economy once again thriving, John Landis enlarged and remodeled the hotel.  Noted for its ideal location on the high ground, Landis Store provided its customers with a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside, and could catch the faintest breeze on even the sultriest of summer nights.  Keeping with the family business, sons John and Nathan eventually took ownership of the store when their father passed.

Supplying the hotel was always a major concern, and every second week a team of horses, along with one of the Landis brothers, would make the long trek to Philadelphia for necessities.  The four-horse team began the journey pulling a Conestoga wagon filled with produce from the several-hundred acre farm, and would return several days later with goods for the hotel and store.

Landis Store Hotel the present 

In 1952 Landis Store Hotel was purchased by Ralph and Helen Hoffman, at which time it consisted of a general store, bar room, post office, hotel and a coal and feed business.  The Hoffmans operated the business as a general store and bar until 1970, when they decided to change the business into a restaurant.  After extensive renovations, the restaurant was opened in the fall of 1970.  From the beginning, the Hoffman family built their reputation with fine food prepared to order.

In 1975 the Hoffmans sold the business to their daughter and son-in-law, Janet and Gary Henshaw.

Today the family continues to run the restaurant with the same personal touch and dedication to quality that have made it a landmark for close to 200 years.

We invite you to join us time and time again.

A Great Restaurant in the Hills of Berks County

The history of Landis Store continues today as chef Marilyn Flannery and her staff assemble a dynamic menu of culinary delicacies served with the hospitality of a Country Inn.  Fusing a variety of fresh ingredients with skillful preparation and exquisite presentation, Chef Marilyn and staff will wake your slumbering pallet using an array of sumptuous appetizers and entrees.  From Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb to Fresh Main Lobster, the Restaurant at Landis Store brings fine dining to a casual atmosphere that keeps the history of Landis Store alive.  Soften the meal with a subtly matched bottle of wine, then finish the evening with one of Marilyn's specially prepared dessert creations, and experience dining as it was meant to be...at Landis Store.

Have a special request?  Chef Marilyn and staff will be happy to accommodate any special dining requests or dietary needs.