A Family Tradition Rooted in Home Cooking
How It All Began
Yoder's Kitchen traces back to the lessons Anna Herschberger learned from her mother. Anna grew up in a traditional Amish home where her mother served homemade meals at Miller's Home Cooking. Working beside her, Anna learned how to cook, take care of guests, and run a kitchen. Even with only an eighth grade education, she gained skills that shaped her future.
Joining Yoder's Kitchen
In 1994, Anna started working as a waitress at Yoder's Kitchen in Arthur, Illinois. She brought the work ethic her mother taught her and learned even more about the restaurant business. After eight years, Anna had the chance to buy the restaurant. It was a big step, but she took it, opening the door for her family to join her.
A Family-Run Restaurant
Anna's sons, Daren and Derrick, grew up working in the restaurant just as Anna once worked with her mother. Together, the family expanded Yoder's Kitchen by adding more seating, growing the bakery, and building out the gift shop. They kept the buffet-style favorites people loved while adding new menu items and growing their catering services across the area.
The Porch Expansion
By 2016, more space was needed to keep up with the restaurant's growth. The family added a 4,500 square foot expansion called The Porch, named after Anna's childhood memories. This addition created room for 85 more seats, a carry-out entrance, a second kitchen for catering and pickup orders, and improvements to the buffet and dessert areas.
Where We Are Today
Anna and her husband Nelson still own Yoder's Kitchen, with Daren and Derrick managing the restaurant. A lot has changed since 2002, but one thing never has. The Herschberger family continues to serve traditional Amish homestyle meals with the same warmth and care they learned generations ago, welcoming both loyal customers and new faces every day.