Pennsylvania Restaurants That Sadly Closed This Year

Plenty of Pennsylvania restaurants have already closed this year, which is too bad. It's always sad when a locally-owned restaurant closes. There's something that's just downhome about going to a favorite restaurant or eatery that you know is totally homegrown. I love going to restaurants where I know the owners and staff, and they smile when thaey see me. That said, even with these restaurants closing, we can look forward to new ones opening up.

Forgotten Boardwalk Brewing in Philadelphia was a beloved woman-owned brewery that closed in January. "To all of our loyal customers, friends, family and supporters - we wish you a heartfelt thank you for being a part of the Forgotten Boardwalk Story for the past 10 years," they wrote on social media when announcing the closing. They explained why they closed. "We have vigorously tried to sign a lease extension with our landlord to no avail as our next door neighbor has leased out the space from underneath us. We are extremely disappointed and quite frankly, appalled at the actions of both companies and their adamant refusals to negotiate with us." They do give hope that, "Forgotten Boardwalk will continue, possibly in another form, in the future."

As for more Pennsylvania restaurants, popular seafood restaurant Kensington Quarters in Philadelphia closed its doors earlier this year, too. "It's been an honor to be a part of this epic food community for the past 10 years," they said on Instagram. "There is just so much to say, but for now we are humbled and forever grateful to everyone that has made memories with us and supported our efforts. In the coming weeks we will be sharing some of our favorite memories and future plans for the space. In the meantime, come on by for one last meal and a proper send off." Heritage in Philadelphia also closed this year. "As we embark on a new journey, we carry your memories with us. Though our paths may diverge, the bonds we’ve forged will forever remain etched in our hearts," they wrote on Instagram. Don't forget about hot ramen spot, Neighborhood Ramen, too.

Looking to other Pennsylvania restaurants, one Pittsburgh spot that closed down in February was Station in the Bloomfield area. But, they give hope of pop-ups. "It was a pleasure serving you, Pittsburgh," they wrote on social media back in February. "Tonight will be our final service. Join us tomorrow, 2/17 for our going away party at 8 p.m. Tickets include our tried and true snacks, a complimentary cocktail, and excellent vibes. Keep your eyes peeled for our pop-ups happening this Spring." Continue reading below for tips on what food to skip at restaurants, by the way.

From fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon to fruits and omelets, the breakfast buffet offers an abundance of choices. As tempting as it may be, there are times when it's probably best to avoid certain food items to ensure a healthy and enjoyable dining experience.

Overall, breakfast buffets make a great choice if you're on the hunt for an economical meal or have specific dietary restrictions or preferences, as they allow you to handpick the items that perfectly match your requirements.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that foodborne illnesses were responsible for sickness in approximately 48 million Americans. Within this number, it is estimated that around 128,000 cases required hospitalization, and tragically, 3,000 cases resulted in fatalities.

Breakfast buffets that lack proper maintenance and supervision may fall prey to stale and unappetizing food items. Dishes sitting out for too long lose their freshness and flavor, posing a risk to your taste buds and stomach. It’s best to opt for recently prepared items to savor the true essence of a breakfast buffet.

In breakfast buffet setups, hygiene can sometimes take a backseat. With numerous diners handling the serving utensils, there is a potential for the spread of germs and contaminants. Items like communal bread baskets and self-service stations may be susceptible to bacterial growth.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), buffets should prioritize swapping food trays rather than refilling them with new food to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses and ensure food safety. The duration for which an old batch of food has been sitting on the buffet is often uncertain. After two hours at room temperature, the risk of harmful microorganisms thriving on the food increases significantly. Refilling food trays creates a potential risk of cross-contamination between the fresh food and any remaining food on the tray.

When encountering a breakfast buffet, knowing which foods to skip is wise. Here's a rundown of foods to avoid at breakfast buffets.

Many establishments opt for powdered eggs instead of fresh ones, as it's a cost-effective way to prepare large quantities of scrambled eggs to cater to numerous guests at once. However, powdered eggs cannot compare to the taste, texture, and color of their fresh counterparts. Another concern lies in the fact that these eggs are pre-cooked, which means they might sit at unsafe temperatures for extended periods.

According to the FDA, serving eggs immediately after cooking is crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses. Unfortunately, in a buffet setting, it's challenging to determine how long the eggs have been sitting out.

Unless you witnessed the fruit being freshly prepared in the kitchen, it's nearly impossible to gauge how long that eye-catching fruit display has been sitting there. According to the FDA, when fruits are cut, their protective skins are breached, leaving the flesh vulnerable to the surrounding environment and any potential bacteria. This creates two primary reasons that heighten the risk of contamination. Firstly, cutting the fruit makes its water content and nutrients readily available to microorganisms. Secondly, without any heating process, disease-causing germs aren't eliminated, further contributing to the potential hazards of consuming cut fruits from a buffet display.

There’s a joy of pouring your own batter into a Belgian waffle maker, flipping it eagerly, and waiting for that gratifying green light before embellishing it with toppings. However, it's best to exercise caution and avoid the waffle station. As per TikToker Brandi Augustus, a former hotel employee, the waffle batter served there is often old and sour. Instead of disposing of the old batter, new batter is mixed with it. It's worth noting that not all places offering breakfast buffets adhere to this practice, but it's wise to stay informed and make a decision based on the circumstances.