- Isaac's is closing three central Pennsylvania locations due to slumping sales, proximity overlap, inflation, and rising interest rates, reducing the chain to 10 sites.
- CEO Mike Weaver said staff are being offered transfers; gift cards/points remain valid, and brewery production in Lancaster continues briefly.
In a move that’s hitting home for many locals in south-central Pennsylvania, Isaac’s Restaurants has announced the closure of three of its locations, marking the end of an era for spots that have served up bird-themed sandwiches and craft brews for over two decades.
The chain, a staple in the region since its founding in Lancaster back in 1983, cited slumping sales, too-close proximity to other outlets, and the relentless squeeze from inflation and rising interest rates as the main culprits behind the decision.
These economic pressures aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet—they’re affecting both the business and its loyal customers, making it tougher to keep doors open in competitive areas.
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The closures are staggered over the coming weeks: the Lancaster City restaurant at 25 North Queen Street will serve its last meal on October 25, followed by the South York spot at 235 Pauline Drive on October 26, and finally the Ephrata location at 120 North Reading Road wrapping up on November 30.
It’s a tough pill to swallow, especially for the downtown Lancaster site, which sits right across the street from where the original Isaac’s Deli kicked off in a former doughnut shop at 44 North Queen Street.
That first spot, started by Phil Wenger and Isaac Williams, quickly won over folks with its quirky menu of meat sandwiches named after birds—like the Pterodactyl or the Finch—and veggie options inspired by flowers.
Over the years, the chain grew to 13 locations, adding appetizers, sides, and even its own craft beer lineup starting in 2020, rebranding some as Isaac’s Craft Kitchen & Brewery.
Statements From the CEO on the Restaurant Closures
CEO Mike Weaver didn’t mince words in the company’s press release, explaining the rationale while emphasizing support for staff and patrons.
“All employees have been offered positions at other Isaac’s restaurants,” he stated.
“We appreciate the thousands of guests who have visited these locations over the last 20-plus years and hope that they can continue to visit us at other nearby locations.”
He added a heartfelt note: “We sincerely thank our guests in South York, Lancaster City, and Ephrata for their support over the years. Please visit again soon.”
On a somewhat brighter side, the small brewery tied to the Lancaster City restaurant will keep churning out beer for at least a little while longer, even after the dining room goes dark—production also happens at their Lebanon and Lemoyne sites.
After these shutdowns, Isaac’s will slim down to 10 spots across central Pennsylvania, including four in Lancaster County alone: Lititz, Greenfield in East Lampeter Township, Mount Joy, and Centerville in East Hempfield Township.
Two more in the York area, one in Lebanon, a pair in Cumberland County (Lemoyne and Mechanicsburg), and one in Wyomissing, Berks County, round out the list.
The company says this trimming will free up resources to spruce up the remaining locations with needed updates.
Gift cards and loyalty points? No worries—they’ll still work at any open Isaac’s.
Weaver took over the reins in 2015 when he bought the chain from Wenger, shifting headquarters from Lancaster to Camp Hill and steering it toward a more dinner-oriented vibe with booze on the menu.
At its peak, Isaac’s boasted 20 locations, but like many in the industry, it’s had to adapt to changing tastes and tougher times.
A Growing Trend in Restaurant Closures
This isn’t happening in a vacuum—Pennsylvania’s restaurant scene has seen a wave of closures lately, underscoring how brutal the post-pandemic economy has been for eateries.
Just this month, Catherine’s Restaurant in Chester County called it quits after 26 years of slinging meals, with its final day on October 15.
Over in Rankin, the popular wine lounge and restaurant Mary’s Vine is set to pour its last glass after service on October 31, wrapping up a run that’s drawn crowds for its cozy vibe.
And in Berks County, the hits keep coming: Fresh Frenchy’s in Exeter Township has shuttered, along with 201 West in Shillington and Margherita’s Restaurant & Bar, all closing their doors as of mid-October.
Even bigger names aren’t immune—Isaac’s joins the likes of Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, which recently filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy amid its own string of closures.
These moves highlight a tough reality: rising costs, shifting consumer habits, and lingering supply chain woes are forcing even established spots to rethink or fold.
For fans of Isaac’s, it’s a reminder of how local favorites can vanish overnight, but with 10 locations still going strong, there’s hope the flock will keep flying—just a bit closer to home.
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