A Sarasota Tradition
For half a century, Yoder’s Restaurant has been more than just a place to eat—it’s been a gathering spot, a rite of passage, and a taste of home for locals and visitors and national media alike. Did you see Yoders on “Man v. Food” or “Food Network Finds”? Founded in 1975 by Levi and Amanda Yoder, this beloved Sarasota institution has remained family-run, with their daughter Mary Lou and four grandchildren continuing the legacy.
Step inside, and you’ll find the same warm welcome and comforting aromas that have drawn crowds for generations. The lines out the door? That’s just part of the experience. A seat at Yoder’s means a plate piled high with their signature crispy Southern fried chicken, slow-roasted meatloaf, or a golden, flaky chicken pot pie—all made with the kind of care that makes you feel like you’re sitting at Grandma’s table.
And then, of course, there’s the pie.
Pie: The Heart of Yoder’s
For many, a Yoder’s pie isn’t just dessert—it’s tradition. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just an ordinary Tuesday, taking home a pie from Yoder’s feels like a small act of celebration. Their busiest day of the year? The day before Thanksgiving, when customers queue up for slices of nostalgia—Shoofly Pie (an Amish invention), apple, chocolate peanut butter cream, and seasonal favorites like pumpkin, peach, and blueberry.
“If it can go in a crust, we can turn it into a pie,” Mary Lou says with a laugh. And they just might. As part of their 50th anniversary, Yoder’s is looking to innovate while staying true to what makes them special. Savory pies—think corned beef and cabbage pie or pot roast pie—are just some of the ways they’re looking to keep things fresh for their loyal regulars.
A Family Business—In Every Sense
While Yoder’s is an Amish-founded restaurant, they welcome every-one—not just at their tables, but in their kitchen. “We hire the best person for the job,” Mary Lou says. And it shows. Their staff isn’t just a team; they’re family.
Yoder’s also prides itself on strong relationships with local farmers and suppliers. They cut their own meat; source fresh, quality ingredients; and keep their gift shop stocked with Amish-made or Florida-made products. Their approach to business is as much about community as it is about food.
That same spirit of camaraderie extends to other local restaurants, too. “We have a great relationship with our friendly competition, Der Dutchman,” Mary Lou says, adding that they’ll help each other out when needed. And when they stop by another local favorite, Madfish Grill, they don’t come empty-handed—they bring a pie.
Looking to the Future
Fifty years is a milestone worth celebrating, but for Yoder’s it’s just another chapter in their story. They embrace the busy seasons, seeing traffic not as a headache but a blessing. Their nightly specials keep regulars coming back, eager to see what’s next. And through it all, they remain rooted in what has made them an indispensable part of Sarasota’s food scene: kindness, quality, and a commitment to making everyone feel at home.
When asked what she wants people to know about Yoder’s and the Amish way of life, Mary Lou doesn’t hesitate:
“One of our core values is to treat our staff the way we want them to treat our customers. The Lord has blessed us, and we hope that people get that feeling when they come in—we are stewards of that blessing. You can overcome a bad meal experience with good service, but not a bad service experience with a good meal. We try to exemplify kindness and generosity in service, and we are blessed with the best staff . If you work with us, you’re part of our family. It doesn’t matter what your last name is: If you work here, you’re a Yoder.”
Yoder’s Pie Craft Coffee Co. is the name bestowed upon the mobile trailer that’s rolling Yoder’s into an exciting new chapter in its 50th year. Pie Craft will be serving up coffee and handcrafted mini pies inside Yoder’s Market, located next to the restaurant.
The name is a playful nod to their beloved neighborhood, Pinecraft—and the pun is enough to make Mary Lou Emrich smile.
“We’ve had coffee running through our veins for years,” she says with a laugh. “Now we get to open our own café—and what pairs better with coffee than a sweet or savory mini pie?”
The trailer will remain stationary at the market for the first few months, with plans to eventually take this new concept on the road. We can already picture the line of fans following the trailer down the street.
