By ANNA GILGOFF

Special to The Press

A glowing candle in every window illuminating a circle of lace signals to patrons that Deitsch Eck is open for business.

Though this is no easy time for restaurants across the country, the Lenhartsville eatery continues to serve Pa. Dutch specialties and more to diners hungry for some sense of normalcy.

Local favorites including potato filling, pork mit kraut, pig stomach, Dutch fries and apple fritters continue to entice customers to enjoy lunch or dinner in a dining room surrounded by hex signs and folk art.

The other option is to take the food out.

After 27 years in the restaurant business, chef and owner Steve Stetzler has nothing but gratitude for the customers who fill the restaurant’s parking lot.

He also credits his staff and their dedication to keeping Deitsch Eck operational.

“It is a family business,” he said, and with that comes family values that remain unshakable.

“Even though we weren’t bringing in a lot of money we still ran our plate-it-forward program,” he explained.

“From the beginning, we have not closed at all.

“At first, it was just a takeout business and then, as soon as we got things ready and we were allowed, we had dine-in seating. We never closed as a business.

“We have two dining rooms where we removed some tables to allow for 6-feet seating between tables, and the kitchen is a little different to accommodate takeout orders.

“We still have a lot of takeout business.”

The menu, however, remains intact.

“We actually didn’t change our menu at all,” Stetzler said. “We still have our daily Dutch specials, comfort food and a lot of sandwiches, of course.”

Deitsch Eck has deep roots in the community and a colorful history as well.

The building was purchased in the late 1930s by Johnny Ott, who operated it as a restaurant and hotel while he painted hex signs on an enclosed porch.

Some 30 years later, another hex sign painter purchased the restaurant and ran it until 1971 when it was bought by a subsidiary of the Pa. Dutch Folk Culture Society.

Shortly thereafter, Stetzler began to manage the business which he later purchased.

The ambience of the dining rooms reflects the restaurant’s past, adding to its familiarity and comfort.

“As the weeks go on, it’s definitely been busy,” Stetzler observed. “Last week, we did 88 percent of our normal business. We really have customer support.”

Although he remains optimistic, Stetzler does have some concerns going forward as far as the pandemic is concerned.

“Usually September through the holidays is our best time of the year,” he said, “But I’m very grateful. We’ve been here a long time thanks to our dedicated customers and staff.”

The Deitsch Eck lives up to its name which means “Dutch corner.”

The restaurant, located at the intersection of Old Route 22 and Route 143, Lenhartsville, close to exit 35 of I-78, is open daily except for Monday and Tuesday.