A chef prepares pizza behind a counter while an employee picks up a slice of pizza from atop the counter.

On May 6, expansion efforts at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital reached a key milestone with the opening of its new cafeteria – Central Table Eatery.

In advance of its official opening, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health hosted an open house inviting employees, visitors, and patients to tour the new open-concept eatery and sample the locally sourced, artisanal cuisine.

“This is more than just a hospital cafeteria,” said John J. Herman, MBA, FACHE, CEO, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health. “The goal of the new Central Table Eatery at Lancaster General Hospital is to create a place of respite, one that is warm and welcoming and reflects the importance we place on the well-being of our patients, visitors, and our employees.”

Central Table Eatery is home to several food exhibits, each of which offers handcrafted food, including greens, grains, chef-prepared salads, toasted flatbreads, strombolis, individual pizzas, freshly grilled sandwiches, and more. It is also home to a market where visitors and employees may purchase small grocery or gift shop items. Craft Beverage, which is across the hallway from the eatery, offers hot and cold beverages and gourmet bakery products.

Three female employees in surgical masks stand together after receiving their food samples at the new eatery “Just about every culinary preference is covered here and this new eatery will be a great enhancement in the patient and staff experience,” said Carolyn F. Scanlan, chairperson, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health Board of Trustees. “The locally sourced food offerings are also a unique way that LG Health will contribute to the local economy and strengthen our community.”

The grand opening of the Central Table Eatery, along with the new kitchen that opened in April 2022, marks an important phase in the overall construction to expand Emergency and Trauma Services at LGH. Additional seating and an outdoor space at the Central Table Eatery are anticipated to open in late 2022.

Share This Page: