The owners of 3C’s Family Restaurant in Orwigsburg are thankful for the return of customers after the business closed in 2020 because of the pandemic.

Dave Crouse, who owns the business with his son, Brian, and wife, Diane. said business has returned.

“We can absolutely say yes,” Crouse said recently.

The restaurant opened Aug. 4 after being closed since March 18, 2020.

Brian Crouse said 20 people were in line when they opened.

This is the 48th year of operation.

“You thought, well, within a month this will all be over,” he said.

There was never a thought they would not reopen.

“It’s not a matter of if, but a matter of when,” he said.

Early on in the pandemic, certain businesses could reopen with limited capacity. Crouse said it didn’t make sense for him business-wise to operate at 25 to 50 percent.

“People were scared. They were locked down. Nobody was out,” Crouse said.

The pandemic’s reach is unprecedented.

“What it’s done to our economy is just incredible,” he said.

The Sunday before they closed, business was very good, Crouse said. The last day, they had $6.38 in revenue.

Weekends are the busiest days for the restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch and is open Wednesday through Sunday.

“We’re jammed on the weekends,” Crouse said.

Weekday hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday to Friday. Saturday and Sunday, hours are 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“There’s still people stumbling through the doors saying they didn’t know we were open,” Crouse said.

The most popular menu item is creamed chipped beef. The menu has been revamped because of the pandemic. Breakfast bowls and wraps have been added. Ordering online is now an option.

Most of the business is dine-in. Takeout accounts for about 10%. The back deck is open for patrons depending on staffing.

Beer and wine will be available. Domestic beers such as Yuengling and Miller Lite, imports including Heineken and crafts beers are on the menu.

Steve Ware, of Montgomery County, enjoyed breakfast at 3C’s, having a ham and cheese omelet.

“It’s very good here,” he remarked.

Pre-pandemic the restaurant had 22 employees. Now it’s 11. Those interested in applying for a position can call 610-562-5925.

Crouse said they renovated the areas of the restaurant when it was closed.