‘Green phase’ gives green light to reopen Pine Barn Inn

DANVILLE, Pa. –  As Montour County enters the “green phase” of the state’s plan to get back to business, local businesses like the Pine Barn Inn are receiving the green light to reopen in a limited capacity. Starting Friday, May 29, the Pine Barn Inn will be open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., serving a specialized menu to guests on their patio. 
 
Lauren Hosterman, general manager at the Pine Barn Inn, reassures guests that their well-being remains the team’s top priority, and several measures have been put in place to serve guests in a safe environment.  

“Every employee will be checked for symptoms upon arriving for their shift and will be required to wear a mask and gloves,” Hosterman said. “And we’re eliminating paper menus. Instead, guests can scan a QR code with their phone to view the menu. Or if they’re not tech savvy, our servers will help them view the menu on one of our iPads.”
 
Other safety measures implemented by the Pine Barn Inn include: 

• Tables and chairs placed six feet apart to allow for social distancing 
• Only hosting events of 25 guests or less to comply with CDC guidelines 
• Providing face shields for hostesses 
• Implementing a three-team approach to limit cross-contamination, with one team member taking the guest’s order, one team member running the food and one team member bussing the table 

Bruce Thomas, vice president of hospitality at Geisinger, said that although this new way of operating will be a learning process for all, it’s a step in the right direction.

“Reopening in even a limited capacity is allowing us to bring back about 25 percent of our Pine Barn Inn employees,” Thomas said. Noting that while the hotel never stopped operating, the restaurant and tavern came to a complete halt in mid-March.  

Bruce added that even with the restaurant and tavern being closed during the pandemic, no time was wasted. The team used this time to begin a complete kitchen renovation, which is expected to be complete within the next few weeks. 

“The team has chosen to view this experience as an opportunity,” Thomas said. “We’re putting in a new floor, a new ceiling, new lighting and we’re taking out all of the equipment to make sure everything is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.” Once complete, guests can expect the return of the full menu, including breakfast. 

Those interested in dining at the Pine Barn Inn are recommended to call ahead and make a reservation first. Takeout options will also be available for those on the go. Call 570-275-2071 to place an order, and the team will provide instructions on the pickup process.  

To stay up to date on the latest information regarding the Pine Barn Inn or peruse menu items, visit their Facebook page by searching “Pine Barn Inn.”

Businesses looking for information on keeping their staff and patrons safe may visit go.geisinger.org/businessresources. It is no cost and includes frequently asked questions, best practices, guidance for screening employees, signage kits promoting handwashing and physical (social) distancing at the workplace. Virtual consultations are also available upon request.

About Geisinger
Geisinger is among the nation’s leading providers of value-based care, serving 1.2 million people in urban and rural communities across Pennsylvania. Founded in 1915 by philanthropist Abigail Geisinger, the non-profit system generates $10 billion in annual revenues across 134 care sites - including 10 hospital campuses, and Geisinger Health Plan, with 600,000 members in commercial and government plans. The Geisinger College of Health Sciences educates more than 5,000 medical professionals annually and conducts more than 1,400 clinical research studies. With 26,000 employees, including 1,600 employed physicians, Geisinger is among Pennsylvania’s largest employers with an estimated economic impact of $14 billion to the state’s economy. On March 31, 2024, Geisinger became the first member of Risant Health, a new nonprofit charitable organization created to expand and accelerate value-based care across the country.  Learn more at geisinger.org or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.