Chef Daniel LeBoon acquires historic Franklin House Tavern business in Schaefferstown

An award-winning chef – who honed his craft in venues from New York City to Paris and Tokyo and has run several high-end restaurants in Lancaster County – has taken business ownership of the Franklin House Tavern in Heidelberg Township. (The real estate has not changed hands since its 2020 purchase by F H Schaefferstown LLC.)

Daniel LeBoon, most recently known for his work at Lancaster restaurants including the Belvedere Inn, Josephine’s Downtown, and C’est la vie, has purchased Franklin House at 101 N. Market St., Schaefferstown, along with his wife and partner, Shawn Hatfield LeBoon.

LeBoon said in an email that the restaurant will reopen to the public on June 5. Hours will be 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, with the restaurant closed on Sundays and Wednesdays.

According to a press release, LeBoon has also joined Compass Hospitality, a multi-concept hospitality group, as a partner and general manager to oversee operations and event coordination at the historic 1775 Compass Mill, a 5.3-acre property at 1299 Rothsville Road, near Lititz, that is being redeveloped into an event venue and hospitality complex.

The complex includes artisan shops and a coffeehouse. LeBoon said in the release that he plans “to play a key role in the continued evolution of The Mill, including the potential development of ‘The Pink House,’ a high-end French restaurant concept reflecting his classical training and global culinary influences.”

The Franklin House Tavern

The Franklin House Tavern was built in 1746. Initially known as the King George, it was built by the town’s founder, Alexander Schaeffer, and is one of the oldest still-functioning taverns in the country. The rustic three-story, 8,200-square-foot stone building has four dining rooms and sits on a 0.35-acre lot.

The property had been listed by RE/MAX of Reading in 2025 for $799,000 including “the liquor license, all restaurant equipment, inventory, and goodwill.”

The most recent owners closed the tavern in March after operating it for about six months. The previous owners closed the business effective immediately in November 2024.

Its new owner appears eager to restore the eatery to its former glory.

“At the Franklin House Tavern, guests can expect a revival of signature Josephine’s classics alongside new, innovative offerings that reflect LeBoon’s evolving culinary vision, complemented by a thoughtfully curated wine program” as well premium wagyu beef selections, the release said.

“The next phase is about bringing everything together – culinary experience, operations, and partnerships – to create something sustainable and impactful,” LeBoon said in a statement. “I’m looking forward to this new partnership with Compass Hospitality Group, and am excited to work alongside a talented team to build new concepts that resonate with guests and the community.”

Who is Daniel LeBoon?

According to the release, LeBoon began his career in the culinary arts at age 8, working in his family’s catering business.

“After developing his skills in Lancaster-area kitchens, he expanded into major culinary markets including New York City, Philadelphia, and Paris,” the release says. “His early career includes an internship at the renowned Le Bec-Fin in Philadelphia under Georges Perrier, staging at Hôtel Vernet in Paris under Alain Solvere, and experience at Eleven Madison Park in New York City. These formative roles shaped a culinary philosophy rooted in precision, seasonality, and elevated guest experiences.”

He is a level 2 sommelier, with wine programs recognized by Wine Spectator, and a certified wagyu sommelier, having completed specialized training in both Tokyo and Miami.

Returning to Pennsylvania, LeBoon held leadership roles at the Historic Strasburg Inn and the Farmhouse Restaurant under Virginia Smedley before opening Josephine’s in Marietta under the mentorship of Jean-Luc Sandillon. In 2004, he acquired the restaurant, serving as executive chef as well as owner, and establishing it as a regional destination for refined dining.

He later partnered with businessman Tom Ponessa to open Amorette, then formed a partnership with Dean Oberholtzer at the Belvedere Inn. LeBoon and Oberholtzer launched several ventures, including C’est La Vie and Josephine’s Downtown, and they transformed the Amorette property into 401 Prime, a premier steakhouse.

LeBoon also expanded his interests into agriculture and supply chain development, founding the produce company Fresh Crops and an egg production operation called Booney Boon Farms. Those ventures, the release said, further cemented “his commitment to quality sourcing and farm-to-table principles.”

Editor’s note: This article was updated to clarify that the real estate was not included in the acquisition.