During the pandemic, the buffet industry took a major hit. The concept of shared serving spoons and food exposed to the breath of strangers seemed like it was on its way out. However, buffets, which embody America’s love for choice and excess, are making a comeback. From high-end casinos in Las Vegas to small Southern restaurants, the all-you-can-eat buffet is back and thriving.
Lance Trenary, CEO of Golden Corral, a buffet chain that offers unlimited helpings of 150 different items for less than $20, proudly states that they are the “comeback kids” with a 20 percent increase in business this year. In a time of rising grocery and restaurant prices, the popularity of affordable buffet options makes sense. But even the most luxurious buffets in Las Vegas, where a meal can cost nearly $80, are in high demand.
The demand is so strong that Bellagio recently reopened its signature buffet, offering 120 choices for dinner. The Bacchanal buffet at Caesars Palace, the largest in Las Vegas, has undergone a $10 million renovation and added extra brunch days to keep up with the demand.
The buffet culture in America is deeply rooted in a dining culture that values consistency, value, and choice. Buffets provide a sense of abundance and allow people from all walks of life to feel rich, even if just temporarily. They also serve as a culinary adventure for immigrants and a form of culinary tourism for those who haven’t had the opportunity to travel.
Buffets also cater to the part of the American diner that simply wants to indulge and pile it on, despite attempts to rebrand the concept as “all you care to eat.” Lilly Jan, a food and beverage management lecturer at Cornell University, refers to this as the “Cheesecake Factory effect.” Americans seek consistency and want to ensure they get what they paid for, especially when dining with their families.
However, the buffet landscape has undergone significant changes in recent years. Mediocre buffets that didn’t offer great value or high-quality food have disappeared. Companies like Fresh Acquisitions, the owner of Hometown Buffet, filed for bankruptcy due to their inability to reach the necessary capacity to turn a profit.
The cheap Las Vegas buffet, which originated in the 1940s to keep gamblers at the casinos, is also fading away. Only eight out of the 18 buffets that once stood on the Strip remain. Budgetary constraints and an increased focus on food safety have led to closures and renovations.
Buffets have had to adapt to the challenges faced during the pandemic. They have implemented strategies to balance food costs and abundance while minimizing food waste. Individual portions and new tracking technologies have helped in this regard. As an example, the Bellagio donates excess food to a local food bank, ensuring that it doesn’t go to waste.
Buffets have also improved their health and safety measures by introducing hand sanitizer stations. This has been a relief for diners who are more conscious of food safety in the post-Covid era.
The resurgence of buffets has attracted a variety of diners, including those nostalgic for the golden age of Chinese buffets and national chains like Sizzler and Pizza Hut. The buffet experience holds sentimental value for many, as it represents a special occasion or a taste of American culture for immigrants.
In smaller cities and towns, buffets serve as more than just a place to eat. They foster a sense of community and togetherness. The Movie Star Restaurant in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, for example, offers an affordable all-you-can-eat buffet that brings people from the community together.
In conclusion, buffets are making a strong comeback, appealing to a wide range of diners. With their variety, value, and abundance, they satisfy the American desire for choice and excess. The buffet industry is evolving, prioritizing sustainability and food safety while continuing to provide a unique dining experience for all.
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