All-You-Can-Eat Buffets Stage Major Comeback
The all-you-can-eat buffet is making a significant return in the United States after years of decline. Diners are flocking back for variety, value, and nostalgia, with bottomless crab legs and soft-serve machines drawing crowds following a period when many buffets closed or scaled back.
- The American all-you-can-eat buffet concept was pioneered in Las Vegas in 1946 by publicist Herb McDonald at the El Rancho Vegas Hotel to keep gamblers in the casino. The model saw its peak popularity in the 1980s with the expansion of chains such as Sizzler and Ponderosa. - Even before the pandemic, the buffet industry had been in decline for about 20 years due to a shift in consumer tastes toward healthier options. Between 1998 and 2017, the number of buffet restaurants in the U.S. fell by 26%. - The COVID-19 pandemic led to the permanent closure of all 97 Souplantation and Sweet Tomatoes restaurants and the bankruptcy of parent companies for chains like Old Country Buffet and Ryan's. Golden Corral, a major player, experienced a 62% drop in sales in 2020, leading two of its largest franchisees to declare bankruptcy. - In a period of high inflation, consumers are returning to buffets for their value. Golden Corral saw a 125% increase in foot traffic in the first quarter of 2023 compared to early 2021, with average weekly sales per restaurant hitting a record $101,000 in June 2023. - The revival extends beyond just one chain; Cicis Pizza, which went through bankruptcy in 2021, is now expanding through new franchisees. Mr. Gatti's Pizza struck a deal in late 2024 to open new locations inside Walmart stores. - To address lingering health concerns, many buffets have altered their service models. Common changes include adopting a cafeteria-style where staff serve diners, pre-portioning dishes, and significantly increasing the frequency of sanitizing and replacing serving utensils. - Technology is playing a role in the buffet comeback, with some establishments introducing digital ordering systems and using AI to offer personalized recommendations to diners. - The global market for buffet tables and equipment is projected to grow from $1.2 billion in 2024 to $1.8 billion by 2033, signaling investment and optimism in the sector's continued recovery.
