[[{“value”:”Buffet chains were once massively popular across the nation, but changing consumer habits and then the pandemic took an ailing industry and shut it down completely. While some buffet chains are still very much alive and kicking, others have disappeared after decades of growth before gradual, inevitable decline. These restaurants are still remembered fondly by diners who reminisce about spending their youth at these wonderful spots, and like so many cultural touchpoints we have lost, are gone but never forgotten: Here are five buffet chains from the “golden age” of American dining.
Pizza Hut
The reason we still talk about the 1980s Pizza Hut buffet is because it was as close to perfection as any restaurant experience will ever get. “Going to Pizza Hut on Friday night with the family was epic,” one fan said. “Arcade games, jukebox, pitchers of Coke, all you can eat steaming hot pizza… What a time it was.”
Mr. Gatti’s Pizza
Mr. Gatti’s Pizza is another restaurant diners have very fond memories of, a beloved buffet chain that once had hundreds of locations and now has approximately 75. “I was in Louisville recently and to my surprise I came across a Mr. Gattis Pizza! I had no idea they still existed. It tasted exactly how I remembered… it was magical,” one Redditor shared. “It was a huge part of my childhood.”
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Souplantation
Souplantation is a Southern California institution, first opening its doors in 1978 and closing down in 2020 (although apparently a new location is opening in 2027?). This beloved buffet chain caused a lot of grief when it closed down for good, and fans are still not over it. “Love SP, but no way I’m going to this the first several months,” one Redditor said. “It’ll be packed with influencers and YouTubers all live streaming asking chat what they should get next at the buffet.”
Old Country Buffet
Old Country Buffet first opened in 1984 and had almost 600 locations in its heyday, sadly not of which remain. “I remember coming here after church with my parents once a month. We would alwayyyys wrap up chicken/biscuits/cookies in napkins and bring it home. What a core memory,” one diner reminisced.
HomeTown Buffet
HomeTown Buffet is another now-defunct buffet chain that diners still mourn. “Am I the only one who misses Hometown Buffet. From the Icee Machine, Cotton Candy, Chocolate Milk, Jello, Etc. Hometown was every kid’s favorite buffet growing up! Am I lonely on this one?” one Redditor said.
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