With the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in Ontario, many people are wondering if buffets have reopened. The short answer is yes, many buffet restaurants have started operating again across the province. However, there are some key differences compared to pre-pandemic times.
The Current Status of Buffets in Ontario
During the pandemic, virtually all buffet restaurants in Ontario were ordered to close by public health authorities. This was due to concerns about COVID-19 transmission through shared serving utensils and close contact between customers in line. However, in early 2022 as case numbers declined and vaccination rates increased, the provincial government began lifting capacity limits and other public health measures around dining. This paved the way for buffets to reopen.
Currently, most major buffet chains have resumed operations in Ontario, including Mandarin, East Side Mario’s, Pizza Hut, Kelsey’s, and Swiss Chalet. Independent buffet restaurants have also reopened across Ontario. Of course, availability varies by region and city. While buffets in Toronto, Ottawa, London, and other large urban centres are largely operating again, some smaller communities may still lack reopened buffet options.
It’s important to note that self-serve buffet lines remain prohibited under Section 22 of Ontario Regulation 364/20. This regulation was enacted under emergency powers during the pandemic. However, this regulation does not ban buffets entirely. It only stipulates that food cannot be self-served. Restaurant buffets are still permitted if staff plate customers’ meals.
How Buffets Have Adapted
While diners can once again enjoy all-you-can-eat spreads, Ontario’s buffets have had to make significant changes compared to pre-pandemic operations. These adaptations are meant to maximize safety and comply with current regulations.
The most noticeable difference is that customers can no longer freely serve themselves at exposed food bars. Instead, staff plate every customer’s meals behind plexiglass barriers. Diners order from the menu and tell servers what they would like. The server then retrieves the requested dishes from the kitchen.
This change dramatically reduces personal contact at buffets. It prevents customers from touching shared utensils and guards uncovered food from airborne germs. Having staff plate meals also facilitates safe distancing, since crowds don’t congregate around food displays.
Additionally, some buffets have reduced their overall food variety during the initial reopening phase. For example, they may offer a smaller selection of dishes that are easiest to individually plate. This allows them to operate efficiently despite no longer allowing self-service.
Enhanced sanitization measures are also in place at reopened Ontario buffets. Tables, chairs, and common areas are thoroughly cleaned between guests. Servers wash hands and change gloves frequently. Some locations have hand sanitizing stations for customers to use before eating.
Overall, diners should expect a carefully controlled experience rather than the free-for-all self-service style of the past. But this is necessary for safe buffet operation under current rules.
Customer Experiences at Newly Reopened Buffets
Despite adaptations, reviews of recently reopened all-you-can-eat restaurants in Ontario have generally been positive. Customers seem happy to be able to once again enjoy endless variety at fixed prices. However, some have noted the differences compared to old-fashioned buffets.
One change some diners dislike is having less control over food portion sizes. With staff plating meals, you can’t load up your plate with as much food as when you served yourself. A few customers also miss the fun of browsing food selections up close before choosing dishes.
Additionally, wait times are longer at table-service style buffets. Reviewers recommend going at off-peak hours if you want quicker meal service. Weekday lunches and early dinners tend to be less busy.
On the plus side, having table service means customers don’t have to get up and down as much to fetch food and drinks. This can make for a more relaxed dining experience. Most food quality has remained excellent, as reputable chains have retained their same back-of-house cooking staff.
Here are some examples of recent buffet reviews in Ontario:
| Restaurant | Location | Rating | Review Snippet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mandarin | Scarborough | 4.5 out of 5 stars | “We went on a Saturday night. As expected it was very busy. The food was delicious as always. The staff were very friendly and helpful.” |
| Kelsey’s | Vaughan | 3.5 out of 5 stars | “I was happy they reopened their buffet option but wish we could still serve ourselves. Food quality is still good but waiting for servers to bring dishes takes longer.” |
| Pizza Hut | Pickering | 4 out of 5 stars | “Great variety of pizzas & salads. Staff were very efficient at keeping our table stocked. Would definitely come back.” |
Buffet Pricing in 2022/2023
Pricing at Ontario’s buffet restaurants has increased moderately since they reopened. The average lunch buffet now costs around $15-20 per adult, while dinner often ranges from $25-35. Expect to pay a bit more at higher-end buffets.
These prices are about 10-20% above pre-pandemic rates. However, considering years of inflation and widespread menu price increases, buffet pricing remains quite reasonable. They still offer excellent value compared to ordering multiple à la carte dishes.
Some locations offer discounts for seniors and children to make pricing more affordable for families. Many also have daily lunch specials or two-for-one deals to incentivize off-peak dining. Joining buffet restaurants’ email lists can provide access to exclusive coupons.
A few buffets have kept prices the same as 2020. But with rising food costs and smaller crowds compared to past volumes, most have bumped rates up moderately. As customer traffic fully recovers post-pandemic, prices may come down again.
Are Ontario Buffet Regulations here to Stay?
The big question facing the revived buffet industry is whether self-service bans will remain permanent. Many owners believe current rules prohibitively impede operations and hope to eventually revert to pre-pandemic buffet formats.
However, some public health experts argue that allowing shared utensils and customer food handling inherently increases virus transmission risks. They want the status quo to continue indefinitely even after the pandemic subsides.
For now, the Ontario government has not provided any indication on whether buffet regulations will be amended or remain in place long-term. Most likely, policy decisions will depend on COVID-19 conditions over the next 6-12 months. If case rates stay low and no dangerous new variants emerge, self-serve bans could potentially soften.
Interestingly, several other provinces have already relaxed buffet restrictions to varying degrees. For instance, Manitoba now allows self-service again with distancing protocols. Meanwhile, Alberta permits self-serve food but continues banning shared utensils. Ontario currently remains quite strict compared to other regions.
Ultimately, the province will aim to balance both business interests and health precautions in determining any future buffet policy changes. But for now, plated table service remains the mandated model.
The Outlook for Ontario’s Buffet Industry
Ontario’s $2 billion restaurant industry was among the hardest hit sectors during the pandemic, with plated service establishments faring better than buffets. However, all-you-can-eat chains saw strong customer demand immediately after reopening, likely owing to pent-up appetite for familiar comfort foods.
Going forward, the buffet sector’s continued recovery depends on a few key factors:
- Sustained low COVID-19 case rates – If infection numbers spike again, new dining restrictions could again impact buffet operations.
- Adequate staffing – Staffing shortages have plagued Ontario’s restaurant industry. Buffets must attract enough servers to plate customer meals.
- Tourism rebound – Buffets rely heavily on tourist traffic, which plunged during the pandemic. A strong tourism comeback will boost buffet customer volumes.
- Favorable policy – If self-serve bans are amended, it will enable buffets to operate more efficiently and drive stronger financial performance.
With these dynamics in flux, it is difficult to predict the buffet industry’s precise path ahead. However, if current positive indicators continue, the outlook is hopeful. Buffet dining remains an affordable and appealing option for many Ontario families. Chains that adapt well and prioritize safety should thrive into the “new normal”.
The Bottom Line
Buffet restaurants have successfully resumed operations across Ontario after two years of COVID-19 closures. While adaptations like table service and enhanced sanitization are in place, diners can once again enjoy all-you-can-eat meals. Pricing has risen moderately but buffets continue offering good value. The industry’s future will depend on pandemic trends and whether self-service restrictions are updated. But overall, buffets are back in business and ready to feed hungry patrons across the province.
