What the Future Might Hold for Salad Bars and Buffets

As some states get ready to open up in phases--and Massachusetts also looks at a possible lifting of restrictions later this month--one question that seems to be coming up is, what will become of restaurants that focus at least in part on salad bars and buffets in a post-pandemic world?

While many dining spots offer salad bars and buffets as only a small part of their offerings and can probably pivot to focusing solely on freshly-made meals (think Indian and Chinese restaurants that offer weekday lunch buffets or dining spots that offer weekend brunch buffets), other eateries such as Brazilian steakhouses that are known mainly for their buffets may have to redo their concepts, while conveyor-belt sushi places--while not technically considered to be buffets--may also have to do the same because having multiple diners be too close to food is an obvious problem. The main issue with salad bars and buffets (and conveyor belt restaurants) is the self-service aspect of them; an NBC Connecticut article indicates how this is such a concern, saying that food and restaurant organizations in that state are looking into measures that could include prohibiting self-service areas in restaurants, including salad bars and buffets, as dining spots get ready to reopen.

With the coronavirus not going away anytime soon, are salad bars and buffets going to become a thing of the past? Maybe not, but until a vaccine becomes available, don't expect to see them anytime soon in Massachusetts or most other states, for that matter.

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Posted in: Dining Spots