Budget-conscious Americans looking to get more bang for their buck are rushing back to the all-you-can-eat buffet, which is now a $700 billion industry. According to a 2026 survey from Yelp, searches for “all you can eat buffet near me” jumped more than 250% in 2025, which is bringing big business back to buffet chains like Golden Corral. NBC’s Brian Cheung reports for TODAY.
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#buffet #food #value
26 Comments
2:37 Ok, who gets up and use the same plate? 😂
Because 15 bucks for an ultra processed fastfood meal is crazy.
Expert says on his crappy laptop webcam "consumers really like getting a good deal for their money."
Outstanding. I am so glad we get these experts input.
Hometown buffet should make a comeback
It's just like the good 'ol soviet days.
Buffets are awesome lol
When fast food chains are way more expensive than buffets to get your belly happy.
no way its 700 billion. theres 350 million people in america. so thats like 2000 dollars per person?
With a all you can eat you can eat for the whole day and works out quite reasonable
Dont get me wrong i lovee the buffet we grew up on sizzler!❤ but the last time i was at a soup plantation with my kids, in 2019 i saw THE HANDS, yes hands of folks digging into the buffet instead of using the serving utensils 🤮🤮
Buffets have been a hard no for me since during COVID I realized how people breath their germs onto the food even inadvertently.
Besides I can't eat like I used to so I would never get my money's worth.
Golden corral my 5 star restaurant 😂😂😂😂
Covid killed our buffet, maybe it will come back!
Most Americans go out only once a month.
People should have the possibility to go out once a WEEK.
Money is short these days and that reflects on how often people LIVE.
Nothing will ever replace the JOY of eating GREAT FOOD made with LOVE.
Isn’t obesity still high though?
Its a cess pool for viruses, in the end your health bill is probably more expensive
Vomit 🤮
Western Sizzlin in Florence has amazing food. I usually would do the takeout and bring it back to my hotel room, but the price wasn't bad.
Recession indicator if i've ever seen one
I just cant with the buffets 😌
Canadian Quarter Pound Meal Deal $16
This is odd,places are taking buffets out I thought!
It is best to go to a buffet place and take it to home by pound. You save money.
My local Chinese buffet is $12.99 for lunch hours, and a McDonald's meal is averaging about $11. No way I will go to McDonald's unless I'm in a rush.
I paid for all you can eat im not done yet