Key facts
- The all-you-can-eat buffet concept originated in Las Vegas after World War II.
- Disputed origin stories attribute the buffet's creation to promoter Herb McDonald or mobster Davie Berman.
- Buffets faced declining popularity due to competition from casual dining establishments.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has had a lasting negative impact on the buffet model.
- Despite challenges, some experts believe buffets will continue to have a presence in Las Vegas.
The all-you-can-eat buffet, once a symbol of American abundance and a staple of Las Vegas dining, is experiencing a significant decline. Its origins are debated, with stories attributing its creation to promoter Herb McDonald or mobster Davie Berman, who allegedly introduced Jewish brunch delicacies to a long table for gamblers in the 1940s.
As buffets gained popularity, they spread across the nation to chains like Golden Corral and Ponderosa. However, they began to lose ground to casual dining establishments such as Olive Garden and Chili's. The COVID-19 pandemic delivered a further blow, making the idea of communal food stations less appealing.
Despite these challenges, some, like Las Vegas food journalist Al Mancini, believe that the visceral appeal of loading a plate with a variety of foods ensures that buffets will continue to have a place in the city's dining landscape.