*Buffet restaurants have long been a favorite for diners seeking variety and value, and while their heyday seemed over, several chains are finding new life.
According to Mashed, Cicis Pizza, Golden Corral, and Mr. Gatti’s Pizza are each making notable strides after weathering tough times. Cicis Pizza, which first opened in Texas in 1985, continues to focus on fun and family with its buffet and arcade concept. After filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2021, largely due to pandemic-related dine-in service disruptions, Cicis has since rebounded.
In 2024, the brand ramped up its franchise efforts, and now, in 2025, it’s celebrating 40 years in business. PMQ Pizza even ranked Cicis as the 16th largest pizza chain in the U.S.
Golden Corral, meanwhile, has adapted its buffet model by introducing Qu’s cloud-based unified commerce platform and testing a new concept originally called “Homeward Kitchen,” now rebranded as “Golden Corral Favorites.” With the addition of drive-thrus and a fast-casual style, the chain is finding fresh ways to appeal to customers without losing its buffet roots.
“Partnering with Qu means more than just acquiring new hardware and software; it’s about embracing a holistic transition strategy,” said Dawn Gillis, CIO at Golden Corral Corporation. “Their solutions are not only highly intuitive, but also tailored to support the unique aspects of our business.”
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Gillis added: “Qu is the only partner I trusted to guide us through this major transformation that required a foundational tech stack replacement while redefining our operating model and growth strategy. Qu’s enterprise best practices, ease of integrations, and unique support model position them as leaders in guiding restaurants through this type of transformational change.”
Mr. Gatti’s Pizza, another buffet staple, is making a strong comeback after filing for bankruptcy in 2019.
Despite its financial troubles, the brand maintained solid sales and has pushed forward with aggressive expansion. By the end of 2024, Mr. Gatti’s had 234 locations either opened or in development and a slight sales increase. A new partnership with Walmart will soon place Mr. Gatti’s inside 12 stores across Oklahoma and Texas by late 2025, signaling another major step forward for the brand.
“As we continue to grow, our focus remains on delivering a top-notch experience for our guests and strengthening our ties to the communities we serve,” Travis Smith, executive vice president of Mr. Gatti’s Pizza, said in a statement. “Our expansion into new locations and partnerships reflects our commitment to bringing delicious food and fun to families everywhere.”
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