Will we be able to stuff our faces again?

People are saying that when things return to normal in Vegas, one thing that might not come back is buffets. The narrative is that they don't make money, which I suppose might be true except for the fact that they lure people in, and a lot of those people don't make it back out past the slots and the crap tables. That $11.95 dinner often winds up costing $300.

So I'm wondering if any casino operators who don't have their heads up their asses (a vanishingly small minority, I admit) are thinking of bringing the iconic Vegas buffets back. They'd have a HUGE competitive advantage, as the Strip joints have gone into mega-ripoff mode and neither Stations nor Boyd seem likely to bring buffets back. So anyone bucking the trend...might be mobbed.

Would you go to a buffet if it was open (South Point aside)? Would that make any difference in where you gamble? (I'm talking about the happy post-virus era, whenever that might be, of course.)

Yes I will go.  Vegas and buffets just go together in my brain.  I took a cab to Palace Station once just for the cheap buffet.  (Also had a coupon of course). I had never been before.   And yes I stayed to gamble and decided I wouldn't mind staying there one day.

I hope the buffets come back.

I would hope so.  Buffets feed the masses relatively quickly without having to wait too long for a table.  I personally, am not a big fan except for breakfast buffets.  Breakfast to me is "get in, get out to gamble" .  Where dinner is a time to sit, relaxe over drinks, a good meal ,attentive service and discuss the day's adventures.

The MSS buffet was good and cheap. Yes, I will gamble where I eat.

The bread pudding was really good!

[img]https://i.imgur.com/0bcyjbS.jpg[/img]

Dessert first? Sure!

Not a buffet person myself, but once the dust settles, I think you'll see some but not many. They're a loss leader for casinos and with bean counters seemingly making most decisions these days, I think most will be eliminated. Just a hunch.

We're good for usualy 1 buffet during a week stay. doesnt determine where we gamble, but will play some if we go in somewhere to eat.   I agree that many will never return.  But time will tell what free market competition will do?  if a couple open up and are a big draw, then others might jump back in?   with as many Hotel Rooms and Dining Seats to fill in Vegas, one would think there would be more Deals/Competition?  

Bob, I agree.  If a casino opens a buffet, and finds that play increases by 5%-10% more than the casinos which don't open buffets, then they will start popping up.  I used to love them, but don't care now since I can't eat enough to justify things for me.

They are definitily coming back.   COSMO just announced the WIcked SPoon is reopening.   I just took a road trip to North Carolina and all the hotels along the way have restarted their continental breakfasts where you touch community utensils, make your own waffles, pour your drinks, etc...Also saw a couple CHinese buffets open on that route.

Vegas buffets act as a draw for customers and are also one of the most common places for people to spend their comps.    And lets be honest,  the demand is there.   How many people do you know have vowed to never eat at a buffet again?  I havent met one.

I think the biggest factor deterring their opening now is the lack of convention business in the city.   Once they feel like they can fill up the rooms again I think you'll see the buffets come back.     

It seems like buffets are a big draw for [big] families, at least in non-Vegas casino meccas.  I guess kids eat free or greatly discounted.  Some places you could count on the busses pulling up at dinner time, moms and dads and their kids pile in, especially for the Friday night buffet.  NTTAWWT, of course.  Will the adults gamble afterwards?  For sure, if the place has an arcade to keep the kids busy.

Candy

I do miss buffet Especially Main Street Station and Ceacars Bucconal (sp)

which with big remodel sure to reopen.They usually have discount on Groupon. I also folk out for more expenive

 like top of the Top of the world at Strat. Discount on Groupon still expensive

Largo at Belligio views fountain Early special welcome back Prix Fix

Then at Wynns dinner with lake shows Difficult to explain look online

Bottom line my last visit shows were rare So I spent more on dining

Wichit Spoon was open with good system Also some of the downtown 

casino cafes with Advisers coupons Last one of my favorites Ellis Island

both cafe and BBQ with advisor coupons.