Breakfast buffet with Libbey glasses
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What started out in 1940s Vegas as an idea to keep customers in casinos longer blossomed into an American tradition of excess and perceived value. All-you-can-eat buffets offered Americans a food journey through bottomless plates of endless options and mismatched culinary pairings; Indian buffets offered a vegetarian delight; and event banquet buffets were often the highlight of the evening.

Los Ranchos serveware by Libbey. STW-10
Crispy chips served on a round Los Ranchos durable stoneware tray.

Buffets 2.0

However, after Covid began permeating every facet of life in 2020 we are left wondering, do buffets even have a future in American society? We believe the short answer to be yes. Having said that, in order to responsibly present buffets in a society plagued by a virus and its variants, traditional aspects of an all-you-can-eat scenario will look very different for the foreseeable future — or what we like to call Buffets 2.0., the next iteration of American-style smorgasbords.

Stackable Porcelana plates by Libbey.
More plates are a necessity for Buffets 2.0. Make sure they are easily storable and stackable like Libbey’s Porcelana dishware.

Problems Solved by Buffets 2.0

When it comes to traditional buffets, the two main problems Covid brings to the table are:

  • Surface cleanliness, including serving utensils and;
  • Social distancing to prevent airborne transmission.

Several studies have shown indoor dining to be a particularly effective way for the virus to propagate and infect others mainly due to respiratory droplets. Researchers have also found the six foot guideline to be ineffective in indoor areas with poor ventilation and high humidity. 

Libbey bowls and cups. Porcelana, Porcelana Infinity, and the Slate bowl.
Shareable desserts presented in small dishware including the Slate White Square Bowl, the Porcelana Infinity Fruit Bowl, and the Porcelana 7 Oz. Bouillon Cup.

The Server Solution

In lieu of traditional casino, cruise, resort, and restaurant buffet lines, the next evolutional stage necessary for safety is eliminating self-service. Rather than hundreds of patrons sharing tongs and other utensils, servers wearing masks and gloves will portion out the food. This creates a major reduction in surface touch points and greatly reduces the chance of cross contamination on the buffet line. Guests can rest assured that there will remain no technical limit to the number of times they can return for seconds, thirds, and fourths.

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Antimicrobial Dishware

For Buffets 2.0 where servers plate the food, the invention and use of antimicrobial dishware gives guests a feeling of safety and reassurance. The first-ever porcelain dinnerware with built-in Microban® technology, Constellation proactively defends your reputation–helping you confidently ensure a fresher dining experience. It adds a new level of 24/7 product protection, helping minimize microbial growth that contributes to the presence of bacteria, stains, and lingering odors – for ultimate peace of mind.

Constellation China by Syracuse China.
Antimicrobial Constellation Dinnerware.

Save on Food Waste

One advantage for restaurants and venues who hosted traditional buffets is they required less staff than a seated menu environment. Naturally, less people on the payroll saved on overhead costs and allowed restaurants to profit from the buffet model. The additional wages and server training required by Buffets 2.0 should be taken into consideration to determine if buffets are still viable option for your establishment.

One solution to manage the cost of increasing staff is to limit portion sizes. Guests tend to take more than they eat at buffets. Subsequently, smaller plates and more manageable portions will reduce food waste and food cost. A reduction of food waste is good for the environment and saves the establishment a sizeable amount of money. It’s a win-win for everyone.

Libbey cast iron tray and trivet.
A perfectly portioned warm meal served in Bedrock Ovenware, shown with a cast iron tray and trivet.

Another benefit of limiting buffet portion sizes is nutrition. We’re all familiar with the idiom “your eyes bigger than your stomach” because we’ve all experienced it, especially at buffets. Science has linked this behavior to dopamine release, one of the feel-good neurotransmitters, during the initial bite and again while digesting.

Servers plating smaller portion sizes will help guests feel satisfied and satiated while they maintain a reasonable caloric intake. Likewise, smaller portions will allow guests to enjoy the buffet experience while making it easier to avoid overeating. Smaller portions will, for instance, build more positive experiences and create better memories resulting in more frequent returns.

A Cast Iron Pie Plate has multiple uses within buffet settings, as shown above.
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The Resurgence of Small Plates

For banquet-style buffets at catered events like weddings or other celebrations, the Buffet 2.0 trend offers chefs the chance to plate creatively. Above all, aesthetically pleasing presentations offers guests some eye candy along with delectable flavor. With the rise of small plates and individually portioned bites, smaller portions of food set up at buffet stations can be served in fun ways with products such as:

  • Mini wood cutting boards
  • Enclosed glass cloches
  • Cocktail and shot glasses
  • Mini cast iron skillets
  • Ramekins, sauce, and boullion bowls
  • Serving/tasting spoons
  • Small slate serving trays
  • Lids and coverings

Guests can now revel in their very own cheese plates, charcuterie boards, gorgeous desserts, and savory sides using a variety of smaller dishware.

Libbey® 1650 Clear 2.5 Ounce Cordial Glass
This Cordial Shooter Glass is the perfect size and shape for creative buffet presentation.

Creative Social Distancing

Events planners should opt for larger spaces than was once was necessary to:

  • Offset the threat of airborne transmission.
  • Reduce the chance of respiratory droplets making their way onto dinner.
  • Maintain safe social distances.
  • Prevent overcrowding in any one area.

When food stations are spaced out, guests will avoid congregating in the same location resulting in a safe flow of people. By the same token, buffet stations that are spaced out throughout a venue are fun and offer guests more areas to look forward to and explore.

A flying buffet featuring Schonwald dishware.
A “flying buffet” featuring small bites served in dishware such as the 2 oz. Unlimited Square Dish.

Manned Action Stations

In addition to grab and go food stations safety spread out within the venue, manned action stations allow guests to watch the skilled preparation of different food and interact with the chef. Different action station ideas include:

  • Carving meats to suit individual preferences
  • Eggs made to order
  • Wok dishes
  • Stone-fired pizza

Action stations are a fun and unique way to add further entertainment and value to the guest experience.

Libbey Farmhouse Plate.
Mini tacos atop a rustic Farmhouse Plate.

Family Style/Buffet at the Table

Analysts predict a rise in family style buffets as an alternative to traditional buffets, where servers bring shareables to the tables. This allows people to stay in their small, “safe groups” and enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet experience in a more intimate, shared setting. Another benefit is table-based mobile ordering allows the guests more convenience and reduces contact with the servers. Additionally, restaurants should be sure to serve cost-effective, popular dishes to offset the cost of offering an endless supply of food.

Farmhouse by Libbey.
A family-style buffet dish plated on Farmhouse dinnerware.

Guest Responsibility

Buffets 2.0 will only be as hygienic as attendees allow it to be. This includes properly wearing a mask whenever not eating, diligently sanitizing and washing hands, and maintaining appropriate distances from others. Encouraging considerate habits will enhance the Buffet 2.0 experience for guests thereupon encouraging the safe reopening of restaurants.

Shop All Libbey Glassware »

Wherever there’s a celebration, there’s Libbey. We help foodservice professionals create unforgettable moments with glassware, tableware and flatware known worldwide for their style, selection and durability.  

Since 1818, Libbey has been celebrated for its artistry and innovation in glassmaking. We rank as the top glassware manufacturer in the Americas and one of the largest tableware suppliers in the world, with products unparalleled in craftsmanship and beauty.

Comments

  1. Hotel CityClub

    Nice blog author. Thank you.

  2. sonat

    There are different models in the reception, the buffet menu, re self-service menu and the selection menu are three distinct and main types of food served in restaurants and hotels.

    The idea of a free buffet is lovely and practical, and it is one of the various models of catering in restaurants that has become very popular today. It is considered a modern and luxurious type of self-service.

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