OHIO - If you grew up in Ohio, you know the drill. Sunday afternoon meant a trip to the "trough." Whether it was the sneeze guard at Ponderosa, the chocolate fountain at Golden Corral, or the endless rolls at Ryan’s, the all-you-can-eat buffet was the backbone of Ohio family dining. It was affordable, it was plentiful, and it was everywhere.
OHIO - If you grew up in Ohio, you know the drill. Sunday afternoon meant a trip to the "trough." Whether it was the sneeze guard at Ponderosa, the chocolate fountain at Golden Corral, or the endless rolls at Ryan’s, the all-you-can-eat buffet was the backbone of Ohio family dining. It was affordable, it was plentiful, and it was everywhere.But in 2026, the era of the endless plate is officially collapsing.
From the suburbs of Columbus to the rural routes of Appalachia, buffet chains are shuttering locations at a stunning rate. While one specific region of Ohio continues to keep the tradition alive, the generic chain buffet is facing extinction. Here is why the "All-You-Can-Eat" model is dying in the Buckeye State.
The Casualties: Who is Closing?
- Ponderosa & Bonanza: These were once the kings of Ohio dining. Today, they are essentially "ghost brands." After decades of shrinking, the few remaining franchise locations in rural Ohio are struggling to keep the lights on. The days of the "Grand Buffet" add-on to your steak are nearly gone.
- Golden Corral: The national giant has retreated significantly. High-profile closures in Cincinnati and Cleveland suburbs have left massive, empty buildings that are difficult to lease. In 2026, the chain is pivoting hard toward "fast-casual" concepts because the old model simply burns too much cash.
- Old Country Buffet: A name that induces instant nostalgia for 90s kids. The brand has completely evaporated from the Ohio landscape, leaving a void for cheap, volume-based eating that no fast-food joint can replicate.
Reason 1: The "Meat Math" Doesn't Work
Ohioans love their protein, but the economics of "Endless Steak" are broken.
-
The Inflation Problem: Restaurant margins are razor-thin. In 2019, a buffet could survive if a customer ate three plates. In 2026, with the cost of beef and eggs skyrocketing, restaurants lose money the moment you go back for seconds. To make a profit, they would need to charge $30 a head—a price point that drives Ohio families to Applebee's instead.
Reason 2: The "Chipotle Effect"
Ohio is the unofficial "test market capital" of the US, and it is the birthplace of the modern fast-casual movement.
-
The Shift: Younger Ohioans (Gen Z and Millennials) have rejected the quantity-over-quality model. They don't want a heat-lamp tray of mystery lasagna. They want a Bibibop bowl or a customized Chipotle burrito. The trend in Ohio has aggressively shifted toward "Fresh & Fast" rather than "Unlimited & Heavy."
The Exception: Amish Country
You cannot talk about Ohio buffets without mentioning the outlier: Holmes County.
- Why It Survives: While the chains die, Der Dutchman and Berlin Farmstead are busier than ever.
- The Lesson: Ohioans will still drive two hours for a buffet, but it has to be homemade. The generic frozen food at a chain buffet won't cut it anymore, but authentic Amish mashed potatoes and broasted chicken are recession-proof.
The Future: The "Asian Grid"
The buffet isn't dead; it's just changing languages. While Ponderosa fades, Hot Pot and Korean BBQ spots are exploding in Columbus (near OSU) and Cleveland’s Asiatown. These spots charge a premium ($30-$40) for an interactive, high-quality all-you-can-eat experience. The "feed trough" is out; the "dining experience" is in.
