As Souplantation fans mourned the loss of their cherished buffet, a new spot in Rancho Cucamonga, Soup 'n Fresh, has stepped up to fill the void. The family-operated restaurant, which flung open its doors on February 28, has seen a flood of Souplantation enthusiasts formulating lines reminiscent of the old days. According to LA Eater, the Soup 'n Fresh setup mirrors the now-shuttered chain, right down to the all-you-can-eat offerings and the familiar interior.
The implications of this revival are significant after the COVID-19 pandemic drastically unsettled the buffet industry. Souplantation shuttered all 97 of its locations following the FDA's recommendations to cease self-service stations. It was a death knell for the brand, which was beloved for its diverse offerings of salads, soups, and baked goods. Despite these setbacks, establishments like Soup 'n Fresh, are reviving the concept, to the joy of former Souplantation patrons, reported KTLA.
Located on Foothill Boulevard and Vineyard Avenue, Soup 'n Fresh is more than a homage—it's a resurrection of a community favorite. A bright, open-concept dining area welcomes guests who can indulge in an expansive feast priced at $16.99 for lunch and $18.99 for dinner, with special rates for children and seniors. The restaurant currently operates during a soft opening phase before making a splash with its grand opening scheduled for April 2.
In what seems like an echo of the past, patrons can fill their plates with an assortment of greens, ladle out soothing soups, or scoop up comforting pasta—reminiscent of the Souplantation days. This allure of nostalgia is accompanied by a modern taste for the familiar, and Soup 'n Fresh captures that, and more. As one of the restaurant's co-owners stated on social media, "they’ve been quite busy with customers since opening," signaling a welcome return to buffets for American diners.
It's not just Soup 'n Fresh cashing in on the buffet nostalgia. Sweet Tomatoes, also hit by the pandemic closures, announced a fresh start in Tucson, AR with plans to open a new location at the end of this month. For now, Soup 'n Fresh serves as a reminder of Southern California's unwavering love for endless servings of comfort foods. The establishment rolls out its welcome mat Sunday through Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and on Fridays and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., ready for the inevitable lines longing for just one more ladle of soup.
