Reports that buffet dining is dead have been greatly exaggerated. Pizza Inn launched a Right-Way Buffet effort to reassure guests as restaurants continue to reopen across the United States.
The chain has instituted changes that include having all team members wear safety masks and gloves. Buffet traffic will be one way to help adhere to social distancing guidelines. Each buffet will have a dedicated and visible sanitizer captain who will uphold the new cleaning and sanitation standards in the restaurant. Additional sanitation stations have been added throughout.
At some locations where the layout allows, Pizza Inn will change the buffet to a layout that allows team members to serve guests cafeteria-style. At other locations, team members will serve guests at their tables. Table-service of items like plates, silverware, napkins and condiments that previously were self-service will now be available from team members.
The salad bar will look different by location, depending on local or state regulations. Some salads will be grab-and-go, when allowed by the health department, or served at the table. At locations with a fully operational salad bar, guests will receive gloves or sanitizer, and Pizza Inn will change utensils after each guest. Team members will bring fresh utensils and napkins to each guest once they take their seats, and many locations are offering options to pay from the table to limit touchpoints in the restaurant.
Self-serve beverage stations have been closed and team members will now bring drinks to guests at their tables.
“With dining rooms reopening across the country, it is our top priority to ensure that our guests feel safe inside our restaurants,” says Justin Smith, senior director of operations. “Our new Right-Way Buffet is our way of giving guests the buffet experience that they have come to love while practicing enhanced health and safety measures. Guest feedback so far has been very positive, with many telling me they're glad we're open and able to offer them the variety and quality that they have loved for over 60 years. For those who feel more comfortable enjoying Pizza Inn at home, our Contactless Buffet To Go is still available for carryout and delivery.”