"Let's Eat Our Fill of Galbi and Pork Belly"... Americans Hooked on All-You-Can-Eat Buffets Amid High Prices

U.S. buffet searches up 252% this year
Korean barbecue chains rapidly gaining ground

Buffets are gaining popularity in the United States, where high prices have made dining out more costly. The trend comes as more consumers prioritize value for money amid economic uncertainty stemming from the war in the Middle East involving Iran and rising grocery prices. Korean restaurant chains featuring Korean barbecue are also expanding their presence in the U.S. market.

A Korean restaurant chain specializing in Korean barbecue is growing in the United States. Screenshot from the K-Pot Korean BBQ & Hot Pot website.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on October 25 local time that buffets offering unlimited food are gaining popularity in the United States. According to Yelp, a U.S. review platform, searches for buffets by U.S. consumers increased 252% this year compared with the previous year. While large chains such as Golden Corral, which has about 350 locations across the country, are targeting a broad customer base, small restaurants and startups are also building their presence.

Goodtime, which recently opened in New York's East Village, offers about 20 unlimited dishes, including entrees, sides and desserts, for $26.99 (about 35,000 won). Goodtime co-founder David Yoon told the WSJ, "These days, even a bowl of salad with protein costs around $25 (about 33,000 won)," adding, "We wanted to offer a buffet at a reasonable price that would bring back memories." Building on its success in New York, Goodtime is pursuing plans to expand its locations.

Uzbek grocery store Tashkent Supermarket also opened its first Manhattan location in the West Village last year. Customers can fill takeout containers with dozens of dishes sold for $10.99 to $11.99 per pound, including spinach pastries and "fantasy salad," layered with chicken, potatoes, mayonnaise and beets.

Uzbekistan grocery store "Tashkent Supermarket." Instagram screenshot.

One of the most prominent up-and-comers in the U.S. buffet market is K-Pot Korean BBQ & Hot Pot. It has opened 165 locations over the past five years and expanded into about 40 states. It is also one of the largest Korean restaurant chains in the United States.

Using grills and broth pots installed at each table, customers can enjoy unlimited servings of meat such as galbi, bulgogi and pork belly, as well as vegetables, tofu and noodles. Prices are $36.99 (about 47,000 won) in New York and $31.99 (about 42,000 won) in Oklahoma City.

"K-Pot Korean Barbecue and Hot Pot." Screenshot from Instagram (@kpotbbqandhotpot)

With the U.S. midterm elections coming up next month, prices are considered one of the country's key issues. As the war involving Iran has driven up international oil prices and increased the cost of living, more Americans are cutting back on food spending and prioritizing value for money when dining out. Industry observers expect buffets to remain popular for the time being amid high prices.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.