About three and a half years ago I came across one of these Homestyle Buffet Restaurants. We have been frequenting it ever since.

There are a few 'rules' which should be explained when you paid~they are also on your reservation slip/receipt. The guidelines are as follows, slip face up while eating and face down when you have finished dining, use clean plate for each trip to the buffet, children under ten should be escorted to the buffet by an adult, and no taking food or beverages from the restaurant.

The Price it right and the food is tasty. Kids under two eat free then when they hit two the charge is fifty to fifty-five cents per year depending on meal of day (lunch/dinner). For adults and teens it is a little over eight dollars. They also have special for senior citizens. For the most part the menu stays the same with the exception of meat options. The meat selection includes, depending on the day, chicken (fried/baked/bbq), turkey (daily) ham and on occasion roast beef. There is a wonderful salad bar, which includes various salads, fruit and Jell-O. The side dishes that can be found daily are mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, various sweet breads, wings, veggies, corn on the cob (usually only during the summer but I have seen at other times of the year), fish (usually baked but sometimes fried) and french fries. There is also a mini soup/taco/hotdog bar. I almost forgot there is a wide array of desserts including sugar-free for diabetics!

Being that it is a buffet style restaurant, obviously implies self serve. The etiquette is as follows. You pay before you eat then you select a table and put your 'reservation' receipt in view. Now it is time to eat! Go get your plate, utensils, napkins and make your food and beverage selections. When you get back to your table the 'waitress' (she clears the table between courses) will introduce herself.

On certain days there are special attractions, themed foods and desert servers. For example Monday thru Thursday, between four and seven in the evening, a clown makes balloon animals for the kids. Sometimes you will find a table with a staff member painting kids faces/hands. And most days the Hometown Bee (their mascot character) will make rounds throughout the restaurant giving kids helium balloons and saying hello. I believe Thursday is barbecue night, you will find BBQ chicken and BBQ spare ribs. Thursday night you will also be in for another special treat, they set up 'sundae' stand (server making various sundae ice creams). This facility also has a side room for private parties.

While this place can get noisy and crowded the staff maintains cleanliness. The floor staff promptly clears dishes from your table, and the bathroom usually is impeccable. The staff is very friendly and consumer oriented.

One time, near the end of our meal, my daughter threw up the entire meal. The manager was at our table in a flash. She gave us wash cloths to clean her up, asked if she was OK and if I needed to use the phone to call the pediatrician. She also gave us free passes for our next visit. Although we left almost immediately after the incident, the genuine concern and gesture were much appreciated.

My daughter is two and this place is one of her favorites. It is one of mine too. My daughter and I get to go out to eat without breaking the budget, not only that, we get a full meal, salad, fruit, soup, side order, main dish, desert and a drink! We leave satisfied.

Although tipping is not expected I would recommend it, as the staff is wonderful.

10/2001
My daughter now says:
"Let's go to the buffet"

Recommended: Yes