HomeTown Buffet is primed for growth as it has ever been,” said Michael Andrews, Jr., CEO of Buffets, Inc. “We have spent the last decade perfecting our model both as a concept and as an internal support system. We are better equipped than ever as we turn our focus toward our key markets and our continued and rejuvenated franchise growth.” 

After a 10-year, 74-unit run of corporate-owned HomeTown Buffet locations, boasting more than 668 national locations and an annual revenue of approximately $1.7 billion, Buffets, Inc., has molded itself atop the Buffet/Cafeteria segment. In conjunction with HomeTown Buffet, the Buffets, Inc., portfolio operates Old Country Buffet and Ryan’s Family Steakhouse brands. The company employs nearly 275 people at its corporate office, as well as approximately 38,000 employees collectively at its restaurant locations throughout the country. 

Now, the buffet industry giant is seeking to expand the HomeTown Buffet concept by carefully handpicking experienced, restaurateurs capable of operating multiple units. The initial investment for a HomeTown Buffet franchise ranges from $2.1 million to $3.2 million, with a royalty fee of 4 percent and an advertising budget ranging from 1.5-2.5 percent, depending on media availability and market efficiencies. 

HomeTown Buffet diners enjoy a 100-item menu containing high quality steaks, quarterly and holiday specials, and high impact “crowd pleasers” such as shrimp, barbeque ribs, salmon, and other high quality menu offerings. HomeTown’s self-service format allows customers to get out of their seats, roam around and take what they want, when they want.

Currently, several new menu options are in the testing stage for near future rollout at the Buffets, Inc. state-of-the-art Ideation Center, which is staffed with a team which includes company co-founder and renowned food expert C. Dennis Scott. At the center, the company tests new menu offerings, operational technologies, and a multitude of other developmental-stage projects.

 Initiatives that have originated within the Ideation Center include enhancements to Hometown Buffet’s standard made-from-scratch recipes, including guest favorites such as mac and cheese and pot roast, as well as concept defining menu items such as a thicker, juicier steak cut and the use of a proprietary steak seasoning and marinade.

Currently, HomeTown Buffet is focusing its franchise expansion efforts in the Northern California, San Francisco Bay Area, seeking 3-5 developers to open 15-20 units. The company is also aggressively targeting the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area for 3-5 developers to build 10-15 units, and the Tampa/St. Petersburg/Orlando markets, where they hope to ink deals with 5-7 developers to open 20-25 units.

 “Potential HomeTown Buffet franchise partners have access to a long-lasting and rewarding concept backed by a major leader in the segment that has spent a great deal of time and energy perfecting the business model for ultimate success,” Andrews said.

HomeTown Buffet restaurants are strategically concentrated in key markets across the country as a way to achieve operating and advertising synergies. Restaurants are located in high-customer traffic venues and include freestanding and strip shopping center locations.

Core restaurants range from approximately 9,000-11,500 sq. feet in size and generally can seat between 300 and 375 people. Each location employs approximately 100 people – offering an economy boost to communities where multiple locations plan to open.

Franchise partners and their management teams receive in-depth training focusing on food preparation, labor management, inventory control and key operations.

About Buffets, Inc.

Serving more than 220 million customers annually, Buffets, Inc., is one of the leading restaurant operators in the United States. Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Eagan, MN, the 668-unit chain has recently relaunched its HomeTown Buffet franchise opportunity. The majority of Buffets, Inc.’s, restaurants are operated under the HomeTown Buffet®, Old Country Buffet® and Ryan’s Grill, Buffet and Bakery® names. With an extensive menu of more than 100 items, Buffets, Inc.’s, cuisine contains a broad appeal and high-quality, largely “made-from-scratch” preparation. Restaurants serve lunch and dinner seven days a week and offer breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays.