Several outlets report that all-you-can-eat buffet restaurants are fading, attributing the decline largely to changes in consumer behavior during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The story is framed as part of a broader shift away from earlier decades’ “café society” style dining, when buffets were a popular, widespread option in places such as Las Vegas. One source notes that buffet dining gained early prominence in the post–World War II era, with contemporary local coverage describing large public interest in the opening of what was presented as America’s first all-you-can-eat buffet. While the historical context illustrates how buffets became culturally embedded, current reporting emphasizes that COVID-era health concerns and resulting adjustments to how people eat out have continued to shape demand. Across coverage, the decline is presented as gradual rather than sudden, with fewer customers willing to return to the buffet format and businesses facing ongoing operational challenges tied to pandemic-era norms. Overall, the sources link the reduced viability of buffets to the lasting impact of COVID on restaurant patronage and perceptions of shared, self-serve dining.