Encourage Others to Get Their Fill on National Buffet Day
Restaurants around the country are preparing for National Buffet Day. The annual event takes place on January 2nd and celebrates the many delicious foods found on buffet lines. From soups and salads to entrees and desserts, people of all ages and with all types of preferences can find something appetizing to eat.
The custom of a smorgasbord had its prime in early 18th century Sweden and developed into a modern buffet at the beginning of the 19th century. The custom originated from the Brannvinsbord, a Swedish schnapps table from the middle of the 16th century. The expansion of railroads throughout Europe increased the popularity of the buffet.
Smorgasbord because an internationally known word when the buffet was introduced to Americans at the 1939 New York World’s Fair. It was a way to show off the best Swedish food to a crowd. The term buffet referred to the French sideboard furniture that held the food being served. It was accepted by the English-speaking world in the second half of the 20th century.
Types of Buffets
There are a number of different types of buffets to choose from. Each has its own style of cuisine and pricing options. Here are some of the more popular buffets you’ll find in the United States:
- All You Can Eat. There is no limit to the amount of food a person eats. One set price pays for it all, soups, salads, entrees, side dishes, breads, and desserts.
- Cafeteria Style. This type of buffet is also known as a la carte. Diners choose which foods they want from the buffet and each item is rang up separately by a cashier.
- Special Occasion. Restaurants often have special buffets throughout the year as a way of offering variety to their customers. The buffet typically has a theme like a baked potato bar or a taco bar where people can create their own meal by choosing a variety of fixings.
- Catered. Birthday parties, wedding receptions, and anniversary parties often feature a buffet. This style of dining is popular because every guest can get what they want rather than be limited to one or two different meal options.
There are homestyle, Chinese, Italian, and even Middle Eastern buffets throughout North America with each offering its own signature dishes. In Las Vegas, casino buffets are a big deal. Some offer a “trip around the world” with multiple ethnicities’ dishes to choose from. It isn’t unusual to see all of the aforementioned types of cuisine in one location.
Buffet Restaurant Owners Use Custom Lapel Pins in a Number of Ways
Buffet restaurant owners create custom lapel pins and use them in a variety of ways. The items help identify and recognize employees. Pins also promote the buffet business. Customers are given a token of appreciation on special occasions like National Buffet Day. It helps to keep the restaurant in the forefront of people’s minds and also motivates them to share their experience with family members and friends.