Ontario - Mandarin buffet reopening

People won't go then

booblehead wrote: ↑ People won't go then

Yeah, at this point what is there to differentiate it from Manchu Wok or any other chain chinese food place?

booblehead wrote: ↑ People won't go then

People will go, just not in droves. Last time when they tried this format the restaurant looked very much dead. A few seats here and there with people sitting in them.
I wish they would have just offered a flat rate price instead of charging per plate. That would be nice.

I know people who do take out from Mandarin. Dine in a la carte just isn't the Mandarin experience though.

This restaurant has NEVER impressed me
I honestly DO NOT GET IT … the brouhaha

I would much rather head to a more authentic experience in a China Town say for Dim Sum
Than a strip mall buffet in the burbs
For mediocre food

Like I said … not for me
I don’t get the attraction at all

this concept is not new by mandarin buffet. they did this in september 2020

I keep hearing it's impossible for Mandarin to switch to AYCE August 8, spring grill house, etc. style where you you just order AYCE off an iPad.

So are there any actual Buffet style restaurants opening in Stage 3 next Friday?

Bebo123 wrote: ↑ So are there any actual Buffet style restaurants opening in Stage 3 next Friday?

None I am aware of. The restaurant would need to ensure people are maintaining 2 meter distance while getting food. What restaurant is going to be able to police that with the average karen out there.

kr0zet wrote: ↑ None I am aware of. The restaurant would need to ensure people are maintaining 2 meter distance while getting food. What restaurant is going to be able to police that with the average karen out there.

The "buffet" would be replaced with an AYCE bring to the table format. That IS possible. Japanese restaurants have been doing it that way for years.
Also, places like Rodeo would have their salad bar closed, but bring food non stop to the table in rotation, as they always have.
(they would bring a "salad plate" to the table as a starter)

Some Hot Pot AYCE places might open while others may delay opening.

I would have bill tally anxiety as I could lose track on how many plates have been ordered. …. Which plate is $5

booblehead wrote: ↑ I would have bill tally anxiety as I could lose track on how many plates have been ordered. …. Which plate is $5

The best example (for one person @ Mandarin) of a $4.99 plate is the steak strips.

How long can mandarin last without the buffet. Im guessing they own their own land instead of renting it.

evilYoda wrote: ↑ How long can mandarin last without the buffet. Im guessing they own their own land instead of renting it.

Not true for various locations. I can indeed confirm that both their Yonge & Eglinton & Scarborough locations are rented.
Not sure about other locations.
They are making good money on delivery, but nothing close to what they made on the buffet.
Good for them for somehow being able to tie a knot and hang on, while riding out this pandemic mess.

I wouldn't want to go to a buffet restaurant yet so this is smart (though i don't do indoor dining anyways yet).
However will they milk it so that prices are much higher than eating buffet style?

Quentin5 wrote: ↑ I wouldn't want to go to a buffet restaurant yet so this is smart (though i don't do indoor dining anyways yet).
However will they milk it so that prices are much higher than eating buffet style?

Yes. They already did this. They're doing it again. Charging for every single plate. It adds up quickly, even if you do skip the steak.
Another $4.99 plate is their Banana split dessert, if desired.
I would much rather pay one flat rate price and have plates brought to me without the stress of wondering how much I am spending.

playnicee1 wrote: ↑ Yes. They already did this. They're doing it again. Charging for every single plate. It adds up quickly, even if you do skip the steak.
Another $4.99 plate is their Banana split dessert, if desired.

If my bill by the plate is higher than buffet then i will take my business elsewhere.

Quentin5 wrote: ↑ If my bill by the plate is higher than buffet then i will take my business elsewhere.

I guarantee that unless you leave things out (ie steak, dessert, spring rolls, salad, soup) it's very easy to go over what the buffet price once was.

playnicee1 wrote: ↑ I guarantee that unless you leave things out (ie steak, dessert, spring rolls, salad, soup) it's very easy to go over what the buffet price once was.

Noted.