A beloved chain known for its all-you-can-eat soup and salad buffet that served favorites such as Tuna Tarragon, Big Chunk Chicken Noodle Soup and Joan's Broccoli Madness is planning to reopen in California next year.
Souplantation, also known as Sweet Tomatoes, said on social media that it would be reopening in Fountain Valley, California, in 2027. The chain, which had closed all its locations during the peak of the pandemic, has already started to reopen in other parts of the country.
While Sweet Tomatoes was out of business for several years, the restaurant said all the recipes will be the same as you remember. In addition to the tuna, soup and broccoli, expect such longtime popular dishes such as focaccia bread, Wonton Happiness and cornbread.
Sweet Tomatoes, which is known as Souplantation in California, first opened in San Diego, California, in 1978, and closed in 2020 during the peak of the pandemic. At the time, John Haywood, the CEO of Garden Fresh Restaurants, filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and said the company would likely have to permanently close all 97 locations after pandemic guidelines on self-service stations.
Locations were shuttered for several years before Sweet Tomatoes reopened in Tucson, Arizona, in 2024, and, this summer, it opened another location in Fort Myers, Florida. Marlee Lossing, director of corporate affairs with Sweet Tomatoes, said there are plans for just one California location for now, but they are "always evaluating markets and opportunities for future expansion."
With the news of it coming back to its original state, Sweet Tomatoes Instagram followers begged for it to reopen where it all started in San Diego.
However, it doesn't matter where in California for some diners. Commenters said they are ready to make the trek, with some even saying they already drove all the way to Arizona for another taste.
"Souplantation and Sweet Tomatoes are such beloved brands, and we’re incredibly excited to have the opportunity to bring this experience back to so many loyal guests in California," Lossing said.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Beloved buffet chain is finally reopening in California. Here's where
