Introduction
Atlantic City is well-known for its luxurious casinos and their extravagant buffets, often being the highlight of any trip. However, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, all buffets across Atlantic City were closed due to safety concerns. But now, as the world battles the pandemic, casinos in Atlantic City are making a comeback. Visitors are wondering about the fate of the all-you-can-eat buffets and are eager to know if they will be able to relish the feast once again.
Feast or Famine: The Current State of Buffets in Atlantic City Casinos
Since the pandemic engulfed the world, Atlantic City casinos closed their buffets in March 2020. This decision was taken by the casinos themselves. Buffets draw huge crowds, which makes it difficult to control social distancing protocols. Hence, buffets were deemed too risky, and all dining was shifted to a-la-carte options.
All You Can Eat: A Look into the Reopening of Buffets in Atlantic City
The good news is that Atlantic City casinos are back in business and so are the buffets. Reopening buffets comes with its own set of challenges, and casinos have been planning and implementing measures to ensure the safety of their guests and employees. There are a few common measures that most of the casinos have adopted. These include placing hand sanitizer stations, enforcing social distancing between tables, and using disposable plates and utensils.
Buffet Battle: Which Atlantic City Casinos Have Brought Back the Buffet?
While all of Atlantic City’s casinos have reopened, only a few have brought back the buffets. Caesars Palace is the first casino in Atlantic City to resume its buffet service, following in the footsteps of Caesar’s Palace Las Vegas. Tropicana and Harrah’s have also reopened their buffets, but with a different setup – only servers can access the buffet, and guests place their orders with the server. Golden Nugget has decided to change the buffet to a market-style venue, where guests can pick what they want from a menu, and the staff will serve them.
A Culinary Comeback: Atlantic City’s Casino Buffets Return in a New Way
While the buffets have returned to the casinos, they are certainly not the same as before. Safety measures require a limit on capacity, and casino management has used this as an opportunity to revamp the whole experience. The changes are not only to meet the current safety protocols but also to modify the buffet experience. For instance, the Caesars Palace buffet, which is usually sprawling out over 27,000 square feet, has been made smaller in size to allow for proper spacing between tables. While this may mean less variety, it ensures that guests still have ample space to move around freely.
The Return of the Buffet Binge: Are Buffets Open in Atlantic City Casinos Again?
Yes, buffets are open, and in fact, several of the casinos have begun their services. These include Caesars Palace, Tropicana, Harrah’s, and Golden Nugget. However, casinos have implemented safety measures to comply with the CDC guidelines. Casinos may also have limited operating days or hours, so it’s best to check before you go.
Sampling the Smorgasbord: Exploring the Reopening of Buffets at Atlantic City Casinos
Many casinos have reopened, and it’s essential to understand the changes made before heading out. For example, while walking up to the buffet may be prohibited, guests can still indulge in some great food. Caesars Palace offers an all-you-can-eat menu, which can be ordered through your phone or by a server. Golden Nugget and Harrah’s allow guests to choose items from a menu and serve them to individual tables.
Conclusion
The pandemic changed the dynamics of tourism across the globe, and Atlantic City was no exception. With the reopening of the casinos and buffets, the townscape seems to have come back to life. While the measures taken by the casinos may be cumbersome, they are necessary to ensure that the return of the buffets are safe for everyone. Only time will tell what the future holds for the buffets in Atlantic City; however, it is sure that the feasting culture will persist, albeit in different forms, for years to come.