Ribs, pizza and steak: A new American-style buffet is opening soon in the Peoria area
In East Peoria, the branding for Pho Noodle House has given way to signs for Farmer’s Buffet. The building’s electronic sign shifts between two messages: “Pho Noodle open” and “Buffet coming soon.”
The online Peoria community has been abuzz with discussion about the anticipated business – with one Feb. 16 Facebook post garnering over 190 reactions and 70 comments.
The opening date has not been set yet, according to owner Sam Mach.
Mach has over four decades of experience in the restaurant industry. Last June, he said he decided to open a buffet in the East Peoria space – situated at 206 W. Camp St. The location was once home to Grand Village Buffet, which closed just over five years ago.
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What will happen to Pho Noodle House?
Inside the restaurant, opaque plastic sheets separate much of the coming buffet from the dining area at Pho Noodle House.
Mach said the current restaurant will continue to operate until Farmer’s Buffet opens for business. At that point, he said the entire space will become a part of the buffet.
“Probably 99% people like to see this place open back to the buffet,” he said. “Maybe 1% that’s really sad because I have to close down the noodle house.”
In the future, however, Mach said he may consider opening Pho Noodle House in a new location.
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What kind of food does Farmer’s Buffet offer?
Mach described the business as an “American style” buffet.
The restaurant will feature a salad bar and a dessert bar, as well as a carving station for ham, turkey and other meats. Customers may also find foods such as:
Pizza
Chicken wings
Pork chops
Meatloaf
Spaghetti
Fried pickles
Along with this, Mach plans to offer complimentary daily specials. These may include prime rib, baby back ribs, jumbo shrimp, ribeye and other dishes. He said adults will be given a ticket from the cashier, which can be used to receive the daily specials.
“All my customers over here in this little town will take a lot of advantage of what I'm going to put out for less than $20 a person (for adults),” Mach said. He said he is still deciding the prices for children.
Drinks will be available for an additional charge. Customers can order soda, tea, smoothies, freshly brewed coffee and more.
“That's the key – that I'm gonna make things right and make sure they (are) happy with it,” Mach said.
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Learning ‘from other successful’ businesses
Before piling their plates with a variety of dishes, customers will first have to wash their hands. Mach said the health department does not require buffets to implement such policies but said, "I learned from other successful or good business that I saw."
The entrance leads guests down a corridor and to a set of handwashing stations. After washing up, customers will be able to pay for their meal, order drinks and visit the buffet.
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This article originally appeared on Journal Star: American-style buffet to open in East Peoria
