Buffets, bellies prepare for return of all-you-can-eat fare in Sask.

Put on your stretchy pants because come this Sunday, some all-you-can-eat dine-in establishments are back in action.

All public health measures put in place due to COVID-19 are being lifted Sunday.

When the pandemic hit last year, many buffet businesses were impacted.

Once a “help yourself” and “load up your plate” service, some buffets ended up putting up plastic barriers and workers would dish out the helpings. Some restaurants closed the service altogether.

For China Liang’s Buffet, the word “buffet” is literally in its name and it had to forgo its well-known buffet completely.

“Once everything locked down, we only did takeout,” said co-owner Rita Liang. “Before the pandemic, 99 per cent of the business came from the buffet. One per cent was from the takeout. So it was really hurtful for us.”

China Liang’s Buffet turned to paper menus and takeout, but it wasn’t the same.

“Inside our restaurant, our buffet dinner table is in the centre of the dining room,” Liang said. “That’s why we switched to the menu. We just put all the items in a paper list, then we give (people) the paper, they select whatever they like from the list and we bring out the food from the kitchen.

“Still, not a lot of people liked that because people like to go (to the) buffet. They like to see what they want and see which items looks good, and then they just help themselves to take all the food. (Switching back to) all-you-can-eat is another way for us to bring (back) more people because people used to get buffet and they don’t like this.”

On Wednesday, Liang spoke to the health inspector, who explained as of Sunday, everything will be going back to normal.

“Right now on our door, (a sign says) you have to wear a mask before you come in the restaurant,” Liang said. “But we will take it off on Sunday because the government says you don’t have to.

“We don’t know if people will like to come out. Even a lot of people called us (to see) if the buffet will be open like normal on Sunday. So we (are trying) to open like normal.”

Liang explained she has given her employees the option of whether or not they want to wear a mask or not, but many have expressed they will continue to wear one. As far as customers go, it is up to them to wear a mask, and they can help themselves to the food.

“You see some other countries (have gone) back to normal, “Liang said. “But after a few weeks the small virus is coming out, and they lock down again. So right now, we just prepare this regularly. We don’t dare prepare a lot of food. (We don’t) want to waste like (it like) last year in March.”

Hand sanitizer will still be available for customers as well as two exits and entrances to the restaurant.