The Wire

News and dispatches from the world of all-you-can-eat dining.

September 25, 2026

Sizzler Plans Australian Return as Its International Network Outgrows U.S. Footprint

A new Sydney airport restaurant joins Asian expansion while surviving U.S. steakhouses receive renovations

Sizzler plans a new Australian restaurant for 2027. Its larger international network is developing new salad bar formats, while the separately owned U.S. chain renovates existing restaurants following consolidations.

September 25, 2026

The Buffet Beat: Openings, Closings & Announcements

Friday, September 25

Sakana opens in Wayne, Pizza Inn signs a ten-buffet development deal, and the Ayres Tea Room opens holiday reservations. Olive Garden and BD’s discuss unlimited dining while two local restaurants prepare to lose their buffets.

September 25, 2026

Maryland’s Urbana Lodge Will Close Sept. 27, Ending Its Brunch and Dinner Buffets

The Maryland restaurant is offering half-price buffets on its final day before Maharaja Palace takes the space.

Urbana Lodge will close Sept. 27 after just over a year in business. Its $24.99 brunch and dinner buffets will be half-price on the final day, while the same restaurant group prepares Maharaja Palace for the space.

September 25, 2026

Sakana Opens Second New Jersey AYCE Sushi Restaurant in Wayne

The former Hooters now serves made-to-order Japanese dining with 90-minute unlimited seatings.

Sakana has opened its second New Jersey restaurant in Wayne, converting a former Hooters into a made-to-order all-you-can-eat Japanese restaurant with tablet ordering, 90-minute seatings and an à-la-carte option.

September 25, 2026

Pizza Inn Signs Development Deal for 10 New Buffet Restaurants

Five locations are expected in fiscal 2027, but the operator and markets remain undisclosed.

Pizza Inn parent RAVE Restaurant Group has signed a development agreement for 10 new buffet restaurants with a multibrand operator. The first five are expected in fiscal 2027, although markets and addresses have not been announced.

September 25, 2026

Olive Garden Plans New Lunch Test Built Around Variety and “Abundance”

The chain will also promote its existing unlimited soup, salad and breadsticks lunch later this quarter.

Olive Garden says it will promote its existing unlimited soup, salad and breadsticks lunch and test a separate lunch platform promising more variety and “abundance.” Darden has not yet disclosed test markets, pricing or menu details.