The Wire

September 21, 2026

Conveyors, tablets, bullet trains and robots are changing how unlimited meals reach the table.

Shinjuku Station is bringing automated AYCE sushi to Westbury, but the bigger story is the service model: tablets, conveyors, direct-to-table trains and robot runners are becoming part of a wider technological shift in tableside unlimited dining.

September 20, 2026

Kisa’s team brings $26.99 dinners, fried chicken and country-buffet nostalgia to the East Village.

Good Time Country Buffet has opened in the East Village, bringing an Atlanta-inspired spread of Southern classics to Manhattan. The team behind Kisa and C as in Charlie is making room for seconds—and carpeting.

September 20, 2026

The Carson City buffet operators are targeting December with sushi and broader Asian fare.

Sushi Kingdom is taking over Redding’s former Red Lobster, bringing an all-you-can-eat format from operators behind Carson City’s King Buffet. The owners are targeting a December opening with sushi, broader Asian fare, beer and wine.

September 20, 2026

The new concept pairs conveyor-belt service with 90-minute all-you-can-eat sushi.

Eki Sushi is preparing to open in Cedar Hill with two formats under one roof: sushi circulating by conveyor belt and a 90-minute AYCE option. The restaurant takes over a former Applebee's with a broad sushi-and-hibachi menu.

September 19, 2026

The 6,500-square-foot country buffet is planned with dual dessert bars and a large rotating spread.

Green Tomato Buffet is targeting a November opening in Hiram GA with roughly 225 seats, a 6,500-square-foot footprint and a sprawling country-buffet lineup that includes separate salad, fruit and dual dessert bars.