Southern Sizzler in Whiteville, North Carolina, named Saturday, October 3, 2026, as its final day operating under that name following a sale. Its farewell announcement said the business had been for sale and offered diners one last opportunity to visit the outgoing operation at 1405 S. Madison Street.
The new owner’s plans have not been publicly established, including the successor’s name, opening date or whether a buffet will be part of the next chapter. For diners who knew Southern Sizzler through its country cooking, that last detail will be one to watch.
The property’s sale listing describes a family-owned restaurant with a popular lunch buffet and a separate steakhouse identity. Both the business and real estate were offered for sale, including a 5,037-square-foot building with seating for 160 and a private dining or meeting room.
A look back at the country buffet
A glimpse of the buffet comes from Bill Gibson’s April 10, 2016, visit, recounted the following day. His account described pork ribs, meatloaf, fried chicken and fried shrimp alongside turnips, butter beans and green beans, with banana pudding and a lemon dessert to finish. The turnips received particular attention—an encouraging sign for anyone who believes the vegetable portion of a country buffet deserves serious consideration. His meal cost a little over $13 with tea in 2016.
Southern Sizzler’s farewell also wished the new owner success. It is a warm way to end a restaurant’s chapter, even while Whiteville waits to learn what comes next.
