Souplantation

Souplantation, originally established in San Diego in 1978, built its reputation as a pioneer in the all-you-can-eat salad bar and buffet category. The restaurant became known for its fresh, made-from-scratch soups, salads, pastas, and bakery items, all served in a bright, welcoming setting that appealed to families and groups. Over the years, Souplantation—operating as Sweet Tomatoes outside Southern California—expanded steadily, reaching nearly 100 locations at its peak, with a strong footprint in California, Arizona, Texas, and Florida.

The company faced a turning point in May 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic and related health restrictions led its parent, Garden Fresh Restaurants, to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. All Souplantation and Sweet Tomatoes locations closed, and the self-serve buffet model that once defined the brand became unworkable under new safety guidelines. Despite the closures, Souplantation maintained a loyal following, with former guests sharing recipes and memories online.

As of November 2025, Souplantation is in the midst of a careful revival. Under new ownership, the brand has reopened one location and is testing updated buffet formats with a renewed focus on health and safety protocols. The company is evaluating opportunities in high-traffic suburban markets, especially in California, Arizona, Texas, and Florida. This new phase is driven by a combination of nostalgia and continued demand for family-friendly dining options. Souplantation’s large-format, high-visibility sites and its history of drawing steady lunch and dinner crowds continue to make it a recognizable and credible anchor for retail centers. The brand’s evolution over the past five years reflects both the challenges and resilience of the buffet restaurant segment, as well as a willingness to adapt to changing consumer expectations and operational realities.