Wynn Las Vegas has shut down its buffet service for the second time, effective September 7. The officials at the casino company noted that the decision was taken after taking feedback from the customers.

lukewarm response from customers

The casino operator said that the customers’ response to the new buffet was lukewarm after it opened on June 18. The COVID-19 restrictions have made the buffet change its style to a considerable extent. Instead of an endless supply of 90 offerings that the users can choose from, it has now become a tableside service operation.

Guests were being asked to make their selections using their smartphones using a Q-code and the server then fetched their food. The traditional buffet eater isn’t comfortable with this format because of which the option didn’t get a thrilling response from the guests.

Wynn Resorts released a statement on the buffet shutdown and said,

“Based upon guest feedback, we found that many guests prefer a more traditional buffet experience over the served all-you-can-eat format. We will continue to assess the situation and will make a determination on reopening at the appropriate time.”

Buffets are facing problems

Wynn Resorts is not the only operator that is closing down its buffet. Caesars Palace reopened the Bacchanal Buffet last month. However, it later announced that it would not resume business so soon and will wait till later this year. The only buffet in operation is the Wicket Spoon at The Cosmopolitan at the Las Vegas Strip. Apart from the Strip, the Garden Buffet at South Point is also open.

Experts in the hospitality sector believe that the buffet will eventually make a comeback in operators. Anthony Curtis wrote in his recent article that buffets are one of the important reasons which make Las Vegas what it is. Wynn Resorts gave it an alternative operation style but didn’t provide users the right experience. He said that losing the “do-it-yourself” appeal didn’t work for the buffet.

When Wynn Resorts reopened the buffet, many people questioned whether the service arrangement can even be classified as a buffet.