Red Hot World Buffet, the northern-based buffet operator, has private-equity backing to grow its six-strong estate to 25 over the next three years.
Meanwhile, Cosmo – operator of 11 sites including a 700-cover unit in Croydon that is claimed to be the largest restaurant in the UK – is to open three sites this year and has eight planned for 2012/2013.
Other notable players in the big buffet arena are Jimmy Spices (nine sites), Flaming Dragon (eight sites) and Aroma (also eight sites).
Although some chain buffet operators have a presence in the south, there is a much higher concentration in the Midlands and north. Most major on Asian food, Oriental in particular, but some – including Red Hot World Buffet – offer every food type: coq au vin and pizzas to sushi and Thai curry.
The all-you-can-eat set charge varies, but tends to be between £5 to £7 at lunch and £10 to £15 at dinner, with discounts available for children. Parmjit Dhaliwal, director at Red Hot World Buffet, says high levels of cost-sensitive diners are opening up the south to buffet operators.
“We’re considering a site in Essex. The economic climate has contributed to our success; people want to stretch their money further,” he says.