Summary (tl;dr)

The beloved buffet chain Souplantation, known as Sweet Tomatoes outside California, is making a highly anticipated comeback to its home state of California in 2027, with the first new location announced for Fountain Valley, Orange County.

Essential Background

Souplantation, which operated as Sweet Tomatoes in other states, was an all-you-can-eat salad, soup, and bakery buffet chain that originated in San Diego, California, in 1978. Its parent company, Garden Fresh Restaurants, permanently closed all 97 of its locations in May 2020, citing the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and concerns over new federal guidelines regarding self-serve buffets, leading to a Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation.

The Full Story

Following its 2020 shutdown, the intellectual property rights of the brand were acquired by ST Three LLC, which began to revive the Sweet Tomatoes concept. This new ownership successfully reopened a Sweet Tomatoes restaurant in Tucson, Arizona, in 2024, followed by a second location in Fort Myers, Florida, in 2026. This week, the company confirmed on social media and to various news outlets that Souplantation will finally return to California in 2027, marking a significant homecoming for the brand. The first California restaurant is slated to open in Fountain Valley, Orange County, with officials stating it will operate under the original "Souplantation" name, which is most recognized on the West Coast.

Why It Matters

The return of Souplantation/Sweet Tomatoes is significant for its deeply loyal customer base who expressed widespread disappointment and nostalgia after its initial closure. It offers a return of an affordable, fresh-focused buffet option, a unique proposition in the current restaurant landscape where the buffet segment has been shrinking. The comeback also signals a potential shift in consumer confidence regarding buffet-style dining and demonstrates the enduring appeal of the brand's particular offerings, such as its signature salads, soups, and blueberry muffins.

Geographic Location

• Fountain Valley, Orange County, California, United States (first new Souplantation location opening in 2027)
• San Diego, San Diego County, California, United States (where the first Souplantation opened in 1978 and the original company was headquartered)
• Tucson, Pima County, Arizona, United States (first Sweet Tomatoes location reopened in 2024)
• Fort Myers, Lee County, Florida, United States (second Sweet Tomatoes location reopened in 2026)