When Mr. Ren first took over China Buffet in Mount Vernon, Illinois, in 1995, success did not come easily. Stuck with the poor reputation the previous owner earned, it was up to Ren to turn the restaurant around. He used hard work innovated marketing tactics, such as delivering free food to the local community, which spread the word around town that China Buffet was under new management and had vastly improved its food and service. Mr. Ren’s clever idea saved his restaurant and helped keep the business afloat during these tough economic times.

The restaurant is located in the bustling area of the Times Square Mall. The area is packed with a variety of different restaurants, and while people are constantly choosing this area to dine in, it’s up to each restaurant to stand apart from the rest. According to Mr. Ren, “Restaurants must rely on their uniqueness to thrive in the industry.”

Dining in Traditional Asian Style

While for the most part a casual family-style eatery, China Buffet is decorated elegantly with classic Chinese touches. The walls and ceilings are adorned with hanging red lanterns, traditional Chinese lanterns, Chinese inspired paintings, and decorative Chinese knots. The dining room is always kept bright and clean for customer comfort. Diners will surely feel cozy and relaxed in this soothing environment.

Food to Impress the Locals

The food served at China Buffet is mostly American style Chinese cuisine. The most popular dishes are General Tso’s Chicken, Sweet & Sour Chicken, and Honey Chicken. While these dishes can be found in most American Chinese restaurants, at China Buffet the talented chefs prepare them exceptionally.

The enticing buffet attracts all kinds of customers with its vibrant colors and memorable flavors. The offerings range from Wonton Soup and Hot & Sour Soup to fried rice and Crab Rangoons to entrées made with fresh chicken, beef, pork, or prawns. A variety of cakes, puddings, and ice creams are offered as well.  “The locals are familiar with our food and enjoy our buffet very much,” boasts Ren.

An array of healthy dishes are also available at China Buffet. Vegetarian dishes prepared with little or no oil are also featured in the buffet. The Hunan Chicken is especially popular; the chicken is boiled without oil, then sliced and served alongside vegetables and a sauce of the customer’s choice.

Additionally, every ingredient used in the kitchen is the freshest available. According to Ren, there are three steps that restaurants need to follow to guarantee freshness. 1. Control the temperature where the food is kept. 2. Monitor the sourcing channels. The food sources must be reliable and if food isn’t up to par, it should be sent back. 3. A close eye needs to be kept on the buffet and plates should be refilled as quickly as possible.

The Customer Always Come First

China Buffet’s busiest time is during the lunch shift. And while the restaurant is always full of hungry locals, the staff find time to keep the dining room clean, refill beverages, and have friendly conversation with the diners. “Sincerity will keep customers coming back to the restaurant,” says Ren.

There are always about eight staff during any shift. Each staff member knows his or her job for the shift and works efficiently. Everyone works together happily and the restaurant’s operation is smooth. “We are just like a big family,” says Ren, admiringly.

The staff also find time to keep the dining room and kitchen spotless. A recent mystery diner says, “The dining area was tidy and well kept.” Mr. Ren believes a clean environment is the key to enhancing the ambiance of a restaurant. He checks up on the daily hygiene and sanitation practices regularly, to be sure they are always up to the health bureau’s standards.

A Feast That Won’t Break the Budget

China Buffet offers many specials for those affected by the current recession. A discount of 10% is offered to senior citizens and children age 2 and under eat for free. The lunch buffet is available for $5.59 and the dinner buffet is an affordable $7.00. Ren even brings gifts back for regular customers from his trips to China.

Appreciative of Success

“I’m very grateful that diners chose to dine here,” says Ren of his restaurant. During the fourteen years of the restaurant’s operation, China Buffet has built quite a large customer base.

Mr. Ren first immigrated to the United States in 1989 and has been working in the restaurant industry for twenty years. Starting as a busbuy, Ren has built a solid experience base in restaurants from New York to Chicago.

“The restaurant industry is my lifelong career. I won’t give up despite the hard times. We are lucky to stay afloat,” says Ren.