Sizzler Family Steak House is making a comeback. Do we even remember why they left in the first place? If you’ve ever been to a Sizzler, then yes. We all know why. So why not talk about the things we loved or hated about the restaurant chain that made salad bars great again.
Sizzler Family Steak House was founded in Culver City, California back in 1958. What started as a simple steak house expanded into a full-on steak, seafood, and (what the company defined as a) “buffet court” just a few decades later.
To keep up with the competition in the 80s, Sizzler made the decision to expand upon the salad bar to include more of the all-you-can-eat buffet affair, including cold cuts, warm sides, salads, and even a dessert station. At one point they even began to offer a breakfast buffet (with mimosas??)!
It should come as no surprise that a girl who remembers going to Sizzler as a young kid would specifically remember the dessert station with the soft-serve ice cream machines and various toppings and sprinkles. Or how about that sizzlin’ hot, crispy cheese toast??
But because patrons began to use the restaurant solely as a buffet, the sale of the steak and seafood entrees suffered. Therefore, the company made the decision to cut costs and the quality lowered in other areas of the menu. And this is where and when the downfall began. A drastic change in quality and the customers responded.
The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1996. For several years after filing, the company made a few attempts to revamp and get back to the basics. “Steaks, seafood, and a salad bar.” Since then, it has been an up/down roller coaster including another Chapter 11 bankruptcy filed due to Covid. Given a majority of the company’s restaurants were operating in California at this time, it was the wisest decision if they hoped to make it out intact coming out of the pandemic. Seventy-four stores remain open today, mostly operating on the west coast.
In the latest news, Sizzler Family Steak House is full steam ahead, working on a brand-new comeback. Are we excited?
After reading comments on X, it’s honestly a toss-up. Some folks miss it; others can continue on in life without it. As for me personally? I haven’t actually stepped foot inside a Sizzler since high school. It became unpopular to dine there once we hit that age. We instead frequented the Applebee’s right next door. But I do remember seeing my very first shooting star while standing out in the Sizzler parking lot one evening, hanging out with a group of friends.
Anyhow, I personally wouldn’t be the first in line at the re-grand opening of the restaurant. My list of restaurants to visit is long enough as it is. I still need to pop my Waffle House and Cracker Barrel cherries first. Maybe after that, we’ll see how Sizzler Family Steak House is holding up once again.
