Souplantation is no more.
I have visited Souplantation restaurants since 1985. When our children were little we would eat there as a family. I have had many a lunch in the Mission Gorge location in San Diego, their very first store opened in 1978. I used to go there to fill up after getting hungry and thirsty sailing on the San Diego Bay.
In 2016, I even had lunch there with the CEO of the company at the time. Here is my post describing that visit.
The buffet-style restaurant business was already struggling, and the concept was challenging to keep alive in recent years. Here is a link to SanDiegoVille with the article announcing the shutdown.
But after the Covid-19 shutdown, with the great uncertainty of what comes next, the chain has been brought to its knees.
I will miss the chicken noodle soup, with sourdough bread and honey-butter.
I am truly saddened.
I fear this news is only the tip of what is coming, restaurant-wise. Or, any other “wise”.
The last and only time I supped at a Souplantation (with my sister) it was good, but felt like our hour or more there was more “Watch my purse,” than have a meal together.
As for the half-dome post, I cannot open it — all climbing makes my hands sweat, just thinking about it. But I have no problem with living on the 22nd floor and peering over the balcony railing.
Depending on what time of day you went to the Souplantation, it could be a zoo. I liked getting there an hour before peak, both lunch and dinner times. Then it was great.
Hey, climbing makes my hands sweaty too, but it’s very different when you’re there in person. Most of it is just beautiful, sprinkled with a few seconds of panic here and there.