Souplantation to reopen in Fountain Valley in 2027, ending six-year absence

Key points

• Souplantation will open one location in Fountain Valley, California, in 2027, confirmed by Sweet Tomatoes corporate affairs director Marlee Lossing.
• The chain closed all 97 locations, including 44 in California, in 2020 due to pandemic restrictions on self-service buffet models.
• The Fountain Valley location will occupy a former Souplantation site at 11179 Talbert Ave, spanning approximately 7,800 square feet.
• Sweet Tomatoes has already reopened in Tucson, Arizona, and Fort Myers, Florida, under new ownership by ST Three LLC.
• The company confirmed that all original recipes, including Wonton Happiness Salad and Joan's Broccoli Madness, will be restored.
• The location was teased via a social media post on October 5, 2026, and confirmed to multiple outlets by October 8, 2026.

Background

Souplantation originated in San Diego in 1978 and expanded across Southern California before adopting the Sweet Tomatoes name in other states. The parent company, Garden Fresh Restaurants, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2016 and again in 2020. The 2020 closures were attributed to the pandemic's impact on self-service dining models. Sweet Tomatoes resumed operations in 2024 under new ownership by ST Three LLC, led by Mike Malone, former vice president of operations at Garden Fresh Restaurants.

How outlets are covering it

Patch reported the return as a single-location announcement without specifying the city, while the Los Angeles Times and USA Today identified the location as Fountain Valley in Orange County. The Los Angeles Times emphasized the emotional response from fans, noting nearly 7,000 comments on the teaser post, while USA Today highlighted the company's evaluation of other markets for future expansion. All sources agreed on the 2027 timeline and the preservation of original recipes. The San Diego Union-Tribune previously reported that the 2020 closures were due to rapid revenue decline during the pandemic, with chairman Robert Allbritton stating the company ran out of money within a week of the virus's impact.

Why it matters

The reopening marks the first return of a major California-born buffet chain since the 2020 closures, signaling a potential revival of the self-service buffet model. The choice of Fountain Valley, a former location, suggests a strategy to leverage existing infrastructure and brand recognition. The preservation of original recipes addresses fan concerns about consistency, while the evaluation of other markets indicates potential for broader expansion. The reopening also reflects the resilience of the restaurant industry in adapting to post-pandemic consumer preferences.

What to watch

The company will announce the specific opening date for the Fountain Valley location in 2027. It is evaluating other California and national markets for future expansion. The company will resume its rotation of monthly specials and maintain original recipes. The social media announcement of the location is expected in the coming days, as per Marlee Lossing's statement.