New Buffet Restaurant Eyeing Site Of Former Buffet In Manchester

MANCHESTER, CT — A hibachi-themed buffet is slated to move into the old Hometown Buffet building in Manchester's Buckland Hills commercial district that would presumably put an end to nearly three years of shuffling at the location.

A sign was clearly visible over the weekend at the 165 Slater Street location, proclaiming that a "hibachi buffet" would be coming soon.

Manchester building officials said it is a conforming use, so no special permits are required for the restaurant. No construction timetable has been filed, however, officials said.

If the restaurant does open, it will end many months of the building sitting dormant. The sign for the Hometown Buffet is still on the premises, but that restaurant closed in January 2019.

In July 2019, a sign appeared proclaiming that Crab DuJour was moving there amid an expansion effort in Connecticut. In November 2020, Crab Du Jour changed plans and, 11 months later, opened at the Shopped at Buckland Hills mall.

The Hometown buffet property has sat vacant ever since.