By Olivia WilliamsSeptember 26, 2026 News After Helping the US Win the Cold War, the All-You-Can-Eat Buffet Is Fading. Thanks, COVID – U.S. News & World Report Once a symbol of American abundance and Cold War triumph, the all-you-can-eat buffet is waning. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated its decline, reshaping dining habits and challenging this iconic tradition.