Corby Kummer: ‘Life is Actually Going to Be Better Without Buffets’

Three months into the coronavirus pandemic, it’s time to face the hard truth: now is not the best time for America’s buffets. 

With cases of COVID-19 continuing to rise across the country, the buffet’s communal eating factor has made it unlikely that people will want to return any time soon. Food writer Corby Kummer, however, says that might not be the worst thing in the world. 

The award-winning writer and senior editor at The Atlantic returned to Boston Public Radio on Thursday, where he reflected on why it’s probably for the best that Americans aren’t being tempted by the allure of the hot bar. 

The first upside Kummer gave (aside from the obvious) was cost. “Paying by the pound,” he said, is "always more expensive than just buying and making the food yourself.”

Also on the table is the over-eating factor. “It’s this whole idea that you’re pulling a fast one at a buffet,” he said. "You’re getting a lot of food for nothing. Somehow, when nobody’s looking, you’re going and you’re getting another portion– and nobody ever offers you another portion.” 

"It’s gonna result in better portion control. Life is actually going to be better without buffets,” he said.

But while Americans taking the pandemic seriously are unlikely to return to buffet lines any time soon, Kummer said it’s probably inevitable that they’ll return, in some form or another. 

"They’re more economical for the hotels and restaurants. If you think you’re pulling a fast one and getting a bargain whereas they are making more money, they’ll come back,” he said.