Check out the best all-you-can-eat buffet in the entire state of Tennessee next time you're hungry.

A Post-Pandemic Resurrection of All-You-Can-Eat Buffets

During the pandemic, many businesses had to close their doors and shutter their operations, and all-you-can-eat buffets across the country found themselves in the same boat. The serving stations were empty and the doors were closed. Post-pandemic has fortunately seen a resurrection of the all-you-can-eat buffet.

The Origins of the All-You-Can-Eat Buffet

While the idea of an all-you-can-eat spread has its origins in Sweden with what was once called a "smörgåsbord," which was introduced in America during the 1939 World's Fair. It was later, in the 1940s, before Las Vegas became the bustling mecca of decadence that we now know when a hungry employee of the El Rancho Vegas spawned what later would become the all-you-can-eat buffet experience we have come to love.

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...El Rancho Vegas launched their all-you-can-eat-dinner 24-hour spread, the "Buckaroo Buffet," costing customers only a dollar. The casino lost money on its buffet (for the most part, they still do), but profits weren't the point. The whole objective was to keep patrons inside and gambling as long as possible. -FoodAndWine.com

Not All Buffets Are Created Equal

There is no doubt that when you're hungry, and you really want to eat, there is nothing like bellying up to an all-you-can-eat buffet. Of course, everything from the quality of the food to the cleanliness of the restaurant plays into the overall buffet experience and we can all agree that not every all-you-can-eat buffet is created equal.

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Best Buffet in Tennessee

When it comes to the best of the best buffets, there is one restaurant, in particular, that really checks all of the boxes - Brooks Shaw's Old Country Store located in Jackson, Tennessee. The restaurant is home to "the best cracklin' cornbread in the world! Since 1965," according to their Facebook page.

Brooks Shaw's is so good that Mashed.com has named the buffet to it's list of "The Absolute Best Buffet Restaurants In The U.S." and "The Best All-You-Can-Eat Buffets In Every State."

Brooks Shaw's Old Country Store is one of the absolute best buffet restaurants in the U.S. The buffet serves Casey Jones village with an all-you-can-eat helping of Southern soul food. Stroll through Casey Jones' historic shop where thousands of authentic Southern antiques are on display while you contemplate another portion, but heading back for more smoked BBQ bologna and hot tamale pie is inevitable. The buffet also offers 14 to 15 vegetables daily, or 16 if you count the cracklin' cornbread. - Mashed.com

More Reasons to Visit Jackson, Tennessee

The next time you are in the mood for an all-you-can-eat buffet, perhaps a road trip to Jackson, Tennessee is in order. Located in Madison County, the city rests about 70 miles east of Memphis. It is home to the Casey Jones Home and Railroad Museum and Rusty's TV and Car Museum. There is no shortage of exciting things to see and do in Jackson.

[Source: Mashed]

LOOK: Here are the 25 best places to live in Tennessee

Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in Tennessee using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Cities, suburbs, and towns were included. Listings and images are from realtor.com.

On the list, there's a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums. Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.

 

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