OPERATIONS Innovative Loyalty Programs I PAGE 34 More Utensils, Less Sharing: The Future of Self-Service Buffets, salad bars and even fountain beverages are adapting to safer formats By Nora Caley Photos Josh Keown R estaurants with buffets did not disappear during the COVID-19 crisis, but they did adapt. As pizzerias reopen their all-you-can-eat pizza, salad bars and freerefill fountain drinks, the setups look different. Operators say that although there are costs involved in making changes to everything from buffet table setups to utensil holders to whether grated cheese is available in a shaker, the actions are necessary to keep staff and customers safe. 2 6 / P I Z Z AT O D AY. C O M / J U N E 2 0 2 1 026_PIZ_0621_OPselfserve.indd 26 5/11/21 12:12 PMhttp://www.PIZZATODAY.COM