After more than six years away from California, the beloved all-you-can-eat soup and salad buffet chain Souplantation will return in 2027 with a new restaurant in Fountain Valley, Orange County. Sweet Tomatoes, the brand’s sister operation, confirmed the planned reopening at the former restaurant site at 11179 Talbert Ave., near Newhope Street, where the company will revive its familiar buffet concept.
According to Marlee Lossing, Sweet Tomatoes’ director of corporate affairs, the restaurant will occupy approximately 7,800 square feet at its previous location. The company plans to refresh the interior while retaining the original menu and dining concept. An exact reopening date has not yet been announced.
The Rise, Fall, and Revival of Souplantation
Souplantation first opened its doors in San Diego in 1978. It eventually grew to 97 locations, with 44 situated across California. The chain operated under the name Sweet Tomatoes in other markets throughout the Southwest and Florida. Known for its health-focused offerings, the brand built a loyal following devoted to its rotating monthly specials, fresh salads, soups, baked potatoes, and signature blueberry muffins.
The chain faced significant hurdles over the years, including a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 2016. However, the final blow came in May 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Garden Fresh Restaurants, the former parent company, permanently closed all 97 Souplantation and Sweet Tomatoes locations. Federal and state health restrictions on self-service dining made it impossible to sustain buffet operations.
Following an acquisition by ST Three LLC-headed by Mike Malone, Garden Fresh Restaurants’ former vice president of operations-the brand began its comeback. Sweet Tomatoes successfully returned in 2024 with outposts in Tucson, Arizona, and Fort Myers, Florida, before setting its sights on a homecoming in California.
What Fans Can Expect From the Fountain Valley Return
The announcement of the California comeback was initially teased on Instagram by Sweet Tomatoes. The post featured a palm tree-studded video with a “Welcome to California” sign and the caption “Stay tuned.” It drew thousands of nostalgic responses from fans mourning the loss of the chain’s comfort foods.
Lossing confirmed that the Fountain Valley revival will feature the exact recipes die-hard fans remember. Customers can look forward to the return of classic favorites, including:
- Joan’s Broccoli Madness Salad
- Wonton Happiness Salad
- Big Chunk Chicken Noodle Soup
- Macaroni and cheese
- Famous blueberry muffins
- Tarragon tuna pasta salad
While the Fountain Valley location is the first official California comeback confirmed by corporate representatives, leadership noted that the company is considering additional expansion opportunities throughout California and other markets as the revival progresses.
