Why Boomers Can't Resist This Iconic Restaurant For Affordable Indulgence

Nostalgia can be a powerful thing, particularly when it pertains to food. The Baby Boomer generation — or "Boomers," as they are known colloquially — describes those born between the years of 1946 and 1964. Known to have an affinity for chain restaurants that serve massive portions, one Boomer-beloved spot is synonymous with steak, seafood, and an unbeatable all-you-can-eat buffet. Since its 1958 inception in California's Culver City, this restaurant chain has been a longtime Boomer favorite.

Originally called Sizzler Family Steakhouse, the idea behind the restaurant was a casual style of dining that offered affordable options for those who wanted to enjoy the pleasures of a steakhouse in a more relaxed environment. The addition of its salad bar that eventually evolved into a full-scale buffet made it one of the most popular restaurant chains in the 1980s. For many Boomers, the seemingly limitless offerings at Sizzler epitomized luxury and indulgence. 

Reading through the comments from Boomers and others on Facebook, it's easy to see why Sizzler has always held a special place in the hearts, minds, and tummies of many generations. Such sentiments include, "the world will never have great restaurants again like what we had in the 80's," and, "I remember sizzlers when I was a kid it was a great restaurant and the price was right," as well as, "Date spot when I was a teenager." Though Sizzler still sizzles with some, its golden age is often looked at as a thing of the past. 

Widely considered the steakhouse that helped define 1980s dining, Sizzler's success can be largely attributed to its sizable portions, array of different dishes, and general vibe of excess that seemed in line with the era. Following its rebrand to a buffet-centric restaurant in the 1990s, Sizzler faced a sort of identity crisis. Bankruptcy filings followed over the years, one most notably in the 2020s in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Unfortunately, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many buffet chain restaurants either ceased operations or significantly slimmed down their presence. Still, the Boomer generation clings to nostalgic memories of prosperity and overflowing plates. Though Sizzler's U.S. footprint has dwindled over the decades, it has seen success overseas, particularly in Thailand.

Times have changed considerably since Sizzler first debuted on the food scene. While salad bars and buffets had a tremendous time of prevalence, they are often looked at through a rearview mirror in the modern day. If you happen to have a Sizzler location near you, it's worth stopping in for a bite and a little remembrance. It might be exactly as you recalled it in years or decades past, but it's nonetheless an important piece of history.