MGM Grand Buffet to Shutter Permanently on May 31, 2026
The MGM Grand buffet in Las Vegas is set to close its doors for good on May 31, 2026, marking the end of a three-decade run that began in 1993. This closure is part of a broader shift on the Las Vegas Strip, where traditional all-you-can-eat dining rooms are increasingly being replaced by food halls and specialty restaurants. MGM officials have confirmed they have no immediate plans for the space, which will remain empty following the shutdown, as reported initially by KLAS-TV.
Decline of the Buffet Model on the Strip
Historically, buffets were designed to keep visitors on-site at resorts, but rising labor costs and significant food waste have made this business model difficult to sustain. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the disappearance of buffets, as health restrictions forced every self-service dining room in Las Vegas to close temporarily. While some high-end options returned, many never reopened, leading to a notable reduction in budget-friendly dining choices for tourists.
As noted by travelers on platforms like Reddit, mid-tier buffets often struggle to justify their prices, which at the MGM Grand ranged from $32 to $43 per person. Some diners criticized the venue as a tourist trap, arguing that the quality of food no longer matched the cost. One Reddit user compared it to an overpriced version of a Golden Corral, while another commented that it had become mediocre and too expensive over the last four years.
Mixed Public Reaction and Remaining Options
Public reaction to the closure has been mixed. Some visitors lamented the loss of a convenient staple for hotel guests, especially those seeking varied, mid-priced brunch options with items like carving meats and fried chicken. Others were more critical, suggesting that the decline in quality made the closure inevitable, with one commenter noting, When Excalibur outdoes you on something, then you know something has gone horribly wrong.
With the MGM Grand buffet closing, only a handful of traditional buffets will remain on the Strip, including:
- The Bacchanal at Caesars Palace
- The Buffet at Wynn
- The Wicked Spoon at the Cosmopolitan
- Options at Excalibur, Circus Circus, Palms, and Main Street Station
This trend reflects a move towards curated dining experiences, as resorts prioritize profit margins over high-volume service. Some critics argue that newer food halls are massively overpriced mall food courts and that the current business model seems aimed at pricing the middle class out of the Las Vegas experience.
MGM Resorts did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Independent regarding the closure. The end of this buffet era underscores the evolving landscape of Las Vegas tourism, where economic pressures and changing consumer preferences continue to reshape dining offerings.
