Hometown Buffet permanently closes Downey location

Photo by Eric Pierce

DOWNEY — Hometown Buffet has permanently closed its Downey location, effective Nov. 6.

Although the restaurant has been temporarily closed since March due to COVID-19, the permanent closure is a result of its expiring lease and inability to negotiate a favorable extension, company officials said.

“This closure is a result of an expiring lease for a location that was already declining in sales,” said Jason Kemp, president of VitaNova Brands, which operates Hometown Buffet. “All closures have been incredibly difficult decisions but will allow us to allocate resources under the (all-you-can-eat) and Marketplace concepts.”

All impacted furloughed employees have been notified of the restaurant’s closure.

“We will do everything in our power to relocate employees and assist others impacted with access to available local resources,” said Kemp.