By Canadian Press

BC Ferries drops all-you-can-eat buffets from voyages; launches customer survey

Jun 7, 2023 | 11:24 AM

VICTORIA — Buffet meals on BC Ferries, put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic, will no longer be available on voyages between the mainland and Vancouver Island.

The company says in a statement the all-you-can-eat breakfasts, lunches and dinners with roast beef, salmon and unlimited desserts are money losers and the search is on for something new.

Nicolas Jimenez, BC Ferries chief executive, says the decision to close the buffets will be disappointing to some customers but the time has arrived to find new options for the dining room, which has been vacant since the pandemic. 

The statement says the buffet, which loses more than one million dollars annually and requires seven crew members for each sailing, will continue to lose money even if prices are increased by 30 per cent.

BC Ferries says in a statement that it has launched a customer feedback survey on what could be done with the space after exploring concepts that included a sports bar, casino, gym and private reception area.

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The company says when the buffet was serving meals it was not uncommon to see prime ministers, premiers and celebrities in the dining room, including entertainers Tom Cochrane, Sarah McLaughlin, rapper Ice-T and boy band NSYNC.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 7, 2023.

The Canadian Press