In the ‘90s, Sizzler boasted 700 locations in the U.S., inviting customers in for a casual-like dining experience that featured a full-service dinner buffet.
But the chain, which opened its first location in 1958, has dwindled in popularity into the new millennium. Unfortunately, the free-for-all buffet went with it, though the all-you-can-eat salad bar remains.
In 2020, the pandemic was the nail in the coffin, which forced the restaurant chain to file for bankruptcy.
However, Sizzler miraculously emerged from bankruptcy in 2023 to salvage its last few remaining locations. Today, there are only 74 Sizzler locations in operation. Now, an October 2025 interview with QSR magazine has whispers of a Sizzler rebirth in the making.
The magazine spoke with Sizzler’s chief growth officer, Robert Clark, who detailed how the brand plans to make its big comeback.
“Our current leadership is much more focused on ‘hey, let’s take the best of Sizzler and let’s make it even better,’”explained Clark, acknowledging that trying to drastically change Sizzler’s image in the past never panned out well.
He further noted that some Sizzler restaurants are getting a light facelift, while still keeping the chain true to its original formula.
For example, the all-you-can-eat salad bar remains central to the Sizzler’s dining experience. The refreshed restaurants also include new tile flooring, reclaimed wood accents, a new paint job, and an added fireplace under the Sizzler logo near the front counter. Digital menu boards, four-seater booths, and more high seats have also been added.
Per Clark, the brand has seen a sales increase of about 47% in remodeled locations, with some restaurants reporting up to a 100% increase.
The chain is also trying to revive its iconic “The Sizzler” dish, which was phased out in the early 2000s. The dish featured a steak served on a sizzling platter on top of thick-cut fries and caramelized onions, with a garlic demi-glace.
Whether Sizzler will open more restaurants and try to reclaim its former glory nationwide has not yet been announced.
California has the most remaining Sizzler locations with 50, followed by Puerto Rico with 10. Other states in the Western U.S., like Arizona, Idaho, New Mexico, Oregon, and Utah, also have Sizzler locations.
In its heyday, Sizzler had locations all across the country, including a few in New York. Forest Hills, Rego Park, Yonkers, and Massapequa all previously had Sizzler locations.
