Have you ever dreamed of unlimited access to that finger-lickin’ good Kentucky Fried Chicken? Well, you might be surprised to learn that KFC buffets still exist, though they’re pretty rare these days. As a fried chicken enthusiast who’s always on the hunt for the best deal, I wanted to dig into exactly how much these mythical KFC buffets cost and whether they’re worth tracking down.
How Much Does the KFC Buffet Cost in 2025?
The price of a KFC buffet typically ranges from $12 to $16 per person, depending on several factors. Based on recent visits to existing locations, here’s what you can expect to pay:
- Average adult price: $13-$16
- Children’s discounted price: Available at most locations (exact pricing varies)
- Senior discounts: Available at some locations
A recent visit to the Dunn, North Carolina location confirmed a price of $13 per person for the buffet dinner, which included unlimited food, dessert, and a drink.
Why Do KFC Buffet Prices Vary?
The price isn’t uniform across all KFC buffet locations Several factors affect how much you’ll pay
- Geographic location: Areas with higher cost of living generally have higher buffet prices
- Franchise ownership: Individual franchise owners have some control over pricing
- Local market conditions: Competition in the area can impact pricing
- Day of the week: Some locations charge different prices for weekdays vs. weekends
What Do You Get at a KFC Buffet?
So what exactly are you getting for your $13-$16? Let’s break it down
Main Dishes
- Original Recipe chicken
- Extra Crispy chicken
- Grilled chicken (at some locations)
- Chicken tenders
- Hot wings (at select locations)
- Chicken gizzards and livers (at some Southern locations)
Side Dishes
- Mashed potatoes and gravy
- Coleslaw
- Corn on the cob
- Green beans
- Biscuits
- Fried okra (at some locations)
- Collard greens (at some locations)
- Rice and beans (at some locations)
Desserts
- Apple cobbler
- Chocolate chip cookies
- Brownies
- Pudding
- Jell-O
- Seasonal pies (at some locations)
Drinks
- Self-serve soft drinks
- Iced tea
It’s worth noting that not all locations have the same selection. For instance, the Dunn, North Carolina location surprisingly didn’t offer mac and cheese on their buffet (which was a major disappointment for one visitor), while featuring regional specialties like fried okra.
Where Can You Still Find KFC Buffets in 2025?
KFC buffets used to be everywhere in the 1980s, but they’ve become increasingly rare. Thanks to dedicated fans and social media groups like the “KFC Buffet Aficionados” on Facebook, we know where some of the last remaining locations are:
United States:
- Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
- Sparta, Tennessee
- Louisville, Kentucky
- Waynesboro, Virginia
- Dunn, North Carolina
Canada:
- Weyburn, Saskatchewan
International:
- Tokyo, Japan (with additional locations in Nagoya and Osaka)
- Some locations in Australia (though these are increasingly rare)
The Jenks, Oklahoma location reportedly offers an all-you-can-eat option but doesn’t technically have a self-serve buffet setup.
Is the KFC Buffet Worth the Price?
To decide whether the KFC buffet is worth it, I think you need to consider a few things:
Pros of the KFC Buffet:
- Variety: You can sample multiple KFC menu items in one visit
- Value for big eaters: If you can eat several pieces of chicken plus sides, you’ll definitely get your money’s worth
- Regional specialties: Some buffets offer items not available on the regular menu
- No waiting: Immediate access to food rather than waiting for your order
- Dessert included: Sweet treats that would cost extra if ordered separately
Cons of the KFC Buffet:
- Limited availability: You might have to drive several hours to find one
- Inconsistent offerings: Not all favorite menu items may be available
- Food quality concerns: Buffet food sometimes sits out longer than freshly prepared items
- Not ideal for light eaters: If you only eat a small amount, ordering individual items might be cheaper
One visitor who drove three hours to the Dunn, North Carolina location reported that while the food was fresh and flavorful, with chicken just as crispy as any other KFC, the absence of mac and cheese was disappointing. However, they particularly enjoyed the apple cobbler dessert, describing it as having a homemade quality.
Why Are KFC Buffets Disappearing?
KFC buffets were most popular in the 1980s, when excess was in and fast food chains were competing to offer the most value. However, several factors led to their decline:
- Changing consumer preferences: In the 1990s, diners became more health-conscious and less interested in all-you-can-eat formats
- Operational challenges: Buffets require more staff and space to maintain
- Food waste concerns: Buffets typically generate more food waste than made-to-order systems
- COVID-19 impact: Many remaining buffets closed during the pandemic and never reopened
- Profitability issues: As food costs increase, the buffet model becomes less sustainable
FAQs About KFC Buffets
Are drinks included in the KFC buffet price?
Yes, self-serve drinks are typically included in the buffet price. Premium beverages might be excluded at some locations.
Do children get a discount on the KFC buffet?
Yes, most locations offer discounted rates for children, though the specific age ranges and prices vary by location.
Is the KFC buffet available every day?
Not necessarily. Many locations offer the buffet only on select days, often during lunch or dinner hours. Some may only offer it on weekends.
Can I take food to go from the KFC buffet?
Typically, taking food to go from a buffet is not permitted. Buffets are designed for on-site consumption only.
Are there healthier options available at the KFC buffet?
While KFC is known for its fried chicken, some healthier options may be available, such as grilled chicken, green beans, or corn on the cob. However, the buffet is primarily focused on indulgent items.
Can I make reservations for the KFC buffet?
Most KFC restaurants do not accept reservations for the buffet. Seating is usually on a first-come, first-served basis.
My Personal KFC Buffet Experience
Last month, I decided to check out the KFC buffet in Pigeon Forge with my family during our vacation. We arrived around 5:30 PM on a Wednesday, and the restaurant was moderately busy. The buffet area was clean and well-maintained, with staff regularly refilling the trays.
For $14.99 per adult and $7.99 for my 8-year-old son, we got unlimited access to all the classic KFC items plus a few surprise offerings. The chicken was hot and crispy – honestly no different from what you’d get from the regular menu. I was a bit disappointed that the mac and cheese ran out during our visit and took about 15 minutes to be replenished.
The biggest win for me was being able to try smaller portions of multiple sides rather than committing to just one or two with a regular meal. My son was thrilled with the dessert selection, particularly the chocolate pudding which isn’t normally offered on the regular menu.
Was it worth $14.99? For us, definitely yes – my husband alone ate 5 pieces of chicken, which would have cost more as a standalone meal. But if you’re a light eater, you might be better off just ordering exactly what you want from the regular menu.
Tips for Making the Most of Your KFC Buffet Visit
If you’re planning to visit one of these rare KFC buffets, here are some tips to maximize your experience:
- Call ahead: Confirm the buffet is operating that day and check the hours
- Go during off-peak hours: Less crowding means fresher food and more relaxed dining
- Pace yourself: Start with small portions to sample everything before filling up
- Check for specials: Some locations offer discounted buffet prices on certain days
- Bring your appetite: Skip breakfast or have a light meal earlier in the day
- Ask about missing items: If your favorite side isn’t on the buffet, you might be able to order it separately
Is It Worth the Drive?
For most people, the KFC buffet probably isn’t worth driving hours out of your way just for the experience. However, if you’re already traveling near one of these locations and love KFC, it’s definitely worth a stop.
As one visitor who drove three hours to try the Dunn, North Carolina location said, “Overall, this definitely wasn’t the worst buffet I’d ever been to, but somehow, it wasn’t the best experience I’ve ever had at KFC, either.” They concluded that while the three-hour drive might not have been justified, the buffet itself offered good value for the price.
The Future of KFC Buffets
The sad truth is that KFC buffets are likely to continue disappearing. With changing consumer preferences, rising food costs, and operational challenges, the all-you-can-eat model doesn’t align well with current fast-food trends.
If experiencing a KFC buffet is on your bucket list, I’d recommend seeking one out sooner rather than later. These nostalgic dining experiences are becoming harder to find with each passing year.
Conclusion: Is the KFC Buffet a Hidden Gem or Just Nostalgia?
At $12-$16 per person, the KFC buffet offers decent value for those with hearty appetites who enjoy KFC’s menu. While not the gourmet experience of the century, it provides a fun, nostalgic dining option that lets you sample a variety of KFC favorites.
For the price of a regular combo meal, you get unlimited access to chicken, sides, and desserts – making it a potentially budget-friendly option for families and big eaters. The experience varies by location, but recent visitors report that the food quality is generally on par with regular KFC offerings.
If you happen to be near one of the few remaining locations, it’s worth checking out this disappearing piece of fast-food history before it’s gone forever. Just don’t expect to find mac and cheese at every location!
How do you find the last remaining KFC buffets?
In the 1980s, KFC buffets were pretty plentiful, but by the time the next decade rolled around, societal tastes had shifted, and many locations ditched the steam tables and hot plates for good. Still, several of them survived well into the 21st century until the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, and huge numbers of buffets halted for good, leaving a precious few to search and find. So where are they now?
In the age of having the internet at our fingertips, youd think that finding an elusive KFC buffet would be as simple as a quick Google search. Not so fast. If you rely on the KFC website to clue you in on your closest buffet location, youre in for disappointment there, too. With both options, youll only find the closest KFC restaurant, but there will be no indication of whether it features an all-you-can-eat option. Instead, you may have to rely on bloggers who are passionate about the subject or Facebook groups devoted to the cause, as well as good, old-fashioned word of mouth. The Facebook group KFC Buffet Aficionados appears to have decent up-to-date information on where to find active buffets, but they are few and far between, and theyre mostly concentrated in the southern and southeastern states of the U.S., such as Mississippi, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and Kentucky.
Even so, its best to call the buffet location directly. Case in point: I live close to a KFC whose outdoor sign boasts “buffet” on it. I discovered it shortly after I moved to my current city and was ecstatic to try it out. However, it turned out that the buffet was no longer in service, even though the sign remains and gives buffet junkies like me false hope.
What to expect at a KFC Buffet
Should you find and visit a KFC Buffet, you can expect to find the standard, classic menu items for the all-you-can-eat option, like fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn on the cob, and biscuits. But, according to various blog posts and websites, you might also find some unexpected dishes and some of KFCs oddest menu items. Visitors have reported fruit cobblers and pudding for dessert, fried chicken livers and gizzards, chicken and noodles, and a salad bar extension.
Reviews, however, arent always glowing. After all, these arent big, impressive buffets like you might find in Las Vegas; youre in a fast food restaurant, and the degree of freshness and cleanliness is always going to be dependent on the staff of a particular location. (But, honestly, its unlikely anyone is going to these places searching for the best meal of their life anyway.) Pilgrs to such locations are, in large part, nostalgic trips for those who might have grown up near a KFC buffet, eating their share of fried chicken legs on Sunday afternoons, and bowls of Jell-O and chocolate pudding for dessert. Today, you might even witness people taking selfies and posting live videos on social media at the remaining buffets. After all, this isnt the 80s anymore.