For many people in California and Arizona, the end of the world came in 2020. And no, the end of the world was not the pandemic. But it was something that the pandemic caused: the closure of Arizona and California’s favorite soup-and-salad buffet chain.
When Sweet Tomatoes and Souplantation closed all of their locations in May of 2020, it seemed like the company was done for good.
Until, like a beacon of light and the working of miracles, Sweet Tomatoes announced that it was reopening a location in Tucson, Arizona on April 1, 2024.
The new Sweet Tomatoes in Tucson follows its old format, and features the same favorite menu items.
Guests begin by building a salad at the extensive salad bar before paying, and then head to get drinks and sit down at a table.
The next step is soups, pastas, and the beloved focaccias and baked goods.
Finally, you end your meal with delicious soft serve and toppings, or the restaurant’s array of puddings and fresh fruit.
Compared to other buffet restaurants like Golden Corral or casino-style buffets, Sweet Tomatoes has a smaller array of options, and lacks traditional entrees like roast chicken or beef or fish.
However, what Sweet Tomatoes lacks in variety, it makes up in price, healthiness, and truly delicious food.
One Phoenix resident who visited the revamped Sweet Tomatoes in Tucson claimed that “it isn’t as good as it used to be.”
Regardless, I heartily disagree.
Sweet Tomatoes’ triumphant return has proved that the restaurant still has delicious food and is still drawing in crowds every day.
The salad bar appeared more robust than ever, with more vegetables that you can name and a selection of salad dressings so extensive that you can’t pick just one. The soups and pastas were warm and comforting, and the baked goods were better than ever: the focaccia was piping hot and cheesy while the blueberry muffin was crisp on top and moist and flavorful throughout.
Finally, the cookie bars and brownies proved delicious as well, especially when eaten with creamy soft serve topped with sprinkles, caramel or fudge, and cookie crumbles.
The dessert options for healthy eaters were impressive as well: the pineapple and watermelon slices were fresh and the sugar-free chocolate mousse was perfectly light and sweet.
If you ever find yourself in Tucson, Sweet Tomatoes is worth the trip.
Sweet Tomatoes is located at 6202 East Broadway Boulevard in Tucson, Arizona.
But who knows? Hopefully Sweet Tomatoes will reopen locations in Phoenix soon!
