Ole Times Country Buffet — Restaurant in Columbus

Update: I responded to owner immediately after they left a response. To this date, the owner has not responded to my email. Today is 2-17-2025.

original: Rating a 1 star because they can do better. I came on 11-20-2024. They had about 8 brown chewy treats on a white platter that looked somewhat like a brownie. I asked whether they are cooking brownies today. The worker said NO. Another worker asked how I was doing when I was seated again. It wasn't my waitress. I welcomed the brief conversation. The establishment wasn't super busy. I said I will have to try again another day for some brownies. Worker went beyond his duty and asked the ladies in the desert section to bake some brownies. I waited until they were baked, and cooled off. It was a LONG wait. I went over to ask for some brownies. There were 4 brown chewies left on the plate. The lady REFUSED to give me brownies. It was now 5:30 pm. She said the brownies are for TOMORROW. We all know she told a lie.

I politely went to talk with the male manager. He made an excuse that it was still hot. I told him that it wasn't and that I had waited for a long time. The manager NEVER offered any customer service. He just stood by the pork and pig feet section and resumed chatting with a male kitchen worker. The dude didn't even try to verify ANYTHING and I never got a crumb of brownies.

The pastry worker outright lied and manager outright was lazy and uncaring as sorry can get. I WANT a REFUND because my final experience was below acceptable. The waitress and guy who asked the lady to bake the brownies are TOP Notch.

Yes ...you guess right. I will never patronize this establishment again. I usually come once a week. Today was my last day. I will not PAY to be LIED to and not even get one cooked brownies after waiting an additional hour . THE MANAGER IS uncaring AND NEEDS TO FIND SOMEWHERE ELSE THAT HE CAN be where customer service does not matter. I was not loud. I didn't make a scene. I was simply treated POORLY.

I remember faces and will never patronize any establishment that hires either of the two lazy workers. I left hurt because I can't believe that I ate food in the past that was prepared by uncaring employees.

Owner: Please refund me for 1 buffet and water.

Readers: Yes, I tipped the...

WORST FOOD AND WORST MANAGED PLACE IMAGINABLE - Rotten fruit, no silverware available and then only dirty silverware to use, no plates to use at the buffets either for salad bar nor hot foods (& the few plates that were there were also dirty with old food on them already but not being removed nor restocked ever during our lengthy visit), no new meat was ever brought out (and the few old ribs left to consider for example were left over from the day before - completely ruined, dried out and hardened), the wings were terrible, tiny and old (and many were half the length of my index finger!), collard greens were seemingly cooked in wet salt and were unfit for human consumption, and so many more ridiculous unsafe and/or disgusting oversights that it is difficult to completely list - but understand I had to made several employees aware of serious issues (not ONE single employee did even ONE single thing to remove bad food, restock silverware or plates, update the old foods, or anything else. No manager was ever seen on floor and after requesting to speak to the manager (Margaret) we were made completely aware of why it was so awful, empty and the food not being taken… she was quite clear that she had no issue with having rancid, unsafe, and/or I’ll-prepared foods - she showed no surprise nor interest and merely stated she was sorry we didn’t like rotten or days old food we had paid for but not receiving - she made no pretense of correcting any issue(s) raised and made no attempt to rectify to fraud of taking our money under the guise of having a functional buffet. What a complete joke. This place had about 150 patrons the last dinner we came to there…. Now there were only a dozen total customers who were all looking about equally I excited about the horrific dining experience they had just shelled out good money to pick around the rotten or ruined items in front of us. I spoke in detail to our server and it’s very clear the new owners will not be able to save this dumpster fire for more than another month and it appears heading...

Pros

The food is usually good and consistent 9 out of 10. The establishment has a salad bar, desserts, fruit, soup, grilled meat section, and lots of meats, vegetables, and beans to choose from.

Take out is an option. The food cost for takeout is based on how much the food weigh. Dining in is more practical for those that want to try a lot of the items or enjoys eating in. Dining in cost is a flat price plus cost of beverage.

The atmosphere is on par with all other buffets. The staff is friendly. The customers comes across as friendly.

Cons

Occasionally, the beans do not taste the same. The seasoning be lacking or on point ❤️‍🔥. The batter for the fish nuggets are too salty for me but are a favorite for many. Some veggies are overcooked at times (cabbage and squash).

Parking is ample.

Bathroom is acceptable.

My Dislike is not something that the restaurant is to blame. An idiot took something to etch a big X on the door of my 2023 Nissan Rogue. I THINK it was one of the ragamuffin kids of a car parked next to me. It's etched to the metal. I was livid. My deductible is high, so I didn't report it to the insurance. My only regret is not asking the restaurant if they had video footage for the parking lot. So, try NOT to park in the two back rows directly across the entrance door. Park only in front row or the wider parking spaces in the far back. I still go, but, I usually ride with someone. I am unwilling to change an idiot doing that again. I didn't hold the restaurant liable because it's NOT the owner fault for an idiot customer.

My new routine when I actually go is ONLY when the school kids are in school during school hours. I would have restaurant 5 star if my car wasn't vandalized in their parking lot by an idiot that can't respect someone...