Souplantation, a buffet-style restaurant chain, has initiated steps toward re-establishing a presence in Orange County by filing a plan review for a proposed location in Fountain Valley, California. The filing was submitted to the Orange County health department, indicating an early stage in the regulatory process for a new food service establishment. The proposed restaurant is slated for 11179 Talbert Avenue.
This marks a significant move for the brand, which ceased operations nationwide in 2020. The revived entity, ST Three LLC, acquired the brand's rights and intellectual property in March 2023. Since then, the company has opened two new locations outside of California: one in Tucson, Arizona, and another in Fort Myers, Florida. The Fountain Valley site would represent the third restaurant under the new ownership and the first in California since the previous closures.
The proposed Fountain Valley restaurant is projected to occupy approximately 7,800 square feet. It is planned for a space within The Shoppes at Costco Plaza, according to information reported by the Orange County Business Journal. While a plan review has been filed, an exact opening date for the Fountain Valley location has not been announced.
A plan review filing with the Orange County health department involves submitting proposed operational plans and facility designs for evaluation against public health codes and safety regulations. This step is a prerequisite to obtaining necessary construction permits and operational licenses, ensuring that the facility and its operations meet required standards before physical development or public service begins. As such, the project remains in a proposed stage, awaiting further regulatory approvals before construction can commence or a definitive timeline can be established.
Souplantation is widely recognized for its all-you-can-eat buffet concept, offering a variety of food stations. The chain's previous menus featured an array of salads, soups, pasta selections, freshly baked muffins, focaccia, and desserts. According to various reports detailing the brand's return, the company intends to reintroduce its original recipes alongside updated interior décor at its new locations.
This filing represents a preliminary but essential step for ST Three LLC's expansion into the California market, specifically within Orange County. The progression of the Fountain Valley project will depend on the successful navigation of the plan review process and subsequent permitting requirements with local and county authorities.
