Theo Franz
Feast Buffet & Banquet has since passed its projected opening, but is expected to welcome guests three to four weeks from now.
What was supposed to be a spring debut for a high-end, buffet-style restaurant is now tracking toward a midsummer opening.
Feast Buffet and Banquet, which will occupy the former Cowboy Jack’s location at 1690 Woodlane Drive, is now projected to open in three to four weeks, according to co-owners Kevin Ni and ZeGui Qui. The restaurant was initially expected to launch in late spring, but the opening has been delayed due to expanded construction demands and final preparations.
“The project got a lot bigger than expected,” Qui said, citing furnishing, unfinished exterior, and a series of required inspections among the final hurdles.
Ni concurred, saying a specific opening date will be set once the city inspects the building.
When doors do open, customers can expect something different from the traditional buffet experience. Inspired by Ni’s other business ventures, Sushi Train in Minneapolis and Captain Crab in Brooklyn Center, Feast will serve chef-prepared meals on individual plates rather than self-serve trays, with an emphasis on variety, cleanliness and visual presentation.
“Half of the food will be from the Asian community, the other half from the American community,” Ni said.
He added that Feast’s menu, which will have a strong seafood presence, will be ever-changing and curated to what is popular among customers.
Inside, the restaurant will accommodate 300 guests, with room for 400 more on their outdoor patio. The modern, dark-toned interior already looks to be in place, as well as its open design welcoming families and large groups.
“We want to make sure everything is ready, and that includes making sure our staff is trained and our space is finished,” Qui said.
Despite previous restaurants having difficulty finding long-term success at the location, Ni is optimistic and believes that the combination of being located off of I-494, the quality of his food, and few competing buffets in Woodbury will bring sustainable growth for his newest venture.
Feast secured its On Sale Wine and Beer Liquor License, which includes Sunday and patio sales, in May. The licensing process “went smoothly,” Qui said.