Theo Franz
Feast Buffet & Banquet has since passed its required inspections and is now operating under a "soft open".
Feast Buffet & Banquet will open its doors to the public Tuesday, Sept. 23, beginning with a soft opening designed to ease the restaurant into full service.
“During this soft opening phase, we are actively seeking feedback from our guests to refine our menu, service standards and overall guest experience,” co-owner Kevin Ni said.
The 14,000-square-foot restaurant has been in the works for the past eight months. Ni said delays stemmed from final steps required by the city, including a scheduled inspection and landscaping enhancements, as well as arranging access for the fire department.
The city conducted its inspection in early September, but Ni still needed time to bring in staff and finalize inventory before opening day.
Feast promises to stand apart from other buffets. The restaurant blends international fare with banquet-style service, offering sushi, dim sum, seafood, grilled meats and an expansive dessert bar.
Customers order from individual stations, but with a focus on fresh preparation and presentation rather than the typical chafing-dish spread.
The project is led by Ni and his family, who also operate several restaurants in the Twin Cities. Their vision is to make Feast both a dining destination and a venue for larger gatherings, with banquet space attached to the main buffet hall.
Feast Buffet & Banquet is located near Interstate 94 on 1690 Woodlane Dr.