Kim White \/ Bloomberg, Getty Images<\/span><\/p> New ownership is modernizing the menu, bringing back signature d\u00e9cor, and leaning into \u201cexperiential dining\u201d \u2014 creating casual, communal meals that feel familiar and fun. A handful of locations have already reopened in urban and suburban areas, and the laid-back vibe is just like fans remember.<\/p>\n The pandemic dealt a hard blow to Souplantation and Sweet Tomatoes \u2014 both owned by Garden Fresh Restaurants \u2014 forcing all 97 locations to close in 2020<\/a> after the self-serve model became temporarily unworkable.<\/p>\n Ethan Miller, Getty Images<\/span><\/p> Now, the salad-and-soup buffet favorite is making a smarter, safer return. A renewed focus on health-conscious, allergy-friendly, and customizable meals is helping the brand find its footing again. With reimagined self-serve setups and a family-friendly vibe, the chain is attracting fresh interest in 2025.<\/p>\n At its peak, Blimpie operated more than 1,800 stores, but a bloated franchise system and tight margins shrank that number to around 20<\/a>0.<\/p>\n Jeffrey Greenberg \/Universal Images Group, Getty Images<\/span><\/p> Now owned by Kahala Brands, the sandwich chain is mounting a soft return<\/a> by emphasizing Express locations, catering services, and simpler franchise models. The core menu remains familiar, and new store openings are being rolled out carefully \u2014 focusing more on staying power than rapid growth.<\/p>\n Steak \u2018n Shake faced financial trouble in 2021 but avoided bankruptcy by overhauling its business model. The brand closed dozens of underperforming stores and restructured its franchise system.<\/p>\n Jeffrey Greenberg, Getty Images<\/span><\/p> In 2025, it\u2019s seeing new momentum by embracing counter service and kiosks<\/a>, ditching traditional table service. The updated model is now being launched in high-traffic areas like airports, with an emphasis on fast, consistent service and streamlined operations.<\/p>\n Cici’s Pizza was once the buffet king of the pizza world, with more than 500 locations and a cult following. But by 2021, pandemic shutdowns and financial pressure forced the company into bankruptcy, shrinking it to around 300 stores.<\/p>\n Dan Tian \/ Xinhua, Getty Images<\/span><\/p> Now, in 2025<\/a>, Cici’s is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a steady comeback. The brand has stabilized at 270 locations and is actively expanding again, drawing in families with bold new menu items like Oreo Brownie Pizza, Chicken and Waffle Pizza, and Nashville Hot Chicken Pizza \u2014 all while sticking to its no-frozen-dough policy.<\/p>\n Whether it\u2019s a Monte Cristo sandwich, a soup-and-salad combo, or a no-frills pizza buffet, these chains are tapping into something simple<\/a>: people miss what feels good.<\/p>\n And in 2025, that means comfort food, nostalgic menus, and maybe \u2014 just maybe \u2014 a little comeback magic.<\/p>\n Of all of the side hustles country artists could partake in, opening a bar or restaurant is the most fitting \u2014 and very common. After all, many of these stars got their start on a barstool, tip jar nearby, playing their music for anyone who would listen.<\/p>\n These places feel like home for many of these singers. Over the years, several artists have gotten into the bar or restaurant game, and for a select few, brands have turned into franchises with several locations and\/or concepts \u2014 we’re looking at you, Jimmy Buffett!<\/p>\n Let’s take a look at the country star food and entertainment venues that have opened over the years.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Gallery Credit: Jess<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nSouplantation & Sweet Tomatoes: The Salad Bar Is Back<\/h3>\n
Blimpie Subs & Salads: A Quiet Comeback for a Classic Sub Chain<\/h3>\n
Steak \u2018n Shake: From Full Service to Fast Counter<\/h3>\n
Cici’s Pizza: Still Unlimited, 40 Years Later<\/h3>\n
What’s Old Is New Again<\/h3>\n
25 Country Stars With Their Own Bars + Restaurants<\/h2>\n