The Souplantarion Saga: 5 Shocking Facts About The Sweet Tomatoes Revival And 2026 Return

The mystery of "souplantarion" is a tale of an iconic restaurant chain, a global pandemic, and an astonishing comeback. For millions of loyal customers, the name—correctly spelled as Souplantation in Southern California and Sweet Tomatoes elsewhere—represents a beloved, all-you-can-eat buffet experience that suddenly vanished in 2020. The permanent closure of all 97 locations sent shockwaves through the dining world, leaving a void that fans have been desperate to fill. This comprehensive article, updated for December 2025, dives into the chain's complete saga, from its humble San Diego beginnings to the exciting, confirmed plans for its 2026 re-opening under new ownership.

The latest and most important update confirms that the long-awaited revival is now a reality. After successfully opening a pilot location in Arizona, the new owners have officially announced a timeline and location for the chain’s return to the crucial Florida market, with a confirmed opening date set for Spring 2026. This news has sparked a frenzy of anticipation, proving that the demand for the signature salad bar, fresh bakery items, and rotating soups is stronger than ever.

The Rise, The Fall, and The New Owners: A Souplantation Biography

Souplantation was more than just a restaurant; it was a cultural institution for many families and communities. Its unique, all-you-can-eat format focused on fresh, customizable salads, house-made soups, and a variety of baked goods, setting it apart from traditional buffets.

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• Founding Year: 1978.
• Original Location: San Diego, California.
• Founder: Michael Mack.
• Corporate Name: Garden Fresh Restaurant Corporation.
• Brand Names: Souplantation (primarily Southern California) and Sweet Tomatoes (all other markets).
• Peak Operations: 97 locations across 15 states.
• First Bankruptcy Filing: 2016 (restructured and emerged later that year).
• Permanent Closure: May 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• New Intellectual Property Owner: ST Three LLC (purchased in 2021).

The chain's initial success was driven by its focus on fresh ingredients and a perceived healthier buffet option. However, the business model proved vulnerable. After a 2016 bankruptcy filing, the company managed to restructure, but the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 delivered a fatal blow. Government mandates and public fear surrounding self-service, buffet-style dining made the concept unviable, leading the Garden Fresh Restaurant Corporation to permanently close all locations and liquidate its assets.

5 Shocking Facts About the Sweet Tomatoes Revival and 2026 Return

The closure in 2020 was widely considered the end of the line for the beloved brand. However, a glimmer of hope emerged when a new company, ST Three LLC, acquired the intellectual property. This new ownership group is now actively bringing the concept back to life, starting with key markets. The details of this revival are the freshest and most sought-after information for former patrons.

1. The Return to Florida is Confirmed for Spring 2026

For years, the question "Will Souplantation ever come back?" was met with a resounding "no." That has now changed. After a successful reopening in Tucson, Arizona, the new owners have set their sights on a major expansion. The most recent and exciting news, announced in December 2025, confirms that Sweet Tomatoes is returning to Florida, specifically to a location in Fort Myers. This marks a significant step in the chain's second act, proving the new ownership is confident in the brand’s ability to thrive in a post-pandemic world. The projected opening is set for Spring 2026.

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2. The Iconic Souplantation Name Will Also Be Revived

While the brand was known as Sweet Tomatoes in most of the country, the original name, Souplantation, holds a special place in the hearts of Southern California residents. The new operating company, ST Three LLC, has confirmed that they hold the trademarks for both names and intend to revive the Souplantation name as well. This suggests a future strategy that will see the chain return to its California roots, likely using the original name in that market, satisfying a massive, nostalgic customer base.

3. The Revival Started in Arizona with a Pilot Location

The first official step in the brand's comeback was the opening of a Sweet Tomatoes location in Tucson, Arizona, which occurred earlier this year (relative to December 2025). This pilot location served as a test for the concept under the new ownership, allowing them to refine operations, test new safety protocols for the buffet format, and gauge customer enthusiasm. The success of the Tucson location was the catalyst for the subsequent announcement of the Fort Myers, Florida, location, indicating a clear, multi-state expansion plan is in motion.

4. The Key Menu Favorites Are Expected to Return

The true heart of the Souplantation experience was its menu. Fans often reminisce about specific dishes that defined their visits. The new owners have indicated a commitment to bringing back the beloved classics that built the brand's reputation for fresh, comforting food. These entities are essential to the concept's success:

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• The signature Broccoli Cheese Soup
• The hearty Classic Minestrone Soup
• The expansive, customizable Salad Bar (often the main attraction)
• The popular Lemon Greek Penne
• The variety of fresh Focaccias and baked goods
• Seasonal favorites like the Seasonal Chicken Pot Pie Soup and Ginger Broth Soup

5. The Original Buffet Model is Being Carefully Reimagined

The biggest challenge for the revival is the all-you-can-eat buffet format, which was the reason for its 2020 demise. While the new Sweet Tomatoes locations will retain the core self-service model that customers love, the new ownership has implemented enhanced safety protocols to address modern concerns. The focus is on providing the same value and variety while ensuring the highest standards of cleanliness and food safety. The successful operation of the Tucson location suggests that a viable, post-pandemic buffet model has been established, paving the way for the chain’s broader comeback in 2026 and beyond.

The Future of Souplantation and Sweet Tomatoes

The return of Sweet Tomatoes to the Florida market in Spring 2026 is a monumental moment for the restaurant industry and a massive win for nostalgic diners. The chain's story—from a successful 42-year run to a pandemic-forced closure, a period of liquidation, and now a determined revival by ST Three LLC—is a testament to the power of a strong brand and a loyal customer base.

While the initial focus is on the Fort Myers location, the new ownership’s commitment to reviving both the Sweet Tomatoes and Souplantation names signals a long-term vision. Fans across the country, especially those in California, Texas, and other former operating states, are eagerly awaiting news of their own local comeback. The saga of the "souplantarion" is far from over; it is entering an exciting new chapter centered on nostalgia, fresh food, and the enduring appeal of a beloved all-you-can-eat experience.