When you are hungry, nothing quite whets your appetite like a delicious buffet. While you might be excited to grab a plate and start putting together the perfect breakfast, lunch, or dinner, there are some unwritten buffet etiquette rules that are important to remember. Here are three things you should remember the next time you dine buffet style, and why it matters.

Buffet Etiquette Tips

1. Always Get A Clean Plate

While it might seem conscientious to the kitchen staff to reuse your plate to prevent dirtying another dish, it is important to always get a clean plate when you return to the buffet for more food. In fact, most buffet restaurants request that patrons leave their dirty plate on their table or in a specific gathering place, and request that they grab a new plate before entering the line again. By doing this, you can prevent transmitting bacteria or viruses to communal utensils and food sources, protecting your fellow diners.

2. Never Touch Food With Your Hands

As you move through the buffet line, always pick up food with the proper utensils, and never use your bare hands. This rule applies to all foods in the buffet, including items like dinner rolls, cookies, and other dried goods. If you can’t find the appropriate tongs or utensils, ask an employee.

3. Be Considerate to the People Around You

Never reach around other people moving through the line, jump ahead of others, or move slow enough that it would interfere with the people behind you. Instead, focus on being considerate to the people around you, and doing everything you can to keep the peace.

If you are in the mood for a delicious home-cooked meal without all of the fuss of traditional restaurants, visit Western Sizzlin Restaurant in Springdale, AR. With two convenient locations in Springdale and Russellville, this favorite eatery has been beloved by locals for over 30 years and focuses on creating tasty dishes people will remember, such as the Flamekist® steak. Visit their website to learn more about their buffet, or give their Springdale, AR, location a call at (479) 750-3663.