Mandarin offering free buffet at all Ontario restaurants on Canada Day July 1 and people have a lot to say about it online

Mandarin Restaurants is celebrating its 45th anniversary in Canada by offering a free buffet at any of its restaurants across Ontario on July 1.

The popular Chinese buffet spot says admission will be honoured on a first-come, first-served basis during seating hours from 12 noon to 8 p.m. There will be no dine-in reservations taken July 1.

Customers will also receive complimentary soft drinks, tea, and coffee in addition to their meal, Mandarin Restaurants said in a release.

The Mandarin came to Canada 45 years ago, starting with a small, à la carte restaurant in Brampton in 1979.

Mandarin has now grown to 30 locations across Ontario, with more than 2,500 staff and 150 managing partners.

“When our family started Mandarin more than four decades ago, we built our business on providing delicious meals for everyone in a welcoming space, for guests to create special moments in our restaurants,” says James Chiu, president and co-founder of Mandarin Restaurants. “All these years later, we are honoured to see new generations of families make special Mandarin moments and we want to thank everyone for contributing to its success with our free buffet event this Canada Day.”

There will be more than 100 dishes available at the buffet on Canada Day, including their popular noodle and rice dishes, grill tables, desserts and prime rib counters.

People are reacting to this announcement online.

“This will be packed,” Teressa Taylor-Husain wrote on Facebook, referring to how busy the restaurants will be.

Kathleen Harmer suggested this is a kind initiative during a time when people are struggling to make ends meet.

“ … do you not realize all the people out there that may have a roof over their head but barely any food in their house? This is one day they could have this treat and feel spoiled as well. And leave with a full belly. It is open to everyone. Times are tough for everyone,” she wrote.