Free Canada Day Buffet at Mandarin Restaurants

A Mandarin restaurant in Ottawa on June 28, 2019. The Canadian Press/Justin Tang

Mandarin restaurants around Ontario are offering a free buffet for Canada Day in celebration of 45 years in business.

“[A]s a proud Canadian company, we would like to Celebrate Canada by inviting Mandarin Fans to enjoy a free buffet meal on us on July 1,” the company said in an event promotion. “This is our way of saying thank you Canada.”

The dine-in experience will be first come, first served from noon until 8 p.m., according to a company news release. Restaurants won’t be taking reservations for July 1, and regular prices apply to take-out and delivery orders. 

Restaurant favourites like the soup and salad bar, prime rib counter, and sushi corner will be open to everyone.

Along with the Mandarin all-you-can-eat buffet, there will be special dishes created to celebrate Canada, such as maple glazed salmon and Canadian pizza. Over 100 options will be available, including the dessert counter, and ice cream sundae and frozen yogurt bar.

Customers will also be able to enjoy free soft drinks, tea, or coffee with their meal, the release said.

The Mandarin restaurant chain began with a single location in Brampton in 1979. It has now grown to 30 locations across the province and 2,500 employees.

“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,” James Chiu, president and co-founder of Mandarin Restaurants, said in the release.

“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.”

Mandarin is celebrating its anniversary in other ways as well, including the introduction of Canadian-inspired dishes like maple barbecue ribs, maple balsamic wings, and poutine.

The company has also created its own red and white signature wines available for a limited time in recognition of 45 years in business.

Alongside its buffet, Mandarin has created some limited-time merchandise, including a cooler tote that is free to customers who spend over $65 or more on take-out or delivery. The offer is available until Sept. 3 as long as supplies last but does not apply to third-party orders.