Late one night, Herb McDonald was working on the casino floor when he suddenly began craving something to eat.
He wandered into the kitchen and brought out bread, cold cuts, and cheese. He planned to make himself a sandwich at the bar.
Some passersby asked McDonald if they could have something to eat, too. So, he laid out a spread for any hungry customers to snack on. It was a hit, especially since it wasn’t a full meal that took the customers away from gambling.
Soon, McDonald altered the menu and launched the first 24-hour all-you-can-eat spread at El Rancho.
The “Buckaroo Buffet” cost only a dollar, and people could choose from an array of cold cuts, salad, and seafood.
The buffet caused the casino to lose money, but it kept customers inside gambling for as long as possible and attracted new patrons.
Eventually, other hotels along the Strip adopted the idea until they all had their own version of a buffet.
The next time you’re loading up your plate with food at a buffet, remember that you’re participating in a delicious part of dining history!
