Sizzler, the budget-friendly chain famous for its salad bar, sizzling platters and golden cheese toast, was once everywhere. In its heyday, the brand operated more than 770 restaurants nationwide, making it one of the largest casual-dining chains in America. Unfortunately, by the 1990s, the chain crashed, and crashed hard. Fast expansion, shifting tastes, and competition from Applebee’s and Outback pushed the brand into decline. Sizzler filed for bankruptcy twice, closing hundreds of locations. By 2010, just 74 restaurants remained on the West Coast. Now, the iconic chain is quietly plotting a second act. Sizzler is in the process of revamping its stores, bringing back the all-you-can-eat salad bar, updating dining rooms, and getting back to “the way things were.” Sizzler's original concept revolved around giving customers the feel of a full-service restaurant at a price slightly more than a fast food chain. Chief Growth Officer Robert Clark thinks going back to what worked in the beginning will cause the chain to have a resurgence.
