Texarkana, Texas - Golden Palace welcomed customers back to their dining space considerably later than most restaurants in Texarkana, including some of the other buffets. Management decided that when Texas restaurants were permitted to open at 75 percent capacity, that was the time to welcome back their fans.
"The One was opening at that time as well," said Meimei Zhu, manager. "They are family, and when one of us goes, we all go. Besides, the earlier capacities, 25 and 50 percent, were not really practical for us. We decided that it was better to wait."
While Golden Palace was closed, however, the space was not without activity.
"We had managers and staff coming in, checking things, doing necessary maintenance," Zhu said. "There were still chores to be done. That included feeding our fish and changing out their water when necessary."
Golden Palace has a huge fish tank with several large goldfish. Like the tank itself, the fish have been a feature of the place for a very long time. To the point where the old tank is about to be replaced.
"We are giving the fish a new tank," she said. "This one has sprung a leak and we decided they needed a new home."
Golden Palace still serves its classic buffet, including its modest sushi bar. But for now, restaurant employees are wearing masks and servers dish up on their customers' plates, consistent with what other local buffets are doing.
(Golden Palace is located at 3460 Summerhill Road. It offers take-out options as well as dine-in.)