Souplantation and Sweet Tomatoes will permanently close all of its restaurants amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Garden Fresh Restaurants, the parent company of Souplantation and sister chain Sweet Tomatoes said they will close all 97 restaurants across the US.
There are 44 locations in California, with several Sweet Tomatoes restaurants across the Bay Area.
CEO John Haywood said the restaurants’ buffet-style model wouldn’t be able to survive amid the FDA’s regulations. He said the company spent the last eight weeks “exploring every possible option” to avoid permanent closure.
According to the outlet, about 4,400 employees will lose their jobs