Did Alma College buy the Chinese Buffet?

KYLEE LARY
PHOTOGRAPHER

LEXIE THAYER
STAFF WRITER

9/16/2024

The Chinese Buffet is an all-you-can-eat-style restaurant just around the corner from Alma College. Known for their affordable prices and proximity, the Chinese buffet is a reliable option for hungry college students.

However, rumors have been circulating regarding whether or not Alma College has decided to buy the building that the Chinese Buffet currently inhabits. 

“I think a few years ago was when I first heard about the rumor… I could see why people believe it: it is a part of the Alma College campus. But I don’t think I’ve ever heard any confirmation on that news,” said Charlayne-Aye Olegario (‘25).

“I’ve heard it here before in passing, but I’ve never had an actual conversation with someone about it.” said Lily Sierwakowski (‘28). 

“I’ve definitely heard about the rumor multiple times since being a student here at Alma College… You see the building every time you come here,” said Emily Ahearn (‘26).

It seemed that nobody, myself included, knew for certain whether or not Alma College owned – or intended to own – the building.

And, to know for sure if Alma College has bought the building, I looked to the Senior Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Chief Operating Officer of Alma College, Timothy Pinnow.

“It’s been in the college’s master plan for more than a decade to eventually acquire that building and knock it down so that you can see the college from the intersection… The owners recently became interested in selling it and Alma College got it for a relatively good price… Now we are just waiting,” said Pinnow.

That confirms it. I know I probably speak for a lot of Alma College students when I say that this is exciting news.

I think that if more locals can see the Alma College campus without the buffet obstructing their view it will have a positive impact on enrollment for local students. It’s the small things that count and seeing the beauty of Alma College would have huge advantages. 

Plus, I personally love the idea of more landscape and greenery on the plot of land where Chinese Buffet sits. Places outside to sit, read or socialize would add to Alma College’s aura and get students outside more. It also allows for more wildlife – especially beloved squirrels.

But many other students also had great ideas for what Alma College could put there instead.

“I think that a late-night, cheap food option would help students feel a little less trapped in a small town… Yes, there’s food by the freeway, but that would require a drive and sometimes all we can do is walk,” said Isabella Manor (‘28).

“Another parking lot would be good… I can’t really think of anything else we don’t have. But I know that there’s a lot of kids who don’t have parking spaces,” said Nathan Joseph (‘27)

“I also think just greenery would be cool… like benches. I feel like we don’t have a lot of good hang-out spots that coincide with nature. I mean we have a greenhouse, but…” agreed Hailee Risner (‘28)

In conclusion, Alma College seems to have many ideas and projects underway. I think that it’s intriguing to think about what Alma College might do with this opportunity and the future plot of land that’s just right around the corner.

And, as a local, it’s surprising that I’ve never checked out Alma’s Chinese Buffet. However, now that I know that our buffet is leaving soon, it may be worth checking out!