SAN ANTONIO – VitaNova Brands (VNB), a multi-concept operator of independent restaurant brands, announced the permanent closure of four buffet-style restaurant locations due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Two HomeTown Buffet locations in California, one Ryan’s in West Virginia and one Old Country Buffet in Illinois were permanently closed effective Oct. 9.

“This was an incredibly difficult decision but these locations were already suffering from declining sales before the pandemic and, with expiring leases without our ability to extend under favorable terms, we needed to make the tough call to redirect our resources to other locations in order to continue to operate our restaurants under our new concept of AYCE (all-you-can-eat) and Marketplace,” said Jason Kemp, president of VitaNova Brands. “We will do everything in our power to relocate employees and assist others impacted with access to available local resources.”

The locations had been temporarily closed since late March, the company said. employees affected by the permanent closures will be paid remaining vacation, sick time off and other benefits.

VitaNova Brands currently operates TogoKitchens.com, Zio’s Italian Kitchen, Sushi Zushi, Tahoe Joe’s, Don Pablo’s Cantina, Hometown AYCE Marketplace, Old Country AYCE Marketplace, Furr’s AYCE Marketplace and Ryan’s AYCE Marketplace.