It has been revealed that a large amount of bread is being wasted at a bread buffet that has become so popular that customers have to stand in long lines before it opens. There are no regulations on leftover food, leading consumers to take more bread than they can actually eat, tasting only a small amount before discarding the rest.
According to the industry on the 14th, CJ Foodville operates a premium store called TLJ in Gangnam and Apgujeong, featuring the bread buffet 'Green Plate' as part of its new concept.
For 9,900 won for adults and 6,900 won for preschool children, customers can enjoy unlimited bread from Tous Les Jours for one hour, along with one drink. However, leftover items cannot be packaged. The Apgujeong location receives the first 50 customers on a first-come, first-served basis daily from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., while the Gangnam location accommodates a maximum of 42 teams from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on weekends.
As the TLJ bread buffet gains popularity for its 'value for money' image, videos of firsthand experiences have been shared on YouTube. At the Gangnam location, customers began lining up at 4 a.m., and by 7 a.m., the first 42 teams had already filled up, leading to what is known as an 'open run.'
Bread YouTuber 'BbangTube Pponi,' who has about 140,000 subscribers, posted a video waiting at the TLJ Gangnam location on the 30th of last month, stating, 'It operates from 8 a.m., but the line becomes incredibly long starting at 7 a.m., so if you come at this time, you’ll be late.' Another YouTuber, 'Gakgung's Unique Eateries,' noted, 'I waited at 7:05 a.m. but couldn't eat until 11 a.m.'
However, the videos have shown piles of wasted bread, prompting calls for the introduction of an environmental burden charge. 'BbangTube Pponi' commented, 'There is an enormous amount of bread that people take just to take a bite and then throw away. I felt that at least some regulations are necessary.'
YouTuber 'Dokgeottoraengi' also showed the condition of the waste disposal area, stating, 'Did only food destroyers gather here? There are countless items that people picked and touched but didn't eat at all.' He added, 'A buffet that started with good intentions is causing employees to shed tears; what crime has the bread committed? Let's try to show proof of clean plates.'