Why This North Carolina All-You-Can-Eat Buffet Belongs On Your Food Map
Last spring, I drove past Granny’s Kitchen three times before finally pulling in, and boy, was that a mistake waiting so long.
This unassuming buffet spot in Cherokee, North Carolina, has been dishing out Southern comfort food since 1984, and locals guard it like a delicious secret.
If you’re anywhere near the Smoky Mountains and skipping this place, you’re missing out on some seriously good eats.
A True Family Affair Since the Reagan Era
Ray and Teresa Williamson opened Granny’s Kitchen back in 1984, when shoulder pads were cool and everyone had big hair.
Nearly four decades later, their kids and grandkids are still flipping pancakes and carving roast beef right alongside them.
Walking in feels like crashing a family reunion where everyone’s actually happy to see you.
The Williamsons didn’t just build a restaurant; they created a legacy where recipes get passed down and every regular customer knows somebody’s cousin who works the line.
Cafeteria-Style Southern Buffet Heaven
Forget fancy plating and tiny portions that leave you hungry an hour later.
Granny’s serves up their all-you-can-eat Southern buffet cafeteria-style, which means you grab a tray and load up on whatever catches your eye.
No judgment here if you pile mashed potatoes next to your green beans or go back for thirds on cornbread.
The setup keeps things moving fast, even during the weekend rush, and you control exactly what lands on your plate. It’s efficient, unpretentious, and honestly perfect for indecisive eaters like me.
Hand-Carved Roast Beef and Golden Fried Chicken
Every dinner service features two absolute showstoppers: hand-carved roast beef that’s tender enough to cut with your fork and fried chicken with a crust so crispy it practically sings.
These aren’t afterthoughts tossed on the buffet; they’re the headliners.
The roast beef gets sliced right in front of you, still juicy and pink in the middle, while the fried chicken stays hot under the lamps without getting soggy.
Both dishes prove that buffet food doesn’t have to mean compromising on quality or flavor.
Seasonal Operation Keeps Things Fresh
Granny’s Kitchen operates from mid-March through November, then closes up shop for the winter months.
They also take Mondays off year-round, which honestly makes sense when you’re cooking for crowds six days a week.
This seasonal schedule means the Williamsons can focus on peak tourist season without burning out their staff or sacrificing quality.
Sure, it’s a bummer if you roll through Cherokee in January craving their mac and cheese, but it also means when they’re open, they’re firing on all cylinders with fresh ingredients and a motivated crew.
Rotating Daily Menus Keep You Coming Back
Wednesdays bring chicken and dumplings with pork chops, Thursdays feature meat loaf and turkey with dressing, and Saturdays go all-out with BBQ pork and spare ribs.
Each day offers something different, which is genius for keeping regulars interested.
You could eat there every week for a month and never get bored because the menu rotates based on the day.
It’s like having seven different restaurants under one roof, except you don’t have to learn new parking lots or figure out where the bathroom is each time.
Prime Location Near Harrah’s Cherokee Casino
Granny’s sits at 1098 Painttown Road, roughly a mile east of Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, which makes it super convenient whether you’re visiting the reservation or exploring the Smokies.
The location puts you right in the heart of Cherokee without the chaos of the main tourist strip.
After dropping twenty bucks on slot machines or hiking all morning, you’re probably starving, and Granny’s is perfectly positioned to rescue your rumbling stomach.
Easy parking, straightforward directions, and close enough to everything that matters without being overrun by tour buses.
Community Champions with Native American Roots
Beyond feeding hungry tourists, Granny’s Kitchen actively caters local events and serves traditional Native American foods, honoring the Cherokee community they call home.
They even earned a Duke Energy Citizenship Award for their community involvement. This isn’t some corporate chain dropping into town for profit and bouncing when business slows.
The Williamsons have woven themselves into Cherokee’s fabric, supporting neighbors and celebrating local culture through food.
That kind of genuine community connection makes every bite taste a little better, knowing you’re supporting people who truly care.