Fusion Buffet is a road-trip worth stop along Bee Line Highway
In the culinary landscape of DuBois, Pennsylvania, few establishments offer the sheer variety and volume of choices as Fusion Buffet. Located at 1493 Bee Line Highway, this sprawling all-you-can-eat destination has become a staple for local families and travelers alike. By blending traditional Chinese cuisine with Japanese sushi, hibachi grilling, and American comfort food, Fusion Buffet lives up to its name, creating a dining experience where East meets West in the most literal sense.
The history of Fusion Buffet is a relatively modern chapter in DuBois’ commercial development. The restaurant officially opened its doors in July 2019, breathing new life into a building that many locals already knew well. For years, the site was home to a Ponderosa Steakhouse, a chain that had long been a fixture for family dining in the area. When Ponderosa closed, it left a void for a large-capacity casual-dining venue on the busy Bee Line Highway corridor.
The arrival of Fusion Buffet marked a significant shift in the local dining scene. Rather than sticking to a single culinary tradition, the new owners aimed to capture a broader audience by diversifying the menu. The “fusion” concept was designed to solve the age-old “Where should we eat?” debate by offering something for everyone — from the adventurous sushi lover to the guest who simply wants a slice of pizza or a plate of mashed potatoes.
The hallmark of Fusion Buffet is its expansive selection, organized into multiple buffet bars that stretch across the dining room. Offerings fall into the four main pillars: Chinese, Japanese (Sushi & Hibachi), seafood, and American.
Traditional Chinese Favorites
At its core, the restaurant delivers a robust lineup of Chinese-American staples. The hot bars are lined with familiar comfort foods, such as General Tso’s chicken, beef with broccoli, sweet and sour pork, and lo mein. Appetizers like egg rolls, crab rangoon, and dumplings are constantly replenished, ensuring hot, fresh options for lunch and dinner crowds. We tried some of the fried apps like battered shrimp and cream-cheese wontons, and they did not disappoint.
Sushi and Hibachi
What sets Fusion Buffet apart from standard buffets is its dedication to Japanese cuisine. The restaurant features a dedicated sushi bar where chefs roll fresh maki and nigiri throughout the day. Diners can find popular options like California rolls, spicy tuna, and vegetable rolls, alongside the sliced fresh fish. The selection isn’t as varied or authentic as you can find at Tadashi or the former Ni Hao, but it does a good job of balancing familiar West Coast favorites and more exotic rolls.
For those who prefer their food cooked to order, the hibachi grill serves as a central attraction. Guests can select raw ingredients — ranging from thinly sliced beef and chicken to shrimp and vegetables — and hand them to a chef who grills them on the spot with soy sauce, teriyaki glaze, and eggs. This interactive element adds a layer of freshness and customization often missing from the buffet format. Because the restaurant does it all, the hibachi selection here is not that of a dedicated hibachi restaurant, nor does it feature theatrical tableside cooking, but the selections are solid and the wait time is short.
Seafood and American Comforts
Understanding the local palate, the buffet also leans heavily into American favorites. The menu includes fried chicken, pizza, mashed potatoes, and corn, making it an easy sell for families with young children or picky eaters.
However, the real draw for many is the seafood. The restaurant features a “Seafood Delight” focus, particularly on weekends. Friday and Saturday evenings, as well as Sundays, often feature premium items like salt-and-pepper shrimp, mussels, clams, and, on special occasions, crab legs and crawfish. These higher-ticket items help Fusion Buffet’s reputation as a value-driven destination for seafood lovers. We sampled crab legs, crawfish, and several types of shrimp. Crackers are recommended for the crab legs to avoid bending the restaurant’s [metal] forks. The seafood was nicely seasoned and well prepared. Shrimp lovers, in particular, find plenty to enjoy! We missed the finger bowls and large napkins that are often offered with seafood, as eating it can get quite messy. Plastic gloves are provided for guests who prefer not to get their hands dirty.
Fusion Buffet operates on a tiered pricing model that changes based on the time of day and age of the guest. Lunch hours, typically 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., offer a lower price point with a slightly streamlined menu, while dinner service brings out the full range of seafood and specialty items. The restaurant is open seven days a week, making it a reliable option for everything from quick work lunches to Sunday family dinners.
The atmosphere is decidedly casual and bustling. The spacious dining room, inherited from the building’s steakhouse days, can accommodate large groups, making it a popular choice for birthday parties and post-church gatherings.
Since its 2019 opening, Fusion Buffet has successfully cemented itself as a go-to spot in DuBois. By replacing a beloved steakhouse with a modern, multicuisine concept, it bridges the gap between nostalgia and novelty. Whether you are craving the heat of a fresh hibachi stir-fry, the comfort of fried rice, or the simplicity of a slice of pizza, Fusion Buffet offers a plate for every palate, proving that in the world of dining, variety is indeed the spice of life. T&G
Sherri Jordan and Luciano Sormani are the ad coordinator/graphic designer and creative director at Town&Gown.
