Story and photos by Kathy Feist
It’s been two years since Joy Wok Super Buffet hung a Coming Soon sign in the window of their 6,000 square foot space at 85th and Wornall Road. On Monday, July 31, the signs were removed and replaced with a string of flags crisscrossing across the storefront and into the parking lot, signaling the grand opening of the much anticipated all-you-can-eat buffet.
Word got out quickly and customers came in droves.
“We really appreciate how much people love us and how much patience they’ve had over the years,” said Jennifer Zhang, co-owner of Joy Wok Super Buffet & Sushi & Hibachi.
Joy Wok claims 150 different items at their buffet, including appetizers, soups, salads, Asian stir-fry dishes, steak, seafood, sushi, barbecue, teppanyaki dishes, Japanese ramen, Pho noodle soup, and a fruit and dessert bar. (For the kids, there are pizza slices.) A hibachi chef makes fresh stir fry from your choice of ingredients. A unique Pho soup station allows you to get creative. On Saturday, a seafood buffet is featured. The restaurant also has a carry-out option.
Even if you are not hungry enough for the $16 dinner buffet, the experience is worth it.
Joy Wok is well known for its huge buffet in the area, and for good reason.
“It’s all about quality,” says Zhang. “We don’t serve leftovers. Everything is freshly made. Everyday.” Nine chefs keep fresh food on the tables daily.
Joy Wok first opened its doors at 119th and Metcalf in Overland Park, Kansas, 13 years ago. Zhang and business partner Kevin Liu took over ownership three years ago along with Zhang’s brother, Feng Zhang.
The original restaurant recently relocated to 126th and Metcalf, doubling in size to 15,000 square feet. A second location is in the Northland.
The owners have made the dining experience enjoyable at the newest location. The buffet is located in a room separated from two dining rooms. The aesthetic is decidedly modernistic rather than traditional Asian. A small bar adjoins the main dining area.
The lunch buffet Mon – Fri is only $12.99; $16.99 for dinner Mon – Thur; $19.99 for Friday dinner; Saturday is $16.99 for lunch and $29.99 for the seafood buffet. Sunday, all day, is $19.99. Prices for children vary depending on age, starting with $3 for age two at lunchtime.
Joy Wok is located at 8406 Wornall Rd and open 11 am to 9:30 pm Sunday – Friday and 11 am to 10:30 pm on Saturday.