Wood Grill

One of the first things you’ll see on the wall when you walk into Wood Grill Buffet is Meals and Memories are Made Here, and to owners Elgin and Rachel Hamner, it’s more than just wall décor, it’s the way they run their business. “There are great things that can happen when you get to sit down with people over a meal.” Over the years, that welcoming atmosphere has helped turn first-time visitors into lifelong customers and friends.

For over 40 years now Elgin has been in the restaurant business, cooking roughly 1 million steaks over the course of four decades. In 1985 his parents purchased Western Sizzlin’ in Benton and added one of the first buffets in the country to what was traditionally a steakhouse. 

That decision has evolved into one of only four Wood Grill Buffet locations in the U.S., rated the number one buffet in Arkansas and number 14th in the nation. Over the years, customers from across Arkansas and beyond have made the trip to Benton specifically to experience the variety and hospitality Wood Grill Buffet has become known for.

Developed by a team of culinary experts hired by Wood Grill Buffet owners across the country, there is much consideration, expertise and time put into the buffet’s many options.  “That’s the hardest part of Wood Grill is that everything is made from scratch. It takes a lot of love and care to do what we do. It’s hard work, but we love it.” 

With over 200 items, they are one of the biggest buffets in the country. Although it has been expanded over the years to include an incredible variety of foods from almost every vegetable you can imagine, to over 20 different kinds of protein, 73 salad fixings and 18 dessert options, Wood Grill Buffet has not left their first love, serving choice steaks served on the buffet after 4:00 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and all day Saturday and Sunday.

The homemade enchiladas in particular are a customer favorite. “They are homemade and they are a pain,” laughs Elgin. “It takes 30 minutes to make one pan of enchiladas, and it takes two and half hours to prepare the meat. But they are hand-rolled individually, and they are often gone in five to ten minutes. There are so many hands-on dishes being prepared as customers are walking through the door. That is what we are proud of. We really feel like there is not a better value in America for what you get because of the quality food and hospitality.”

As a former personal trainer, Rachel is very health conscience and ensures there are healthy options available. Elgin says he has lost 65 pounds in the last two years only through eating a healthy diet from the buffet. 

“Wood Grill has more healthy options than anyone in Arkansas,” adds Rachel. Those options include an expansive salad bar, baked fish, grilled fish, baked chicken, smoked chicken as well as sugar free desserts. Wood Grill Buffet also offers party rooms which are steadily booked.  “Customers can call to reserve a room and there is no charge as long as everybody eats. Most restaurants want a down payment or a deposit, but we decided to operate like it’s the 80s or 90s, so just a phone call will reserve your space,” explains Elgin. 

In addition, on-site catering is available for special occasions with a recent catering event for over 700 people. 

“What I love is that whether it’s adults or children, we can do anything from chicken nuggets to pot roast, it’s a good mixed for all ages set-up buffet style,” says Rachel. 

As equally important as hand-crafted food and a variety of options at a great price is giving back to the community. “We do things in the community to help folks where we can help folks. We are going to deliver food without being asked. We like to help people quietly but also do support all the different athletic and civic organizations across the county. 

We know that we couldn’t do this alone, so every night we thank the Lord that we can have a business that can make a difference as we move forward and continue to try to make our store better,” Elgin says. 

Rachel adds that although there are many restaurants out there, the thing that sets them apart is relationships. “I love getting to know people and I am interested in their lives. When customers come in, they feel like they are coming to a friend or a family member’s house.” 

Daughters Avery, 13 and Blakely, 11 are an ever-present part of the Wood Grill Buffet family. “The customers have gotten to know our girls and have developed special friendships, as is the case with a long-time customer, Uncle Al, who has become best buddies with 11-year-old Blakely and now attends her softball games with the family. 

Meals and Memories are Made Here. It’s true and evident in the love that goes into every homemade dish and the feeling you get when you walk in the door. “I feel like we live that every day. 

The number of people here on a Sunday that are hugging me and hugging the girls; they are getting so much more than good quality food at a great price; they receive and warm welcome from us and a staff who are genuinely glad they are here.” 

For more information about Wood Grill Buffet, visit woodgrillbuffetbenton.com.