The Gold Club's famous fried chicken buffet is a hit, once again

• However, the pandemic forced the longtime SoMa establishment to shut down the daily special.

Driving the news: Five years later on April 3, the strip club brought back its highly-awaited all-you-can-eat lunch to crowds lining up down the block.

• Much like the before days, the buffet remains free, though there is a $5 entertainment fee to enter.
• The decision to bring back the special came after receiving so many pleas from the venue's loyal customers, said Axel Sang, the strip club's marketing director.

Yes, but: Management also felt that downtown's revitalization played a role in the business' decision.

• "We believe that San Francisco has turned the corner and that we're looking forward, we're looking ahead," Sang told Axios.

What they're saying: The lunch's return is "another example of the optimism" surrounding downtown's recovery post-pandemic, said Scott Rowitz, executive director of the Yerba Buena Partnership.

• More people are returning to the office, new businesses are opening and museum exhibits are driving the area's arts and cultural scene, he added.

Reality check: Operating an entertainment venue has become less predictable post-pandemic, said the club's general manager Craig Scott.

• Their customer base has shifted from high-spending convention-driven clientele to more locals. Sales are also still below pre-pandemic levels, though they remain optimistic that the back-to-the-office push will lead to more foot traffic, Scott added.
• The first few lunch services have shown promising signs: Within the hour on Thursday, the club was already busy and near capacity — a huge difference from the opening evening hours when business starts off slow, Scott said.

The intrigue: Angeline M., a dancer at the club for about two years, said the lunch hours have been attracting pre-pandemic and newer customers alike and drawing new regulars.

• "Being open during the daytime is going to make us busier at night," she said. "And, yeah, it's a really good deal. But people could also go anywhere else to eat, yet they choose here because they get the best of both worlds."

What to expect: While the buffet's offerings will rotate regularly, the fried chicken will remain a mainstay. Guests can expect to see a variety of dishes on the menu, which includes a salad bar, dessert and two sides.

What I ate: I had the renowned fried chicken, salad with a honey-mustard vinaigrette, grilled vegetables and a side of roast beef in a mushroom sauce.

My thought bubble: I can confirm it's not just affordable, but also a delicious meal. The chicken is crispy, succulent and worth going back for. It's also quite mesmerizing to watch the sultry performers on stage while scarfing down a plate of piping hot food.

What's next: The Gold Club is planning on expanding lunch service to Fridays beginning in the next two to three weeks, Scott said. The goal is to eventually bring back the buffet five days a week.

If you go: Open for lunch every Thursday from 11:30am-2pm at 650 Howard St.