Perfect opportunity for some techie, digital arts ppl to create a buffet app where you sit at your table, open your app- or tabletop screen, right next to the salt & pepper- and view the buffet digitally. You scoop what you want, like a video game, while a waiter replicates your choices & beings it to your table. Keeps the customization of buffet dining but adds better hygiene for post COVID-19 era. Could be integrated with the digital tabletop billing & credit card swipe machines many restaurants use now. Can also still have all-you-can-eat pricing.
It’s a new era, but it’s also a tech era. I could see this happening.
ETA: Meant to toss your cruise ship post in here too
@oviedo.