A regular spot for locals and tourists alike to enjoy a lunch break, a sweet treat or a crab leg dinner, Ameristar Hotel and Casino’s Heritage Buffet has been missing from the local dining scene, but not for much longer.

The newly renovated buffet, now featuring expanded stations, a new international food station and an expanded salad and dessert bar, is scheduled to open to the public Friday for dinner at 4 p.m. after an invitation only ribbon cutting ceremony earlier in the day.

“It really is a floor-to-ceiling renovation,” Gerad Hardy, Ameristar’s vice president and general manager, said. “We’re talking about all new carpet, all new wall fixtures, [and all new] booths, tables and chairs. It’s the same box, but it’s an all-new buffet. ”

Hardy said the renovation was prompted by the need for a fresh new look, since it had been 10 years since Heritage’s last update.

“We’ve opened up some walls, we’ve opened up some sight lines, and it really is nice because we’re taking advantage of the panoramic views of the Mississippi,” he said. “It really will feel brand new. We said we were going to take something that was already really good and make it better.”

Hardy said the new international station would feature Chinese, Mexican, Mediterranean foods, and the dessert area would feature the addition of hand scooped ice creams, including some custom ice cream favors made just for the buffet.

“The brand new dessert station is phenomenal,” Hardy said. “It’s doubled in size and will be featuring everything from strawberry shortcake to chocolate German cake to red velvet cake.”

The 10-week renovation relocated buffet employees to other areas of the hotel and casino, but the staff will remain the same size post-renovation, Hardy said.

Though the buffet will debut Friday, Saturday it will be the setting for a VIP event hosted by this year’s Miss Mississippi contestants.

“The concept is pretty neat because our VIPs will be dining with the next Miss Mississippi,” he said.

Hardy said he hopes everyone can make the trip to see the new buffet for themselves.

“Certainly any time you open up something new you’re going to have a lot of people that are excited to come out and see that new thing,” he said.

“We are anticipating large crowds, and we’re certainly excited about having everyone come out and visit our brand new Heritage Buffet.”