Mandarin offering free Canada Day buffets to all citizens

July 1 is Canada’s birthday, and the owners of Ontario buffet chain Mandarin restaurants are inviting you to celebrate your citizenship with an all-you-can-eat meal — on the house.

All 29 Mandarin locations across the province — including the one at the Devonshire Mall — will be offering free food to every Canadian citizen who visits on Canada Day, from noon to 8:30 p.m.

All you need to do is bring proof of your citizenship, whether it be a Canadian birth certificate, passport or citizenship card.

Seating will be first come, first served. No reservations will be taken. All members of your party must be present in line.

Be sure to arrive early, because waiting lines are expected to begin in the morning.

The offer doesn’t apply to takeout meals, delivery meals, or beverages other than soft drinks, coffee or tea.

The Mandarin restaurant empire in Canada started with one location in Brampton in 1979. Since then, it has expanded to more than 3,000 staff members, 150 managers, and locations from Windsor to Ottawa.

The location at the Devonshire Mall opened in June 2018 as part of the mall’s $70-million renovation plan.

Company president and co-founder James Chiu said next Monday’s giveaway is meant to show Mandarin’s gratitude to its country and its customers for 40 years of successful business.

“The support we have received since Day One has truly changed our lives and we are very proud to be Canadian,” Chiu said in a company statement.

“We are honoured to give back and say ‘Thank you!’ to Canadian citizens with a free meal this Canada Day.”

Mandarin restaurant locations serve an all-you-can-eat buffet of Asian-canadian cuisine, featuring more than 100 items from soups and salads to sushi, dim sum, stirfried dishes, prime rib, and a wide variety of desserts.

During the month of July, all Mandarin locations will also feature special “Celebrate Canada” items, including poutine, Montreal-style smoked meat, Canadian-style pizza, butter tarts, and maple-flavoured desserts.

For more information about Mandarin restaurants and their Canada Day deal, visit mandarinrestaurant.com.