Around here (Central Ontario, Canada), I’ve only seen the surcharge for uneaten food at all-you-can-eat Sushi places. I’ve never heard of anyone being charged it. Seems too simple to avoid… unless you really messed up on the over-ordering, just wait 10 minutes, burp or fart to make some room, and get those last few rolls into ya.
The defense chinese buffets use 'round here is time limits; you are buying a ticket for the lunch ride or the supper ride. Each have defined times. All the damage for the $11.99 lunch at my favorite place has to be done between the hours of 11am to 2:30pm.
Given the popularity of chinese buffets here, they must be somewhat profitable. It’s hard to find a non-buffet locally, where you can order family style.
