Freds Market - Riverview: Southern Soul Food Buffet with Vegan Options and Happy Hour Specials

Fred’s Market is always a great choice for homestyle cooking and Southern comfort food. Everything on the buffet was delicious and fresh — you can really taste the quality in each dish. The fried chicken, mac and cheese, and greens were all perfectly seasoned, and the cornbread was a highlight. Our server, Denise, was absolutely wonderful — friendly, attentive, and made sure we had everything we needed without ever feeling rushed. The only thing that missed the mark a little was the banana pudding, which just didn’t have the same homemade flavor as everything else. If you’re only planning to make one trip to the buffet, I highly recommend getting the Blue Plate option and adding dessert — it’s a great way to enjoy a full meal without overdoing it. Overall, a great experience and I’d definitely come back!

Fred’s was founded in 1998 and ever since it is based on a long family tradition of Southern hospitality. Their original location is in Plant City situated at the State Farmer's Market. Throughout their restaurants, they serve Southern-style cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with menu items including fried chicken, smoked ribs, and classic sides, plus a salad and dessert bar.

Walking into Fred’s Market Restaurant felt like stepping into someone’s home — the kind where the food is hot, the people are kind, and everything is taken care of. Even though the place was packed, the buffet line stayed clean and well‑managed, and the bathrooms were spotless. That alone impressed me. Then came the food: fried chicken with the perfect crunch, flaky catfish, rich collard greens, and a huge selection of freshly cooked comfort favorites. Everything tasted like it was made with care. The prices were surprisingly reasonable, and the portions made sure nobody left hungry. But the real heart of the experience was the staff. Every server and hostess greeted us with genuine warmth. They were attentive without hovering, quick without rushing, and clearly proud of their work. And I can’t forget the handsome server with the zig‑zag pattern in the back of his hairline — friendly, stylish, and part of what made the atmosphere feel fun and welcoming. Fred’s Market is the kind of place you go once and immediately know you’ll be back.

Being from Texas I have extremely high expectations when it comes to southern comfort food. This place surpassed all of them!!! If I could, I would give ten stars!! I ordered the lunch one trip and had: the fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, mac and cheese, okra and tomatoes, zucchini/yellow squash and the black eyed peas. ALL were fresh, delicious and seasoned perfectly.I tried the skillet cornbread and a sweet roll and only had dessert because it was included in the cost. I chose the peach cobbler! Thank you for this restaurant and the love that you can taste behind each of the recipes. From a homesick Texan and a forever customer!

The Southern charm of Fred’s is unmatched. The food is fresh and plentiful for amazing prices. You can watch your fill and then some of over 30 items to choose from. I love the homemade tartar sauce and abundance of veggies I can eat here. The service is friendly and they get you seated quick despite usually having a wait when I go on weekends. I appreciate the authenticity of Fred’s in serving up comfort.

We saw a line of people waiting to get into the building the night before, so we thought we would give it a try and I’m glad we did. We waited about 20 minutes and it was worth it.It’s a southern food style buffet restaurant.Fried chicken, sweet potatoe casserole, pot roast, ribs , green beans, collard greens, mash potatoes. Broccoli salad and all desserts were delicious! They also have a salad bar, soups , catfish, roasted chicken, turkey and plenty of other veggies .

Came for lunch on a Tuesday around 11. Treated and seated right away. Lots of delicious choices. Loved the catfish and the collard greens and the okra. Don’t get me started on and those rolls made by the comfort food gods. They were soft, airy, yeasty and beautiful. The entire place including the bathroom was very clean and attended to. Had a wonderful experience. Even got the cute yellow tee shirt which I found out gets me a discount next time I come - which will be to have breakfast… very soon!

OMG ! When I walked in it hit me like a brick in the face, the wonderful aroma of TRUE collard greens!!! The buffet is AMAZING well kept and over all beautiful! What a great job this place does! I have been in the food industry for over 20 years and I was to relax and enjoy every minute that we were there! It was a PLEASURE to eat here and we will be back!