The atmosphere saved this from being a 2 star review. I went on what they said was there "opening night" (Wed. 12/14), but I know they were open the 2 days before that as they posted that they were "opening early due to demand." They also had soft openings before that as I walked by numerous times and saw people walking out with food. So.... I was prepared for opening day jitters but I was assuming most should have already passed. I was wrong.
The server kept telling us how bad their iPad ordering system was. I ordered the steak medium rare and there was NO PINK in the middle. They brought another one that was completely bloody to be sure they didn't over cook that one. I ate it anyway and it was alright. No real seasoning or even salt/pepper on it. The lobster bisque was good. The mashed potatoes were OK. (Note on the steak- I talked to 2 others that dined on different occasions and their biggest complaint was that they couldn't cook a steak to order..FYI).
Bottom line, it was "OK". But, my bill was $125 after tip. For $125 in Champaign I want perfection. I want a steak that I can't make myself. I want mashed potatoes that are AMAZING. The steak from the old Hometown Buffet was better than the one I got. They couldn't even cook it correctly. I won't be going back for awhile.