BuffetFindr
Privacy Policy
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Overview
BuffetFindr (“we,” “our,” or “the app”) helps you find Indian buffet restaurants near you. We are committed to protecting your privacy. This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights.
By using BuffetFindr — on iOS, Android, or the web — you agree to this policy.
Information We Collect
Location Data
When you use the map feature, we request access to your device’s location to show buffets near you. Your location is never transmitted to our servers — it is used only on your device to center the map. You can deny location permission and still browse all restaurants manually.
Restaurant Submissions
If you submit a restaurant via the “Submit a Buffet” form, we collect the information you voluntarily provide: restaurant name, city, state, and any optional details (phone, website, notes). We do not collect your name, email, or any identifying information with submissions.
Buffet Feedback (Votes)
When you vote “Yes, buffet confirmed” or “No buffet” on a restaurant, we store an anonymous vote count associated with that restaurant. No user identifier is attached to your vote. Your personal vote preference is stored locally on your device only.
On-Device Storage
The app uses local storage (AsyncStorage) to remember:
- Restaurants you’ve marked as “Been Here”
- Your individual vote on each restaurant
This data never leaves your device and is deleted if you uninstall the app.
Usage Data
We do not currently use analytics or crash reporting tools. We do not track which restaurants you view or how you interact with the app.
How We Use Your Information
- Location: Center the map on your current position. Never stored or shared.
- Submissions: Review and potentially add new restaurants to the database. Submissions are moderated before going live.
- Votes: Calculate community-verified buffet confidence scores shown on restaurant listings.
We do not sell, rent, or share any data with third parties for marketing purposes.
Third-Party Services
BuffetFindr uses the following third-party services:
Google Maps & Google Places API
We use Google Maps to display the map and restaurant location pins. Restaurant data (names, addresses, ratings, photos, hours) is sourced from the Google Places API. Your use of the map is subject to Google’s Privacy Policy. Google Maps may collect device data as described in their policy.
Future: Advertising (Google AdMob)
We plan to show free, non-targeted ads via Google AdMob in a future update. When enabled, AdMob may collect device identifiers to serve ads. We will update this policy before enabling ads and will comply with Apple’s App Tracking Transparency (ATT) framework, requiring your explicit consent before any interest-based advertising.
Future: Sign In with Apple / Google
A future update will optionally allow you to sign in to sync your “Been Here” list across devices. This will use Apple Sign In or Google Sign In. Sign-in will always be optional — the app is fully usable without an account.
Data Retention
Restaurant submissions are retained indefinitely to build the database. Anonymous vote counts are retained indefinitely. On-device data is retained until you delete the app. We do not retain any personal information.
Children's Privacy
BuffetFindr is rated 4+ and is suitable for all ages. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. The app does not require account creation and does not collect any personally identifiable information.
Your Rights
Since we do not collect personally identifiable information, there is no personal data to access, correct, or delete. If you submitted a restaurant and want it removed, contact us at the email below and we will remove it promptly.
California Privacy Rights (CCPA)
BuffetFindr does not sell personal information. California residents have the right to know what personal information is collected — in our case, none that is linked to an individual.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy as we add features (ads, sign-in). The “Last updated” date at the top of this page will reflect any changes. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.