Is Golden Corral going out of business? It is a question many are asking as the iconic buffet chain struggles to recover in the wake of the pandemic.
According to Nation’s Restaurant News, Golden Corral closed more than 25% of its locations during lockdowns but impressively rebounded with a 14% same-store sales increase in 2022, suggesting resilience amid uncertainty.
In this article, we will explore whether these closures mark the beginning of the end for Golden Corral or the start of a new chapter.
We will also examine the buffet industry trends shaping the future of buffet restaurants, the innovations driving change, and key lessons entrepreneurs can learn from Golden Corral’s journey of resilience and adaptation.
Key Takeaways
- Golden Corral is not going out of business but is adapting after closing over 25% of its locations.
- The buffet restaurant model is evolving to meet new consumer demands and health expectations.
- Innovation and technology are driving the future of buffet restaurants post-COVID.
- Entrepreneurs can learn valuable lessons in resilience, agility, and customer trust from Golden Corral’s journey.
History of Golden Corral
Golden Corral was founded in 1973 in Fayetteville, North Carolina, by James H. Maynard and William F. Carl, who aimed to create a family-friendly steakhouse with an all-you‑can‑eat approach.
Their first restaurant took shape from detailed planning, marking the beginning of what would become America’s #1 buffet and grill.
By 1979, just six years later, Golden Corral had grown to over 100 restaurants. In 1982, the brand acquired 193 Sirloin Stockade locations, fueling rapid expansion.
Aggressive franchising kicked off in 1992, and by the mid-1990s, they had introduced their Metro Market concept and even opened internationally in Juárez, Mexico.
At its peak before the pandemic, Golden Corral had close to 500 locations, serving millions weekly.
Currently, the chain operates around 399 restaurants in 41 states, continuing to adapt its menu and service formats, offering home-style comfort food, buffet diversity, and even expansion into off-premise and fast-casual concepts.
Golden Corral Business Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1973, Fayetteville, North Carolina |
| Founders | James H. Maynard and William F. Carl |
| First Restaurant | Opened in 1973 in Fayetteville, NC |
| Early Growth | Over 100 locations by 1979; acquisition of 193 Sirloin Stockade restaurants in 1982 |
| Franchising Start | 1992 |
| International Expansion | Opened location in Juárez, Mexico, in the 1990s |
| Peak Number of Locations | Close to 500 (pre-pandemic) |
| Current Number of Locations | Approximately 399 |
| Key Offering | Affordable all-you-can-eat buffet with American comfort food |
| Target Market | Families, seniors, and budget-conscious diners |
| Business Model | Franchised and company-owned buffet restaurants |
| Recent Trends | Tech-enabled service, drive-thru/carryout, cafeteria-style buffets post-COVID |
| Current Business Status | Adapting through innovation, stable with positive sales momentum |
| Official Website | www.goldencorral.com |
COVID‑19’s Devastating Impact on Golden Corral
COVID‑19 hit Golden Corral harder than any event in its nearly 50-year history. Practically overnight, its all-you-can-eat buffet model became a liability as health officials warned against communal dining.
In March 2020, the company shut nearly all dining rooms and furloughed about 2,300 employees. Revenues plunged from $1.8 billion in 2019 to $1.48 billion in 2020, while over 25% of locations closed permanently as franchisees struggled to survive.
Golden Corral responded swiftly, introducing cafeteria-style service, drive-thru and curbside pickup, and strict health protocols. These moves helped rebuild customer trust.
By 2022, the brand posted a 14% rise in same-store sales versus 2019. Though leaner today, Golden Corral remains a resilient force in the shifting buffet landscape.
An Overview of COVID-19’s Impact on Golden Corral
| Impact Area | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Locations Closed | Over 25% permanently closed |
| Employees Furloughed | Approx. 2,300 |
| Revenue Decline | From $1.8B (2019) to $1.48B (2020) |
| Key Innovations | Cafeteria-style service, drive-thru, curbside pickup |
| Business Recovery | Returned to growth: 14% higher same-store sales in 2022 vs. 2019 |
Is Golden Corral Going Out of Business? The Current Status
Despite the heavy losses of the pandemic era, Golden Corral is not going out of business. While more than 25% of its locations closed permanently, the company has stabilised and is gradually rebuilding.
Currently, it operates roughly 399 restaurants across 41 U.S. states, which is a clear sign that the brand remains viable.
Golden Corral’s leadership continues to invest in its future. The company has rolled out a full technology overhaul, including AI-powered inventory systems, mobile ordering, and enhanced off-premise services.
Franchisees are also embracing more flexible formats, such as drive-thru models and cafeteria-style service, to align with post-pandemic dining habits.
Encouragingly, the chain ended 2022 with same-store sales 14% higher than 2019 levels, which is one of the strongest rebounds among buffet operators.
This recovery suggests that, although the buffet restaurant model must evolve, there remains strong consumer demand for Golden Corral’s core offering: affordable, family-friendly variety.
For now, Golden Corral is no longer the buffet giant it once was, but it is far from finished. Through innovation and adaptability, the company has repositioned itself for a more agile future, one that could inspire similar transformations across the buffet industry.
The Future of the Buffet Business: Industry Trends
The pandemic forced the buffet industry to evolve, or risk extinction. Consumer expectations around hygiene, service formats, and convenience have shifted permanently.
While traditional buffets face challenges, those that adapt are finding new ways to thrive.
Here is a snapshot of the key trends shaping the future of buffet restaurants:
Future Trends in the Buffet Business
| Trend | Description |
|---|---|
| Hybrid Service Models | More buffet chains are adopting cafeteria-style or staff-served buffets to reassure customers. |
| Increased Technology Adoption | Use of AI-driven inventory, digital ordering, mobile payments, and contactless kiosks is on the rise. |
| Off-Premise and Takeaway Options | Many buffets now offer family-style meals, drive-thru, and curbside pickup to expand revenue streams. |
| Focus on Hygiene & Transparency | Enhanced cleaning protocols, visible food safety practices, and clear communication are now standard. |
| Smaller Footprint Locations | New restaurant formats are more flexible, compact, and designed for lower overhead costs. |
How Golden Corral Is Adapting To The Latest Buffet Industry Trends
Golden Corral has embraced significant change to remain competitive in today’s market.
Rather than clinging to its old model, the company is actively investing in innovation and operational flexibility. These changes are helping the brand rebuild customer trust and secure its place in the evolving buffet landscape.
Here is a look at how Golden Corral is adapting:
| Adaptation | Description |
|---|---|
| Cafeteria-Style Service | Staff now serve food behind the buffet line, reducing shared contact. |
| Drive-Thru & Curbside Pickup | Many locations offer drive-thru meals and curbside pickup for off-premise dining. |
| Digital Transformation | Full technology upgrade: AI-powered inventory, mobile ordering, digital payment systems. |
| Smaller & Flexible Formats | New restaurant designs feature smaller footprints and more efficient layouts. |
| Enhanced Safety & Cleanliness | Ongoing investment in hygiene protocols and visible food safety practices to maintain customer trust. |
The Competitive Buffet Industry and How Golden Corral Compares to Its Competitors
Golden Corral operates in a buffet industry that has dramatically thinned out since COVID-19. Several once-dominant players, such as Souplantation, Sweet Tomatoes, Old Country Buffet, and Hometown Buffet, filed for bankruptcy or permanently closed.
Today, Golden Corral’s competition comes from a mix of surviving buffet chains, new hybrid concepts, and evolving casual dining brands offering value-driven variety.
Compared to these players, Golden Corral has remained resilient through innovation and operational flexibility.
Golden Corral vs. Key Competitors
| Brand | Current Status | Core Strengths | Weaknesses/Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Corral | 399 locations, growing sales | National brand, strong family appeal, innovative tech adoption | Reduced footprint post-pandemic |
| Pizza Ranch | 215 locations in the Midwest U.S. | Buffet + pizza/salad bar, strong community focus | Smaller national presence |
| Shady Maple Smorgasbord | Single-location premium buffet in PA | High-end food quality, destination dining | Limited scale, local market only |
| Asian Buffets | Thousands of local operators | Low cost, variety, and cultural appeal | Varying quality, harder to scale |
| Hotel Buffets | Resurging globally in luxury hotels | Premium experience, innovation in hygiene | High price point, niche market |
| Fast Casual Chains (e.g. Chipotle, Panera) | Aggressively expanding | Customisable offerings, fast service, off-premise focus | Not a true buffet, but competitive for consumer dollars |
In this new competitive landscape, Golden Corral’s national scale, continued brand recognition, and technology-driven innovations give it a clear edge, though it must continue evolving to stay ahead.
Business Lessons For Entrepreneurs From Golden Corral’s Journey
Golden Corral’s pandemic journey offers powerful lessons for entrepreneurs in any industry. Its ability to navigate one of the toughest crises in modern hospitality demonstrates the value of agility, innovation, and customer focus.
Here are some key takeaways you can apply to your own business:
Pivot Quickly and Decisively
When COVID-19 disrupted in-person dining, Golden Corral acted fast. Instead of waiting for restrictions to lift, it transformed its buffet model, introducing cafeteria-style service, drive-thru options, and family meal kits.
Lesson: Do not cling to an old model when market dynamics change. Be prepared to pivot, even if it means radically rethinking how you serve your customers.
Invest in Innovation
Golden Corral did not just adapt its service; it upgraded its entire tech stack. The brand implemented AI-driven inventory systems, mobile ordering, and contactless payment options.
This future-proofed the business and positioned it to meet evolving consumer expectations.
Lesson: Even during a downturn, strategic investments in technology can help you emerge stronger and more competitive.
Put Customer Trust First
Golden Corral’s early investment in visible hygiene measures and transparent communication helped it rebuild trust with wary customers. In an environment where safety was paramount, these efforts paid off with rising sales and customer loyalty.
Lesson: In times of uncertainty, proactively address customer concerns and demonstrate your commitment to their well-being.
Stay Lean and Flexible
Golden Corral’s shift to smaller, more flexible restaurant formats was key to its survival. These lower-overhead models are more sustainable in a volatile market and give franchisees greater room to adapt.
Lesson: A lean, adaptable operation allows you to weather economic shocks and reposition quickly as new opportunities emerge.
Is the Buffet Business Still Viable?
The pandemic reshaped the buffet industry, but it did not destroy it. Instead, it forced a shift toward new formats, enhanced hygiene, and hybrid service models.
While some traditional buffets have disappeared, others are thriving by embracing innovation.
Globally, buffet dining is finding a second life, particularly in upscale markets, resorts, and adaptable chain concepts like Golden Corral. The key to viability now lies in flexibility and customer trust.
Current Viability of Buffet Restaurant Models
| Buffet Type / Market Segment | Viability Status | Success Factors | Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family-Style Budget Buffets (e.g. Golden Corral) | Viable with adaptation | Tech upgrades, flexible formats, value-driven focus | Ongoing consumer hesitancy, tight margins |
| Upscale Hotel Buffets | Highly viable | Luxury experience, hygiene leadership, destination appeal | Premium pricing limits mass market appeal |
| Niche Ethnic Buffets (e.g. Asian, Indian) | Stable with a loyal customer base | Cultural authenticity, strong community support | Quality consistency, smaller scale |
| Legacy Buffet Chains (pre-pandemic style, no innovation) | Mostly unviable | None, as most chains have closed or been replaced | Outdated service model, hygiene concerns |
| Hybrid Casual Dining + Buffet concepts | Growing popularity | Flexibility, ability to toggle between buffet and table service | Requires continuous innovation and operational complexity |
The buffet business is viable, but only for operators who innovate. As Golden Corral shows, embracing technology, enhancing hygiene, and listening to consumer preferences are now essential for long-term success.
Conclusion
Golden Corral’s story shows that the buffet business is far from dead; it is simply evolving. The pandemic forced a harsh reset, but brands willing to pivot, invest in innovation, and rebuild trust are emerging stronger.
Golden Corral’s resurgence highlights how agility and customer focus can turn adversity into opportunity.
For entrepreneurs, the key takeaway is clear: no business model is immune to disruption. Whether you are in food service or another sector, resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace change will define your long-term success.
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FAQs About Golden Corral
What happened at Golden Corral?
Golden Corral was heavily impacted by the COVID‑19 pandemic, which forced it to close nearly all dining rooms in 2020 and furlough thousands of employees.
More than 25% of its locations permanently closed due to revenue loss. However, the brand adapted by implementing new service formats and investing in technology, leading to a strong recovery.
What did Golden Corral change their name to?
Golden Corral has not changed its name. It continues to operate under the well-established Golden Corral brand across all its locations.
Is Golden Corral worldwide?
No. Golden Corral currently operates only in the United States. Although it experimented with international expansion in the past (e.g. one location in Juárez, Mexico), it remains a U.S.-focused brand today.
Why did Golden Corral close in Grand Junction?
The Grand Junction Golden Corral location closed in 2020 during the pandemic. Many closures during this period were due to franchisee financial struggles, local COVID restrictions, and an inability to adapt quickly enough to the new business environment.
Is the buffet model still popular?
Yes, but with changes. Traditional self-serve buffets have declined, but staff-served buffets, hybrid formats, and upscale hotel buffets are thriving. Consumer demand for variety and value remains strong, provided that hygiene and trust are prioritised.
Who owns Golden Corral?
Golden Corral is owned by Investcorp, a global investment firm. The brand continues to operate under its original name, led by an experienced management team focused on franchise growth and innovation.
How many Golden Corral locations are there?
Currently, Golden Corral operates approximately 399 locations across 41 U.S. states.
Can you still get takeout from Golden Corral?
Yes. Many Golden Corral locations now offer drive-thru, curbside pickup, and family-style takeout meals, part of the brand’s effort to meet changing consumer needs.
Is Golden Corral going out of business?
No, Golden Corral is not going out of business. While the company closed more than 25% of its locations during the pandemic, it has since stabilised and is adapting to changing market demands.
With around 399 locations operating now and a focus on innovation and customer trust, Golden Corral continues to be a major player in the U.S. buffet industry.
Why are some Golden Corral locations not reopening?
Some Golden Corral locations closed permanently due to pandemic-related financial challenges. Franchisees faced high fixed costs and struggled with reduced customer demand and staffing shortages.
Only the most adaptable and financially stable locations were able to reopen and thrive.
Does Golden Corral still offer an all-you-can-eat buffet?
Yes. Golden Corral still offers an all-you-can-eat buffet experience, but many locations have modified the format with staff-served stations or cafeteria-style service to enhance hygiene and customer confidence.
Is Golden Corral a franchise?
Yes. Golden Corral operates primarily as a franchise system. Most of its restaurants are owned and operated by independent franchisees who pay fees to the parent company for branding and operational support.
