Golden Corral

Golden Corral is a well-established name in American dining, operating as the country’s largest grill-buffet restaurant chain. The company began in 1973 with a single steakhouse in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and has since grown into a national brand now headquartered in Raleigh. As of November 2025, Golden Corral has 352 locations across 43 states and Puerto Rico, with nearly all sites run by independent franchisees.

Over the past five years, Golden Corral has continued to evolve its business to meet changing consumer habits. The brand has expanded its menu, introduced takeout and catering options, and invested in ongoing menu innovation to appeal to a wide range of guests seeking variety and value. Notable milestones include being named one of Yelp’s “Most Loved Brands” in 2023 and receiving recognition from Newsweek for customer service in 2024. The company also maintains a strong presence in community service, highlighted by its annual Military Appreciation Night and its role as the founding sponsor of Camp Corral, a nonprofit supporting children of wounded or fallen service members.

Golden Corral is actively growing through franchising, targeting both new and existing markets, with particular emphasis on Texas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, California, and Arizona. Recent leadership additions reflect a commitment to accelerating expansion and reinforcing the brand’s presence nationwide. The company’s approach centers on large-format buffet operations in high-traffic, accessible locations, supporting consistent operations and a broad national footprint. Golden Corral remains privately held and continues to support its franchisees with site selection, market development, and operational resources, positioning itself as a reliable and adaptable partner in the restaurant industry.