Popular buffet-style restaurant celebrates active duty military, retirees, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans with free meals and donation drive
For more than 20 years, Golden Corral, America’s favorite buffet-style restaurant chain, has been unwavering in its support of the U.S. Military. Due to the efforts of restaurant teams across the country and the generosity of loyal guests, the brand has exceeded $33 million to support military causes.
“Golden Corral is committed to showing our appreciation to those who make, or have made, the sacrifices necessary to ensure our freedom,” said Golden Corral Chief Marketing Officer and 4th generation U.S. Navy veteran, Skip Hanke. “Having served in the Navy, I am honored to work for a company that is dedicated to consistently supporting the men and women who serve our country through year-round initiatives – like Military Appreciation Night and Camp Corral.”
Through their annual Military Appreciation Night, Golden Corral has served more than 6 million free meals to military members and has raised more than $18 million in guest donations for DAV (Disabled American Veterans).
This year, Military Appreciation Night will be held on the Monday after Veterans Day, Nov. 13, 2023, at all Golden Corral locations nationwide. From 5 p.m. until closing, active duty military, retirees, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans will receive a free meal and a drink. DAV members will be onsite to facilitate donations for their charity organization, giving all Golden Corral guests the opportunity to show their appreciation.
The brand’s support for the military is not limited to only Veterans Day. Golden Corral is a proud Founding Partner of Camp Corral – a non-profit organization that hosts children of wounded, ill, injured, or fallen military heroes for a world-class summer camp experience. During its 2023 Camp Corral Campaign, nearly $1.5 million was raised, which will send roughly 1,200 children to camp in 2024. Since its inception in 2011, Golden Corral restaurants – in partnership with the DAV – have raised more than $15 million for Camp Corral, making it possible for thousands of children to attend this one-of-a-kind retreat.
Golden Corral’s legendary, endless buffet features an abundant variety of quality, scratch-made dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests can choose from over 150 items, including USDA grilled-to-order steaks, pork, seafood, and shrimp, alongside traditional favorites like pot roast, fried chicken, meatloaf, mac and cheese, fresh salads, and more. In addition to its long-time favorites, Golden Corral regularly introduces new recipes, making it a restaurant destination with something for everyone.
The Military Appreciation Night promotion is valid for service members only, and does not extend to spouses, friends, or other family members. The offer is for dine-in only with no military identification required.
DAV empowers veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. It is dedicated to a single purpose: keeping our promise to America’s veterans. DAV does this by ensuring that veterans and their families can access the full range of benefits available to them, fighting for the interests of America’s injured heroes on Capitol Hill, providing employment resources to veterans and their families, and educating the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life. DAV, a nonprofit organization with more than 1 million members, was founded in 1920 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1932. In 2022, DAV honored Golden Corral with the National Adjutant’s Circle award. Learn more at DAV.org.
Founded in 1973 and based in Raleigh, N.C., Golden Corral is the nation’s largest grill-buffet restaurant chain. Golden Corral strives to make pleasurable dining affordable for all families. While its commitment begins each day with preparing delicious food, Golden Corral also believes in providing outstanding hospitality and giving back. Service to others is a hallmark of the Golden Corral brand. In 2023, Golden Corral was recognized as one of the nation’s top 50 “Most Loved Brands” by Yelp. They were also recognized for valuing their customers and providing excellent customer service by Newsweek, “America’s Best Customer Service 2024.” Golden Corral restaurants nationwide have long been strong supporters of the U.S. Military and DAV (Disabled American Veterans). Golden Corral is also the Founding Partner of Camp Corral, a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt, nonprofit corporation, which provides free, one-of-a-kind summer camp experiences for children of wounded, injured, ill or fallen service members. For more information, visit goldencorral.com and follow Golden Corral on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
- More from Golden Corral
