Golden Corral was established in 1973 and with forty years of proven success, continued its growth in 2012. Between franchised and company stores, 18 new Golden Corrals opened in 2012 – one every 14 business days – representing a significant capital investment in the brand. Twenty one Golden Corrals are in development for a 2013 opening.
With restaurants in 40 states, Golden Corral achieved record system wide sales in 2012. Company leaders attribute the growth in sales to continued food innovation, strict adherence to its founding mission of making pleasurable dining affordable and Golden Corral’s famous best-in-class food offering and value pricing.
Franchising is the growth vehicle for the Golden Corral system. New and existing franchisees contracted to add 20 new units to the system in 2012. To help fuel the growth, Golden Corral has relationships with more than 40 of the nation’s leading lenders who make financing a smooth transaction because they recognize Golden Corral’s longevity and stability as a brand.
“In this economy, investors scrutinize brands more than ever before. Golden Corral passes muster with its service style and food offerings that keep guests coming through the doors and the cash registers ringing,” says Bob McDevitt, Senior VP of Franchising. “Our customers love us because we offer a wide variety of delicious foods that keep them coming back for more.”
“We’re seeing familiar heavy hitters leading the ranks again this year, but the list overall has grown more diverse,” says Amy Cosper, VP and editor-in-chief of Entrepreneur. “With thousands of new franchise establishments that are creating more jobs, things are looking up in the franchise world and for business as a whole.”
Golden Corral, based in Raleigh, N.C., is our nation’s largest grill-buffet restaurant chain with 488 restaurants operating in 40 states as of December 31st 2012. 75 percent of the restaurants are operated by franchisees. Golden Corral is famous for its variety with most restaurants carrying 160 innovative and delicious food choices including USDA steaks cooked to order, rotisserie chicken, awesome pot roast and desserts like home-made carrot cake and the Chocolate Wonderfall.
The company has received numerous awards and distinctions including: #1 in the Buffet Restaurant Category three years in a row in Entrepreneur Magazine’s prestigious Franchise 500 Ranking, #1 in the Grill-Buffet segment for 14 years by Nation’s Restaurant News, named ALLStar Franchise in 2010 by ALLBusiness and in 2009 Restaurants & Institutions ranked Golden Corral #1 in Consumer’s Choice in cafeteria/buffet chains.
Golden Corral’s first restaurant opened in 1973 in Fayetteville, North Carolina as a family steakhouse. In the mid 80’s, guests’ requests for additional entrees and an expanded salad bar prompted the company to reinvent itself by introducing the 400 seat “Buffet and Grill.”
