The Ultimate Guide To Golden Corral - The Daily Meal (2024)

Restaurants Buffet Style Restaurants Golden Corral

The Ultimate Guide To Golden Corral - The Daily Meal (1)

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ByD.G. Sciortino|

With so many options at our fingertips, deciding what we want to eat can be difficult. Sometimes, we just want to have it all. At Golden Corral, we can. The all-you-can-eat buffet chain, however, might not be for everyone. Some even turn their nose up at the excess it offers and resolve to avoid the restaurant at all costs. But for the rest of us, Golden Corral holds a special place in our hungry hearts.

Is it fine dining? No. But we are aware of this. When we step through the doors of a Golden Corral, we no longer care. What we want is variety, and withdozens of menu options tochoose from, the buffet chain excels in this department.

That's why Golden Corral's most loyal customers are said to visit the chain an average of70 times per year. If you've never been to one of the buffet chain's locations, let us introduce you. Here is the ultimate guide to Golden Corral.

The first location opened as a steakhouse

The Ultimate Guide To Golden Corral - The Daily Meal (2)

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When most of us think of Golden Corral, we think of each restaurant's large interior. But the all-you-can-eat chain didn't start with the11,000-square-foot spaces we know today.The first location opened in 1973 as a steakhouse in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Over the next decade, Golden Corral went on to open new restaurants in Virginia and Texas.

Around the 1980s, the chain had become popular. To expand on this growth, Golden Corral introduced the buffet model in an attempt to bring in more people. These days the chain's menuincludessirloin steak, soups, pizza, dessert, and even seasonal items.

One item Golden Corral is most proud of is its yeast rolls, which are meant to be served hot.You can eat them and everything else at the chain until you can't fit anything else in your belly.You can even find tons of copycat recipes for Golden Corral's yeast rolls online.

The restaurant offers some serious bang for your buck

While prices vary at different locations, you still get an incredible deal at every Golden Corral restaurant. Customers even rank the restaurant among the top 10 American chains offering you the best bang for your buck, according to a survey by Nation's Restaurant News.

The cost for an all-you-can-eat plate at Golden Corral will get you pounds of food. Yet this price can be less than the cost of a typical entree at other restaurants. The lunch menu is especially affordable. If you're a fan of quantity and home-cooked quality, this is the spot for you. The chain cooks their pot roast for 12 hoursand breads its chicken. At some locations, seniors can get discounted meals during lunch.In the past, the chain has offered promotions where the cost of kids' meals is reduced.At some locations, children aged 3 and younger have been allowed to eat for free. This isincredible value for families on a budget.

You can stick to low-calorie foods at Golden Corral

While Golden Corral may traditionally be associated with decadence, you can still eat healthy there. Even if you're not on a specific diet and just counting calories, this buffet still has your back. There are plenty of hearty, low-calorie options.

A half cup of pot roast is just 150 calories, a bacon-wrapped sirloin filet is 190, and 3 oz. of bone-in catfish is 210.You can pair those proteins with a variety of veggies that run from 30 to 350 calories per serving. You can also have yourself some dessert for under 350 calories as long as you steer clear of the puddings and brownies.

For those looking to consume fewer calories at Golden Corral, you can simply stick to these lighter food options. Select a low-calorie entree, a low-fat dairy option, fruit, and fill the rest of your plate with steamed vegetables.

The chain has options for those with dietary restrictions

Golden Corral has something for everyone. Even those with dietary restrictions. Not only can the restaurant chain accommodate vegans, vegetarians, and pescatarians, but the all-you-can-eat buffet also hasdiet-specific options. You can still stay on track while dining at the buffet chain whether you're on Atkins, Weight Watchers, Keto, Mediterranean, DASH, MIND, Paleo, or Jenny Craig.

One page on Golden Corral's website has a drop-down menu where you can look up the nutritional information on every single food item at the buffet. It's separated by food types like beef, seafood, breakfast, salad, sauces, beverages, and more. This should help you navigate which items work with your diet. You can also type in the food you are looking to know more about in the search bar.

Those who have serious food allergies should be cautious when eating at this chain. Rather than avoiding certain foods at Golden Corral, we recommend referring any questions to the restaurant manager before dining. Buffet items are constantly changing. They may also contain common allergens like shellfish, gluten, tree nuts, or dairy. Because Golden Corral is a buffet, the chain can't as easily prevent cross-contamination between foods.

Golden Corral serves breakfast

Many are aware of Golden Corral's infinite options for lunch and dinner, but did you know that it also serves piping-hot mealsin the morning? If not, your endless breakfast dreams have just come true. However, many locationsare only open for the first meal of the day on the weekends. Opening times vary by franchise. At some locations, breakfast can start as late as 11 a.m. Certain restaurants forgo breakfast and instead serve brunch.Once you discover your nearby location's hours, we recommend arriving early to get there before Golden Corral stops serving breakfast.

Golden Corral's breakfast menusounds mouthwatering. It contains items like cinnamon rolls, donuts, fruit-topped pancakes, corned beef hash, and omelets. Beverages include milk, orange juice, and many more. One customer raved about the breakfast at a Texas location of Golden Corral."Today I tried the breakfast buffet at Golden Corral for the first time and let me just say this: I no longer will have any trouble deciding where I want to go and have breakfast again," they wroteon Review Stream.

The atmosphere isn't always calm

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Though Golden Corral advertises itself as a restaurant perfect for families dining out, locations don't always have the calmest atmosphere. Large fights have broken out at different locations over the years.

NBC 12 reports that in February 2022, around 40 people were involved in a mass fight that broke out at a Bensalem, Pennsylvania location of Golden Corral. A steak shortage may have triggered the fight, according to the outlet. Two different parties of customers were initially upset, but their outrage appeared to spread throughout the restaurant. Per NBC, people threw chairs and hit one another during the incident. Thankfully, no one was seriously hurt.

Earlier, in 2019, another fight was reported at a Brooklyn, Ohio location of Golden Corral (via FOX 8). The argument was said to involve around 15 people. Witnesses told the outlet that the rumble moved from one end of the restaurant, to the lobby, and then back toward the other side of the restaurant. However, this type of fight doesn't seem limited to Golden Corral. We've seen buffet customers brawl over crab legs before.

There is more to the buffet chain than in-person dining

Have you ever wanted to eat Golden Corral from the comfort of your home? Or have you ever wished that the chain would be the exclusive caterer of your next get-together? Well, wish no more because the company offers bothto-go options and catering. There are three to-go options at Golden Corral.

You can order food online via the company's website or app. Your order can be picked up or delivered through apps like DoorDash. Unfortunately, you won't be getting the same value that's afforded by dining in person at Golden Corral's all-you-can-eat buffet. By ordering through a website, you'll have to pay forindividual meals or dishes.However, you can still get some of your favorite menu items from Golden Corral when ordering takeout. Pancakes,pizza, sides, and desserts are all offered through the chain's to-go menu.

Catering platters are available for pickup or delivery. One platter, dubbed the Bourbon Street Chicken, comes with rice and serves 10 people. Other available catering sides include macaroni and cheese, tuna salad, and steamed carrots. If you're picking up, you can park in one of Golden Corral's designated spots and have the staff deliver your order to your car. If you have your heart set on eating a variety of items, you can still enjoy the buffet by stopping by the restaurant to fill a to-go container and pay by the pound.

The company has stayed strong during challenging times

A lot has happened in the 50 years that America's favorite buffet has been in business. Yet the chain has been able to stay relevant. Before the COVID-19 crisis, Golden Corral reinvented itself through a makeover of many of its franchises. In 2019, the chain updated several restaurants with newer, more contemporary-looking decorations. This included the implementation of stone-faced storefronts, fireplaces, and wood ceilings.

Some feared that buffet-style restaurants would die off after the pandemic. Golden Corral was one of the many chains to suffer during this time. According to FSR Magazine, the company was forced to close 124 restaurants between 2020 and 2021.Then, Golden Corral began to bounce back. Closed locations started to reopen. Sales at certain restaurants returned to pre-pandemic levels.Some credit the chain's comeback to Golden Corral's budget-friendly pricing. This may be more attractive to the many customers experiencing the harsh realities of current inflation.

Golden Corral has new restaurant concepts in the works

Golden Corral isn't finished growing. It's undergoing some major changes it hopes will position the company for future success. One of these changes will take the chain back to its roots.

According to the Triangle Business Journal,Golden Corral has plans to open a steakhouse, as well as a few fast-casual restaurants. These new businesses are a direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic. They are meant to diversify the types of restaurants that Golden Corral has to offer.

Restaurant Businessreports that the fast-casual concept will be called Golden Corral's Homestyle Kitchen.Each new restaurant will be approximately 3,000 square feet in size, which is a lot smaller than the typical 10,000-square-foot buffet spaces that the company currently operates. But this still sounds like good news to us. You'll be able to get your buffet favorites like pot roast and fried chicken via counter service or at the Homestyle Kitchen's planned drive-thrus.

You can rent out a private room to host an event

When throwing a party, we want to be surrounded by loved ones in a place where we could all have a great time. If your favorite place is Golden Corral and your family and friends love a good buffet, then you might want to consider choosing the chain for your next party. Doing so might even save you a few bucks. Reserving Golden Corral'sprivate dining roomfor an event is free.

This dining room could be the perfect venue for several events. You can reserve Golden Corral's private room for your next birthday party, bridal shower, team sports gathering, graduation, or corporate event. To book, you'll have to reach out to the management at the specific location where you are trying to reserve the room. The company asks that you reach out at least seven days before your event. The management team is required to confirm the appointment before your reservation can be guaranteed.

Customers can participate in rewards programs

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This all-you-can-eat buffet chain doesn't just offer unlimited food for great prices. It also rewards its frequent customers. By joining Golden Corral Rewards, you'll be treated to special discounts and exclusive deals by earning points every time you dine. Just download the company's app and enter your receipt code. You can also ask the cashier to scan your app at the register. You get one point for every dollar you spend. Accumulate 100 points and you will receive a $10 off coupon. You can also earn $5 off of a purchase of $25 or more when you first join Golden Corral Rewards.

Another Golden Corral program, the Good as Gold Club, offers even more discounts. When you sign up for this email newsletter you'll be eligible for a free drink. Golden Corral will then send youcoupons, a special welcome surprise, and a birthday gift directly to your inbox. You will also receive emails concerning new menu items and other Golden Corral news.

Golden Corral gives back

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Golden Corral likes to pay it forward.The company has three separate charitable endeavors. One is called Camp Corral. This free week-long camp experience is offered by the chain to children of military service men and women who are sick, injured, wounded, or have died in battle. Campers enjoy horseback riding, water sports, and other activities that help them to gain confidence and resilience. The buffet chain has raised more than $13 million to send over 30,000 children to the camp.

Golden Corral also hosts an annual Military Appreciation Night where service men and women are treated to a free meal. More than 6 million meals have been served to active and former military members. The chain and its customers have also contributed $17.5 million to the Disabled American Veterans organization over the last two decades.

Golden Corral also takes care of its employees through itsGC Cares Fund.This charitable endeavor helps employees overcome financial hardships or emergencies. This includes helping employees who are experiencing struggles due to natural disasters or prolonged illnesses. The fund offers swift financial assistance to prevent homelessness, assist with necessities like food and utilities, and assist with funeral expenses.

The Ultimate Guide To Golden Corral - The Daily Meal (2024)

FAQs

What's the cheapest time to eat at Golden Corral? ›

You can have lunch for just around $8, or dinner for around $12 with beverages for about $2. If you want to save even more, you can show up for the Senior Early Bird Special on Monday-Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm. This allows you to enjoy the Golden Corral dinner buffet plus drinks for only about $8.

How much food does Golden Corral waste? ›

"Five ounces of every pre- and post-meal serving is trash," Tabak explained. "And the average diner at a Golden Corral restaurant eats five plates of food." Seventy-five percent of restaurant waste is food, which is is comprised mostly of water, Tabak added.

What is the slogan of Golden Corral? ›

The Only One For Everyone.

Does Golden Corral serve steak every day? ›

Monday-Saturday after 4pm + Sunday after 11am

Enjoy a perfectly grilled steak, just how you like it, along with all the salads, sides and buffet favorites you love.

What is the best day to go to a buffet? ›

Go at lunch-time for a cheaper meal

If you prioritize food variety in your buffet experience, you should also consider going on the weekend instead of a weekday. Many buffets offer weekend specials and dishes you won't find during the week.

What is the busiest day at Golden Corral? ›

Golden Corral customers are much more likely to go out to a restaurant on a Saturday or Sunday compared to the average consumer, Numerator found. This coincides with Sunday, which is one of Golden Corral's busiest days alongside Wednesdays.

Do you tip at Golden Corral buffet? ›

Who knows who has touched it, coughed or sneezed on it, etc. Golden Corral does not require a percentage tip. You are getting your own food and seating yourself. If they are good at bringing drink refills and hot rolls, a tip of one or two dollars per adult diner is sufficient.

Does Golden Corral make food from scratch? ›

Most food is prepared from scratch with on-site bakers, butchers, prep and cooks who prepare food in an open atmosphere in front of their guests. In concert with our “making pleasurable dining affordable” mission, maintaining affordable pricing for our guests is paramount.

What happens to buffet leftovers? ›

Uneaten food that hasn't been set out at buffets often winds up in the employee dining rooms. If it has been set out, it's either composted (Station Casinos and Boyd Gaming's Suncoast), which is used as fertilizer or it's thrown out.

What is the lawsuit against Golden Corral? ›

Golden Corral failed to properly secure and safeguard employees' personally identifiable information in the wake of a 2023 data breach, an employee alleged in a class-action lawsuit filed last week.

What are the Golden Corral allegations? ›

As a result of its investigation, the United States has determined that Golden Corral Corporation violated Title III of the ADA by failing to remove architectural barriers to access in the Restaurant's parking lot, food service counter, and public toilet rooms.

Where is the biggest Golden Corral in America? ›

Branson's Golden Corral Buffet is the largest in the world, with a seating capacity of over 650. Our restaurant serves Monday-Friday 10am (close will vary in Branson based on season) and we're open 363 days per year (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day).

Does Golden Corral use real food? ›

At Golden Corral®, we take pride in serving our guests a variety of fresh, high-quality foods that meet their nutrition goals. Search our menu database for nutrition facts to help plan your next meal at Golden Corral.

Is rib eye steak lean meat? ›

Fat Content

The ribeye is known for being a highly marbled cut of steak, meaning it has a lot of white lines running through the red meat. Lots of marbling means more fat, which is why ribeye has such a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth flavor when it's cooked properly.

Is Golden Corral only in America? ›

Golden Corral is an American all-you-can-eat buffet and grill chain. It is a privately held company headquartered in the U.S. city of Raleigh, North Carolina, with locations in 43 U.S. states and Puerto Rico.

Do buffets waste a lot of food? ›

Nearly half of the food at buffets is wasted, and this contributes to the yearly 108 billion pounds of food wasted in the United States. This 108 billion pounds of food waste is equivalent to 130 billion meals, and it is worth more than $408 billion in food thrown away each year.

How much food do corporations throw away? ›

About 30 percent of food in American grocery stores is thrown away. US retail stores generate about 16 billion pounds of food waste every year. Wasted food from the retail sector is valued at about twice the amount of profit from food sales.

Why do people go to Golden Corral? ›

Our great value for a good price makes Golden Corral a favorite family restaurant among adults and kids alike. Golden Corral's unmatched variety accommodates most all nutrition needs such as low carb, vegan, paleo, and plant-based diet plans.

How many square feet is the Golden Corral? ›

Golden Corrals typically occupy 10,000-12,000 square feet, about a quarter of it devoted to the kitchen and “dish-up area,” according to Ingram.

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