Fast Facts

Name:

Golden Corral Franchising Systems, Inc.

Headquarters:

5400 Trinity Road, Suite 309

Raleigh, NC 27607

CEO:

Lance Trenary, President and CEO

Vice President:

David Conklin, Senior Vice President of Development

Background:

Golden Corral’s first 175-seat, 4,800-square-foot family steakhouse opened in Fayetteville, NC, in 1973. The chain grew steadily during the next decade, principally in small cities from Virginia to Texas. In the mid-1980s, guests’ requests for additional entrees and an expanded salad bar prompted Golden Corral to “reinvent” itself by introducing  a 400+ seat, 11,518-square-foot  “Buffet & Grill” building design, with food preparation performed in full view of the dining area to emphasize product freshness and quality. The focal point  was the Golden Choice Buffet®, which featured 160 hot and cold items; a carving station for roast beef, roast pork, ham, sausage and turkey; plus The Brass Bell Bakery® and Dessert Café along with its smorgasbord of homemade yeast rolls, muffins, cookies, pies, and cakes.

The Endless Buffet Concept:

Golden Corral offers a legendary, endless buffet at breakfast, lunch and dinner.  From our home-style menu favorites to signature sirloin steaks to seasonal promotion specials, there are always new menu items to explore. 

Lunch and dinner includes our all-you-can-eat soup and salad bar, signature yeast rolls, and homemade desserts, along with soft-serve ice cream and our famous carrot cake.  Our great value for a good price makes Golden Corral a favorite family restaurant among adults and kids alike.

2020 Initial Investment:

$2,700,795–$7,037,915 estimated (depending on restaurant size; 11S for smaller markets and 11M for larger markets)*

Financial Qualifications:

$2,500,000 net worth for individual or investment group

$500,000 liquid (as part of the $2,500,000 net worth)

2020 Fees:

Initial franchise fee: $50,000 per restaurant

Royalty: 4% of gross sales

Advertising: 2.4% of gross sales minimum

Franchise Agreement Term:

15 years (plus two, 5-year renewal options)

Site Selection Assistance:

Yes. In-house franchise real estate analysis and support are available

Training:

A 13-week training program covering all aspects of restaurant management and operations. The program consists of 13 weeks in certified training restaurants.

Other Facts:

• Privately-owned with active founder and stable corporate senior management

• Franchise Advisory Council—Composed of a representative group of owners of fourteen (14) Golden Corral Franchisees who meet up to three (3) times a year with Golden Corral Corporation management, including the CEO.

• Combined purchasing power of nationwide system with leading specialty distribution company, and equipment supplier with advantageous pricing

©2021 Golden Corral Franchising Systems, Inc.