KEY FRANCHISE STATS
All you need to know about this franchise in a snapshot
Golden Corral is a renowned entity in the American dining landscape, famed for its extensive buffet that caters to a diverse range of tastes and preferences. Established in 1973, the franchise set out to offer a multitude of dining choices under one roof, making it a popular spot for families and food enthusiasts. The franchise model was introduced in 1987, enabling entrepreneurs to join the Golden Corral family and expand its unique dining experience to numerous locations.
Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, Golden Corral has grown to be the nation's largest all-you-can-eat buffet chain. This accomplishment highlights its dedication to quality, variety, and value, providing guests with an exceptional dining experience.
The franchise stands out with its culture of hospitality and community, emphasizing diversity and creating an inclusive environment for employees, guests, and franchisees. This approach is central to Golden Corral's operational philosophy and is reflected in the high satisfaction levels among its franchisees. In 2021, FRANCHISE BUSINESS REVIEW recognized Golden Corral as one of the top franchisors for franchisee satisfaction.
Golden Corral's enduring success is driven by innovation and adaptation. The franchise has consistently evolved to meet the changing preferences of its customers, including the introduction of the "Gateway" restaurant design to offer a more modern dining experience. This design upgrade, along with the integration of new technologies such as mobile ordering and curbside pickup, demonstrates Golden Corral's commitment to remaining relevant and competitive in a dynamic market.
Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
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Golden Corral offers a thorough training program designed to equip franchisees and their managers with the skills needed for effective restaurant operations. The program encompasses both classroom instruction and practical on-the-job training, conducted at certified training restaurants. Key topics covered include restaurant operations, management, food preparation, and customer service.
Practice Management Training
New franchisees are required to undergo an additional six-week initial training program called Practice Management. This program provides an in-depth understanding of managing restaurant operations and may include a week of classroom training in Raleigh, North Carolina, focusing on leadership, coaching, and advanced management skills.
On-the-Job Training for Hourly Employees
Prior to opening, 8 to 16 hourly-wage employees, such as meat cutters, bakers, cooks, and servers, must complete 20 to 60 hours of on-the-job training at an existing Golden Corral restaurant. This training involves working alongside experienced staff to learn job-specific skills.
A-Team Support
For the launch of the first and second restaurants, Golden Corral provides an "A-Team" composed of personnel from Golden Corral and/or authorized franchisees. This team assists in training and preparing non-managerial employees, ensuring a smooth start tailored to the needs of each new restaurant.
Additional Training Programs
Golden Corral may also offer additional training programs as needed. These programs are designed to keep franchisees and their staff updated on the latest developments and best practices in restaurant operations and customer service.
Golden Corral provides franchisees with a designated area known as the "Protected Territory," though this area is not exclusive. The Protected Territory is typically defined by a radius from the front door of the restaurant, which can vary based on demographic factors, business concentrations, competition, growth projections, and economic conditions. The size of this territory can range from 1/20th of a mile to 5 miles in large metropolitan areas and from 1 to 5 miles in other localities.
Despite the provision of a Protected Territory, franchisees should be aware that Golden Corral retains certain rights within this area, including:
This arrangement means franchisees may encounter competition from other franchisees, company-owned outlets, and other distribution channels or competitive brands controlled by Golden Corral, even within their Protected Territory.
