RALEIGH, N.C. – Golden Corral, an iconic family dining brand, announced today it has been named 63rd on the 2023 Franchise Times’ Top 500 list. 

As America’s largest buffet concept, Golden Corral is one of only three buffet restaurant chains that have seen a 125% increase in foot traffic during the first quarter of 2023 (compared to January of 2021), according to data from Placer.ai, which tracks foot traffic at restaurants and retail stores. The brand currently has 357 locations open across the United States and Puerto Rico after a momentous 2022 fiscal year where sales at restaurants broke historic records and the average unit volume reached $101,000* in average weekly sales per restaurant this June. 

“Golden Corral is thrilled with the recognition as a top franchise brand after earning a spot in the top quarter on this year’s list,” said David Conklin. “We’ve been busy sharing our scalable franchise opportunity with both new and existing franchisees who are signing on to expand with our proven buffet concept to meet the demand from communities nationwide. This recognition further illustrates our commitment to working hand-in-hand with our franchise system to bring more guests across the country unbeatable value in a family-friendly atmosphere.”

To better encompass the biggest brands in franchising, the previous Top 400 Franchise Times expanded its annual ranking to 500 of the largest U.S.-based franchise systems by global systemwide sales. The rankings are a result of a five-month research and reporting effort that lead to the most credible and objective franchise ranking available, according to the publication.

Golden Corral has been serving customers since 1973 and offering an attractive franchise opportunity since 1986. The brand has grown to be the largest all-you-can-eat national buffet chain thanks to its talented franchisees and an experienced, stable executive team. For entrepreneurs looking for a proven, family-friendly restaurant model, Golden Corral is the right choice. 

For more information about available franchise opportunities, please visit www.goldencorral.com/franchise/.  

About Golden Corral
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 sponsor 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.

Franchising with Golden Corral is not just a business opportunity, it’s a way of life and the brand is seeking individuals that have restaurant experience and the business acumen to grow. At Golden Corral, you are never alone, as the team is there to provide you with proven systems and operations support to help you be successful and grow your business.

About the Franchise Times Top 500.
The Franchise Times Top 500 is the only ranking by systemwide sales and units of the largest 500 U.S.-based franchise brands. Published in the October issue and available in a searchable database online, the Franchise Times Top 500 also analyzes industry sectors based on percentage change in sales growth, reports the 10 fastest-growing franchises by four different measures, and includes exclusive news stories about the biggest names in franchising. The rankings and full report, and the searchable online database, are available at www.franchisetimes.com/top-500- 2022. 

*The weekly average sales figure was based on 349 restaurants systemwide. 155 restaurants had sales higher than the average.

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