Golden Corral confirms closures, says many buffets may reopen under new owners
Golden Corral has closed at least six of its buffets this year, in Ohio, Illinois, Iowa, Florida, Idaho and Texas, USA Today and Restaurant Dive reported. The chain said many could reopen with new franchise owners. It also said six new restaurants are in the works.
Golden Corral has closed at least six restaurants this year, USA Today and Restaurant Dive reported. The closures were in Ohio, Illinois, Iowa, Florida, Idaho and Texas, USA Today reported, based on local news reports, social media posts and Google listings. Restaurant Dive reported that the company confirmed at least six closures.
The buffet chain said many of the closed restaurants could reopen under new franchise owners, USA Today and Restaurant Dive reported. Ninety-nine percent of Golden Corral's restaurants are owned by franchisees, the company said, according to Restaurant Dive.
Golden Corral said its current rate of closures is higher than normal, Restaurant Dive reported. The company said the reasons "vary and are specific to the individual franchise entities that operated the locations," according to Restaurant Dive. "Each circumstance is unique, but we are very committed to working with our franchisees to transfer ownership to either another franchise entity or company operations," the company said, according to Restaurant Dive.
The closed locations included Canton, Ohio, in February; Alton, Ill., in April; Davenport, Iowa, and Boynton Beach, Fla., in July; and Boise, Idaho, and Brownsville, Texas, in September, USA Today reported. The Alton owners said the restaurant could no longer operate sustainably, and the Brownsville owner cited required renovations and rising costs, including rent, USA Today reported, citing local outlets.
The chain had 362 locations in 2023 and 348 at the end of 2025, according to its franchise disclosure document, Restaurant Dive reported.
Golden Corral says it is still growing. Six new restaurants are in development, the company said, according to USA Today and Restaurant Dive. Two are under construction in Knoxville, Tenn., and Kissimmee, Fla., and four more are planned in Texas, Puerto Rico, Alabama and Florida, USA Today reported. The company said it expects to keep expanding into 2027, USA Today reported.
Restaurant Dive reported that the chain has been developing smaller restaurant designs that cost operators less, and has leaned on value deals, including a $2.50 kids weekend breakfast buffet that runs through the end of the year.
What we know: Golden Corral has closed at least six restaurants this year and says many could reopen under new owners.
What we don't: How many more locations may close, and how many of the closed ones will reopen.
Where outlets agree USA Today and Restaurant Dive both report that Golden Corral has closed at least six restaurants this year and that many could reopen under new franchise owners.
Where they differ The outlets cited here report the same key facts so far.