The California “Golden Corral” Rush Is On!

You’ve heard of the California Gold Rush, but now there is a new California rush and it is with Golden Corral. The nation’s largest grill-buffet chain, Golden Corral, is a dominating force in the restaurant buffet market space. The North Carolina-based brand, with nearly 500 locations nationwide, is built on consistent leadership and a long history of private ownership. Nowhere is the popularity, success, and expansion of the brand more on display than the California market. “Our customers love the food and I appreciate the support that Golden Corral has provided,”  said Rey Vasquez, a Multi-Unit Golden Corral Franchisee.

The Golden State has long been known as a difficult environment for franchise businesses, primarily due to real estate, development costs, and the regulatory environment. But those barriers have posed little resistance to Golden Corral franchise operators throughout California. Since 2012, the brand has opened 14 locations. There are 2 additional locations scheduled to open in 2019 and 2 more are in the permitting process.  Franchisees also have commitments in place for an additional 13 new units in California. This is a mix of existing franchisees adding additional locations and new franchisees clamoring to get the chance to open their first restaurant.

Golden Corral’s momentum in California began when a franchisee opened a location in City of Industry, California (an LA suburb). Almost as soon as the location opened it became one of the highest volume restaurants in the entire Golden Corral system. The numbers grabbed attention and the Golden Corral rush was on. Investors and savvy restaurant operators all wanted a piece of the action – and the growth and success stories throughout California tell the tale.  “We are committed to building more stores in California. I already have 2 open and my third California store will open soon,” said Vasquez. “I am also working with the real estate team to find another location in California. They have been a great resource. A lot of brands have been scared to come into California, but not Golden Corral.”

But Southern California is not the only fertile ground for Golden Corral expansion possibilities. Van Ingram, vice president of franchise development for Golden Corral says demand for the brand in Northern California is also growing and is now the target area. “We have completed a strategic market analysis and we have identified over 40 additional California markets that appear to be viable for Golden Corral,” he said.

As a brand with universal appeal and a national advertising campaign, Golden Corral is expanding across the US. Looking east, Golden Corral is garnering attention in other states such as New York. The brand’s first Bronx restaurant is scheduled to open this April. Ingram said the brand believes the Bronx location will have a similar effect as the City of Industry restaurant. “We believe it will be the impetus for Golden Corral growth in the northeast,” he said.

There is demand for Golden Corral restaurants in numerous markets across the U.S. The Golden Corral brand has more than 46 years of success as a recognizable, proven business. The brand’s restaurants offer a high-value, family-oriented daily lunch and dinner buffet and breakfast on the weekends. Savvy restaurant operators looking to expand their markets or diversify their portfolios with a proven high revenue restaurant brand need look no further.

For more information about becoming a Golden Corral franchisee, please call 1-800-284-5673, Ext. 4479 or visit http://www.goldencorralfranchise.com

SPONSORED BY:
Golden Corral
Golden Corral is the largest National Buffet chain, offering delicious comfort food classics allowing guests to create their own unique and perfect plate. Learn More