Golden Corral® introduces new ‘Golden Corral Favorites’ concept; America’s leading buffet brings guest-favorite menu items to a fast-casual setting

By Staff Report, posted Feb 25, 2025 on BizFayetteville.com

Exterior rendering of the new Golden Corral Favorites restaurant concept. Photo provided by: Golden Corral

Golden Corral, the nation’s largest grill-buffet restaurant chain is introducing a fresh way for guests to enjoy its most popular dishes: Golden Corral Favorites. This new fast-casual concept offers a selection of the brand’s signature foods in a streamlined, quick-service format, delivering the same flavors with added convenience.

The brand’s first iteration of a fast-casual concept, Homeward Kitchen in Southern Pines, North Carolina, will close its doors on Feb. 24 at 9 p.m. and will transition into the first-ever Golden Corral Favorites location. This 4,200-square-foot restaurant will retain the quality and flavors that Golden Corral guests have come to know and love while offering a faster, more modern dining experience. The restaurant is expected to reopen in April.

Interior rendering of the Golden Corral Favorites restaurant concept. Exterior rendering of the new Golden Corral Favorites restaurant concept. Photo provided by: Golden Corral

“Golden Corral has always been about delivering an unmatched variety of high-quality food at an incredible value, and through the rebranding of this concept, we’re staying laser-focused on what we do best,” said CEO Lance Trenary in a press release. “We’ve learned just how much our guests love the Golden Corral brand and want the wholesome food that we serve, so we’re bringing those favorites to a fast-casual setting. This new concept leverages the brand equity in the Golden Corral name and blends the best of both worlds — offering our signature comfort foods they crave with the convenience today’s consumers expect.”

Golden Corral Favorites will feature a curated selection of the most popular Golden Corral menu items, served in a streamlined, quick-service format. Whether guests are dining in or taking advantage of the restaurant’s enhanced digital ordering, drive-thru and pickup options, this new concept is designed for today’s fast-paced lifestyles, particularly those who prioritize convenience without compromising quality.

Golden Corral remains dedicated to investing in its core strengths, focusing on the food and beverage, hospitality, and value that have made it a household name. Golden Corral Favorites is a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation while honoring the legacy that has kept guests coming back for decades. Golden Corral also remains committed to the loyal restaurant team in Southern Pines, the majority of whom have worked at the restaurant since it first opened. With the objective of retaining the entire crew, Golden Corral will fairly compensate all team members and take advantage of downtime for additional training. All employees were notified in early January that they will be paid a temporary closure payment. A return-to-work incentive was also offered to those who return for the opening of Golden Corral Favorites.

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