Golden Corral Franchise

Established in 1973, Golden Corral Franchising Systems, Inc. offers a family-oriented buffet/grill style dining experience. Franchisees operate restaurants that feature a wide variety of dishes including beef, pork, seafood, chicken, salads, vegetables, desserts, and more. Golden Corral restaurants are known for their in-store display bakeries and are a staple for lunch, dinner, and weekend breakfasts.

Why Choose Golden Corral?

• Long-standing presence in the industry since 1986.
• Comprehensive support and training for new franchisees.
• Strong brand recognition with a loyal customer base.
• Versatile restaurant designs suitable for various locations.

Initial Investment and Costs

The total initial investment for a Golden Corral franchise typically ranges from $3,541,104 to $8,528,857. This includes the initial franchise fee, land acquisition, construction, signage, furniture, equipment, and other startup expenses.

Estimated Initial Investment:

• Initial Franchise Fee: $50,000
• Purchase of Land: $584,000 - $2,300,000
• Construction and Leasehold Improvements: $1,900,000 - $4,100,000
• Signage: $45,000 - $91,000
• Furniture and Equipment: $655,000 - $1,309,000
• POS Activation Fee and Hardware: $4,054 - $11,227
• Opening Advertising: $10,000 - $15,000
• Initial Training: $75,050 - $176,630
• On-Site Assistance Costs: $125,000 - $195,000
• Inventory: $40,000 - $85,000
• Insurance: $30,000 - $65,000
• Additional Funds (first 3 months of operation): $19,000 - $125,000

Ongoing Fees

• Royalty: 4% of gross sales
• Advertising Contributions: 2% - 6% of gross sales, currently at 2.4%
• Golden Corral Help Desk: $220.83 per month per location
• Electronic Learning Platform: $120 per month

Training and Support

Golden Corral provides an extensive training program for new franchisees and their managers, typically over eight weeks. This program includes practical and classroom training at certified training locations. Additional support is provided through an "A-Team" that assists with employee training and pre-opening preparations.

Territory and Operational Requirements

Golden Corral offers franchisees a protected territory, typically described as a radius from the restaurant ranging from 1/20th of a mile to five miles, depending on location specifics. Franchisees or their designated operations principal must dedicate substantial time to managing the restaurant and must adhere to Golden Corral's standards and approved methods.

Term and Renewal

The initial franchise term lasts 15 years, with the opportunity for two additional five-year renewal terms, subject to meeting certain conditions.

Veteran Discount

Golden Corral offers a 50% discount on the initial franchise fee to qualified veterans under the VetFran program, provided they own more than 50% of the business entity.

Key Takeaways

• Established and respected brand since 1973.
• Initial investment ranging from $3.5 to $8.5 million.
• Comprehensive eight-week training program with ongoing support.
• Protected territory ensuring minimal competition within a specified radius.
• Support for veterans through significant discounts on franchise fees.

To learn more about franchising with Golden Corral, download the franchise disclosure document (FDD) or fill out the free information request form on this page.