Buffets are arguably some of the most amazing restaurant concepts ever created by humans because they offer a wide variety of food options ranging from savory dishes to sweet treats, all for a fixed price.
Although buffets may not be the healthiest option since they incentivize people to eat as much as possible to get their money’s worth, they are incredibly affordable and are sure to keep customers full until the next day.
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These restaurants may also not be the cleanest option because avoiding cross-contamination can be challenging when so many people touch the same serving utensils at once.
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Nonetheless, Golden Corral was once one of the most recognizable buffet chains in the nation and had been the top player in this game for many decades.
However, the restaurant chain fell to its lowest during the COVID-19 pandemic since buffets were forced to shut down temporarily due to health protocols. This caused its largest franchise group, 1069 Restaurant Group LLC, to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2020.
People serve themselves at the buffet-style restaurant Golden Corral in Manchester, NH.
Golden Corral announces the launch of a new fast-casual concept restaurant
This week, Golden Corral announced it will launch Golden Corral Favorites, a new spinoff concept to reenter the fast-casual market with a different approach that better adapts to today’s market.
The restaurant chain had previously introduced a similar concept in late 2023 called Homeward Kitchen, with its first location in Southern Pines, North Carolina. However, the store was permanently closed on Monday to reopen as the first Golden Corral Favorites this April.
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Golden Corral Favorites will feature the most beloved dishes from Golden Corral’s menu, such as its pot roast, fried chicken, and meatloaf. The difference is that this concept will serve the food in a quick-service format and offer digital ordering, drive-thru, and pick-up options.
“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,” said Golden Corral CEO Lance Trenary. “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,” he added.
Golden Corral learns from Homeward Kitchen’s failures to launch its new concept
Although the company didn’t explicitly disclose what caused the closure of its Homeward Kitchen, it’s likely that the strategy of this initial fast-casual spinoff attempt didn’t resonate with the company’s customers. It looked nothing like Golden Corral.
From its branding to its name, Homeward Kitchen looked like a completely different restaurant, making it less recognizable among Golden Corral’s pre-established clientele.
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On the other hand, Golden Corral Favorites has better brand recognition because it contains the same red and yellow colors and the name of its parent company, giving this new spinoff better chances of surviving among other competitors.
Golden Corral already has over 350 locations nationwide. With this new concept, the company will be able to expand its territorial range by developing more locations for a lower cost because this new concept is smaller, requires less food preparation, and reduces food waste, as it’s not a ‘free for all.’
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