
Golden Corral
Food and Beverage, Full-Service Restaurant
General
Industry
-Category
Food and BeverageSBA Identifier
S0729Year of Founding
1985Fees
Marketing Fee
2-6%Royalty Fee
4%Franchise Fee
$50,000-$50,000Investment Range
$3.45M-$7.04MLocation units
Total U.S. Locations
420U.S. Franchised Units
412U.S. Corporate Units
8Headquarters (City)
NCOther
Item 19 - Franchise Financials
-Financing Availability
yesStarted Offering Franchises
1986Issuance of FDD Data
04/28/2021What to know about Golden Corral franchise?
The franchises described in this disclosure document are for the establishment and operation of family-oriented steakhouse and buffet style restaurants.
Golden Corral is based in Raleigh, NC. Scroll down to learn more!
How Much Does a Golden Corral Franchise Cost?
Are you wondering how much is a Golden Corral franchise? Before starting a Golden Corral franchise, it is important to know the Golden Corral franchise fee ($50,000) working capital and other costs required to start the business.
The minimum investment amount required to open a Golden Corral franchise is $3,453,379 and can go all the way up to $7,037,915. Keep in mind, you should also allocate additional funds to live off of while the Golden Corral business ramps up. This can take as little as 6 months to over 2 years depending on the franchise opportunity. You should speak to at least 5 Golden Corral franchisees to understand the true cost of opening the franchise and how long it takes to: 1) start a Golden Corral business 2) pass break even 3) hit significant income.
After (and if) you pass the point of earning significant income from your Golden Corral franchise, there may be enough margin to hire a day-to-day manager and work less hours in the business.
Franchise Net Unit Growth
Take Our Quiz
What are your goals in opening a business?
Flexibility Financial Gain Quality of life Challenge Myself Be my own boss Get a JobIndustry Report Request
Download our guide to compare Golden Corral. Hotels to the Cleaning and Maintenance, Outdoor Maintenance industry.
Franchise Data
Year | Start of year | Units Opened | Units Closed | Total End of Year |
---|---|---|---|---|
2016 | 390 | 28 | 10 | 408 |
2017 | 408 | 38 | 9 | 436 |
2018 | 436 | 28 | 12 | 451 |
2019 | 451 | 14 | 16 | 448 |
2020 | 448 | 19 | 55 | 412 |
Additional Details
How much does a Golden Corral franchise owner make?
Golden Corral franchise earnings and revenue can vary significantly from one franchisee to another. The Golden Corral franchise owner profits can be influenced by labor costs, lease rates, hours worked as well as other factors.
Golden Corral unfortunately does not disclose financials on how much Golden Corral franchise owners make. This means they do not disclose sales or earnings for franchisees operating in the U.S.
Every franchisor is required by law to disclose income statements and balance sheets for how the franchisor is performing but not for the franchisee level. Unfortunately, Golden Corral does not make it easy to understand franchisee financial performance. This can be seen as a red flag and it is important to be that much more diligent in your conversations with Golden Corral franchisees. Do note that Golden Corral is not alone as about 40% of franchises do not disclose franchisee financial performance.
At Vetted Biz, we suggest you to speak with 5 to 10 Golden Corral franchisees to understand how much money they are making from their Golden Corral business.
You should also speak to former Golden Corral franchisees to understand why they left the system. Did they sell their Golden Corral at a profit? Were they forced to close their Golden Corral franchise down because it kept losing money?
What is the Golden Corral Franchise Fee?
Owning a Golden Corral franchise requires a 4% royalty fee and a 2-6% marketing fee. These two expenses represent the main ongoing costs you can expect to pay the franchisor throughout the franchise relationship.
Keep in mind, there is also an initial Golden Corral franchise fee of $50,000 that is included in the initial investment amount of $3,453,379 to $7,037,915. Depending on the franchise agreement you sign, you might have to pay the full franchise fee again if you decide to extend the Golden Corral franchise relationship. Consult with a licensed franchise attorney to understand exactly what you receive for paying the Golden Corral franchise fee of $50,000.
Visit the Golden Corral metrics tab to explore how the franchise, royalty and marketing fees compare to other Food and Beverage franchises. You can also compare these fees for 2,000+ franchises currently offered in the U.S.
When was Golden Corral founded?
Golden Corral was founded 37 years ago in 1985. Golden Corral started offering franchises in 1986. At Vetted Biz, we recommend franchises have 3-5 corporate locations and 5+ years of experience before offering a franchise. There needs to be proof that the business model works and is replicable before offering the franchise to other!
How many Golden Corral locations are in the U.S.?
As of Issuance of 2021, there were 412 Golden Corral locations owned and operated by franchisees across the U.S. There are also 8 corporate locations owned and operated by Golden Corral. Most Food and Beverage franchises like Golden Corral have more franchised locations than corporate locations.
How many Golden Corral franchises opened over the past few years?
Over the prior 3 years we have data for, Golden Corral has opened 61 outlets throughout the U.S.
Visit the Golden Corral metrics tab to explore how the openings compare to other Food and Beverage franchises.
How many Golden Corral franchises closed over the past few years?
Over the prior 3 years we have data for, Golden Corral has closed 83 outlets throughout the U.S.
Visit the Golden Corral metrics tab to explore how the closures compare to other Food and Beveragefranchises.
Is Golden Corral growing? Are they opening more locations than they are closing?
The net unit growth rate for Golden Corral over the past 3 years is -6%. Over the last year we have data for, Golden Corral had a net unit growth rate of -8%.
Without a comparison, this number doesn’t mean much. Compare how the Golden Corral growth rate compares to 2,000+ other franchises and Food and Beverage franchises like Golden Corral. More info in the Golden Corral metrics tab.
Is Golden Corral franchise eligible for an SBA Loan?
Golden Corral is eligible for SBA loans including the 7(a) loan. To find out more about the SBA loan program for franchising click here.
Golden Corral franchise was assigned the SBA Franchise ID of S0729 on 10/1/2017. This DOES NOT mean the SBA endorses this franchise. The SBA Franchise Directory will only include business models like Golden Corral that are reviewed and found eligible under SBA's affiliation rules and other eligibility criteria.
Is Golden Corral a franchise in the United States?
According to the SBA, Golden Corral meets the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) definition of a franchise. The FTC Franchise Rule requires franchisors to provide all potential franchisees with a disclosure document (FDD) containing 23 items about the franchise, its officers, and other franchisees. Be sure that Golden Corral provides you with an FDD if you are in discussion to buy a Golden Corral.
What is the Golden Corral Franchise for Sale Rate?
The Golden Corral systemwide health and franchisee satisfaction can be measured by the Golden Corral franchise for sale rate. The franchise for sale rate is calculated by the percentage of units transferred to new franchisees and reacquired by franchisor.
The franchise for sale rate for Golden Corral over the past 3 years is 11%. Over the last year we have data for, Golden Corral had a franchise for sale rate of 4%.
Without a comparison, this number doesn’t mean much. Compare how the Golden Corral franchise for sale rate compares to 2,000+ other franchises and Food and Beverage franchises like Golden Corral. More info in the Golden Corral metrics tab.
What is the Golden Corral Franchise Failure Rate?
Golden Corral franchise failures comprise franchise terminations, franchise non-renewals, and franchises that ceased operations for other reasons. The failure rate is one of the most important franchise metrics to consider when investing in a franchise!Golden Corral failure rate over the past 3 years is 20%. Over the last year we have data for, Golden Corral had a franchise failure rate of 13%
Without a comparison, this number doesn’t mean much. Compare how the Golden Corral failure rate compares to 2,000+ other franchises and Food and Beverage franchises like Golden Corral. More info in the Golden Corral metrics tab.
How can I find out more details on Golden Corral franchise?
Visit the Golden Corral metrics tab to explore franchise profitability, industry comparables and more. Become a Vetted Member today for exclusive access on this franchise opportunity!
Food and Beverage, PizzaJim’s Pizza |
Investment range
-
Founding year
-
Total U.S. Units
0
|
Learn More
|
Food and Beverage, PizzaJimano’s Pizzeria |
Investment range
-
Founding year
-
Total U.S. Units
0
|
Learn More
|
Fast Casual Restaurant, F...Jimboys Tacos |
Investment range
-
Founding year
-
Total U.S. Units
0
|
Learn More
|
Fast Casual Restaurant, F...Jaliscos |
Investment range
-
Founding year
-
Total U.S. Units
0
|
Learn More
|
General
Industry
-Category
Food and BeverageSBA Identifier
S0729Year of Founding
1985Fees
Marketing Fee
2-6%Royalty Fee
4%Franchise Fee
$50,000-$50,000Investment Range
$3.45M-$7.04MLocation units
Total U.S. Locations
420U.S. Franchised Units
412U.S. Corporate Units
8Headquarters (City)
NCOther
Item 19 - Franchise Financials
-Financing Availability
yesStarted Offering Franchises
1986Issuance of FDD Data
04/28/2021Franchise Fee Midpoint
The percentage change of total franchise units from one year to the next
1 year
3 years
Golden Corral
-1%
-2%
Industry median
All franchises median
Unlock premium content
Franchise Disclosure Document
Net Unit Growth (most recent year)
Net Unit Growth (3 years)
Failure Rate
Franchise failures comprise franchise terminations, franchise non-renewals, and franchises that ceased operations for other reasons.
1 year
3 years
Golden Corral
4%
20%
Industry median
All franchises median
Unlock premium content
Franchise for Sale Rate
The percentage of units transferred to new franchisees and reacquired by franchisor.
1 year
3 years
Golden Corral
2%
11%
Industry median
All franchises median
Unlock premium content
Food and Beverage, PizzaJim’s Pizza |
Investment range
-
Founding year
-
Total U.S. Units
0
|
Learn More
|
Food and Beverage, PizzaJimano’s Pizzeria |
Investment range
-
Founding year
-
Total U.S. Units
0
|
Learn More
|
Fast Casual Restaurant, F...Jimboys Tacos |
Investment range
-
Founding year
-
Total U.S. Units
0
|
Learn More
|
Fast Casual Restaurant, F...Jaliscos |
Investment range
-
Founding year
-
Total U.S. Units
0
|
Learn More
|
Investment Midpoint
The average of the low and high range of the investment amounts calculated from the most recently available Franchise Disclosure Document
Golden Corral
$5,245,647
Industry median
All franchises median
Unlock premium content
Royalty Fee
The median royalty fee from the Franchise Disclosure Document
Golden Corral
4%
Industry median
All franchises median
Unlock premium content
Franchise Fee Midpoint
The percentage change of total franchise units from one year to the next
1 year
3 years
Golden Corral
-1%
-2%
Industry median
All franchises median
Unlock premium content
Item 19 – Financial Performance Representations
Historical financial performance representations
Unlock premium content
Franchise Financials
Franchisor company financial information and financial performance representations, if disclosed by the franchisor.
Unlock premium content
Business details


Company name
-Business email
GCFadmin@goldencorral.netMailing address
5400 Trinity Road, Suite 309State headquarters
North CarolinaKey leadership
Golden CorralPhone
+1 (000) 000-00-00City
RaleighZip code
27607Name | State | City | Zip code | ||
Barajas Inc. | Arizona | Chandler | 85225 | Info | |
Lowest Rate Insurance Services LLC | California | Lake Elsinore | 92532 | Info | |
Gator Insurance Agency, Inc. | Florida | Boca Raton | 33428 | Info | |
EGA | Texas | Haltom City | 76117 | Info | |
Mesa: Scott Glascock | Arizona | Phoenix | 85032 | Info | |
Bay Area: Perry Harmon | California | Berkeley | 510-900-5400 | Info | |
All county Boulder: Simon Heart | Colorado | Boulder | 80301 | Info | |
All county Advance: Hon Wong and Scott McPherson | Florida | Clearwater | 33765 | Info | |
Lisa Conger | North Carolina | Gastonia | 28056 | Info | |
Body20_Jacksonville Beach | Florida | Jacksonville Beach | 32250 | Info | |
Zack Moliver | Florida | Boca raton | 33432 | Info | |
Frank Crowley | Florida | Pinecrest | 33156 | Info | |
Adam Phillips | South Carolina | Mount Pleasant | 29464 | Info | |
T4 Grooming, LLC | Texas | Tomball | 14215 | Info | |
Wes & Jim, LLC | Texas | Austin | Info | ||
Galloway Services, LLC | Texas | College Station | Info | ||
DMH JYJ Ventures, LLC | Texas | Spring | Info | ||
SLTX Enterprises, LLC | Texas | Huntsville | Info | ||
Barajas Inc. | Arizona | Chandler | 85225 | Info | |
Lowest Rate Insurance Services LLC | California | Lake Elsinore | 92532 | Info | |
1 - 20 of 274 items | 1 2 3 … 14 > |