Today is the 1.05.2026, and exciting news is on the horizon for buffet lovers in Florida! Golden Corral, the largest buffet chain in the United States, is set to expand its footprint in the Sunshine State. On April 30, the company announced that new locations are under construction, including a second outlet in Kissimmee and a new location in St. Petersburg that is currently in the pre-construction phase. This marks a significant step in Golden Corral’s commitment to reaching new guests and communities across Florida.
In total, six new restaurants are being developed nationwide, with notable expansions also taking place in Knoxville, Tennessee, Baytown, Texas, Spanish Fort, Alabama, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. As CEO Lance Trenary emphasized, they are focused on making Golden Corral more accessible to everyone, especially as interest in buffet dining continues to surge. According to Yelp’s 2026 Food & Drinks Trend Report, searches for “all you can eat buffet near me” have skyrocketed by 252% in just one year, from September 2024 to August 2025.
Golden Corral’s Adaptations and Community Impact
Golden Corral has shown remarkable resilience and adaptability in the post-pandemic landscape. The chain has revamped its offerings, now featuring a seven-day breakfast buffet, curbside pickup, kitchen optimization, AI-assisted ordering, and even smaller-format locations. At present, Florida boasts 31 Golden Corral locations, down from 54 at the start of 2020, but with plans for further growth, including potential franchises in cities like Boca Raton, Miami/Kendall, and Pompano Beach. Senior Director Dan Doulen has highlighted Pompano Beach as a particularly stable community for future expansion.
Recent renovations have also been a part of Golden Corral’s ongoing commitment to enhancing guest experiences. A location in Port Richey reopened in November 2024 after extensive remodeling, while a Pensacola restaurant welcomed back patrons in February after updates. Golden Corral continues to offer a buffet with over 150 items, featuring USDA grilled-to-order steaks and a variety of traditional favorites, making it a go-to dining destination for families and food enthusiasts alike.
Franchise Opportunities and Community Engagement
For those interested in joining the Golden Corral family, the company has introduced a refreshed franchise incentive program aimed at reducing startup costs for new franchisees. Ideal candidates should possess restaurant operations experience and meet financial qualifications. This initiative not only paves the way for more locations but also ensures that 99% of Golden Corral restaurants remain locally owned and operated by independent franchisees, contributing to the fabric of their respective communities.
Founded in 1973 in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Golden Corral transitioned from a budget steakhouse to a buffet model in the 1980s, becoming a staple in American dining culture. Over the years, the company has received multiple awards for customer service and workplace culture, and it actively supports military initiatives through partnerships with organizations like Project Healing Waters and Camp Corral.
As Golden Corral continues to expand and adapt, it remains committed to providing hearty meals and a welcoming atmosphere for all. With fresh locations on the way, Florida residents can look forward to more opportunities to enjoy their favorite buffet experience.
For further details, you can visit the original announcements from NWFDailyNews and PR Newswire.