This Iconic Buffet Chain Opened In The '70s — And It Still Exists Today

Growing up in Nevada, I'm well-acquainted with a buffet. All-you-can-eat is practically a mantra in the Silver State's major cities, with most casinos boasting bountiful smorgasbords for a flat fee. Aside from heading to a Michelin-star restaurant or spooning caviar from a jar, there's really no more indulgent dining experience than walking down a line of different foods choosing whatever and however much you'd like. To some, it's the gold standard of eating options, especially when on a budget. And the Golden Corral has been "corralling" items like fried chicken, corn, ribs, and salad fixings on a serving line for decades now. 

But it didn't start out offering a plethora of items to choose from, temptingly placed in front of diners ready to grab. When the first Golden Corral opened in North Carolina in 1973, it was an affordable, family-owned steakhouse. The concept took off, with owners James Maynard and William Carl quickly adding more locations around the state. It took another decade to evolve into the buffet and grill restaurants seen in 42 states today.

After struggling during COVID and shutting down around 200 restaurants between 2020 and mid-2021, the franchise now has almost 400 locations around the U.S. Golden Corral's team members may be a big reason why it pulled through the hardships. Newsweek ranked it number two of all buffet restaurants in the U.S. for having the best customer service. And according to its customers, Golden Corral is also among the best all-you-can-eat buffet chains in the country. 

Each location features a whopping 150+ items for every breakfast, lunch, and dinner service. Beef that's prepared to order and cut in-house is still on the menu, a tribute to Golden Corral's beginnings, along with a tapestry of salad ingredients and fresh fruit, plus pastas and multiple hot sides. Some of the best dinner entrees to try at Golden Corral are the tamales, chicken fingers, and fried shrimp. An enormous dessert bar with pies, cookies, cakes, puddings, and more tops off your meal. 

Half a century later, Golden Corral is estimated to be a $1.7 billion business. Adults can eat dinner for around $20 — less for breakfast or lunch. Seniors over 60 can shave off a few more dollars at every meal, while kids under three eat free. However, before heading there for a meal, check out the 10 best tips for navigating an all-you-can-eat buffet.