Operations

Golden Corral shuts all company units, furloughs 2,290

The buffet chain said it will help the laid-off employees with food and assistance in accessing public benefits.
Photograph: Shutterstock

Golden Corral said it has closed all 35 company-operated restaurants and furloughed 2,290 employees because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The franchisor said that “some” of the buffet chain’s 454 franchised stores remain in operation, offering takeout and delivery.

Employees were informed of the move in a “virtual” town hall-style meeting with corporate officers.

"It is truly an emotional and challenging time for our country," Golden Corral CEO Lance Trenary said during the meeting. "The realities of the current situation have forced us to make difficult decisions." 

Golden Corral said that it will provide food for the furloughed employees to feed their families and will assist them in seeking unemployment benefits.

The buffet chain had been heavily advertising its takeout service via network TV.

Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.

Multimedia

Exclusive Content

Financing

Chris Kempczinski changes his tune on restaurant automation

The Bottom Line: While noting that humans will continue to drive restaurants, the McDonald’s CEO notes that the calculus on automation gets closer as labor costs soar.

Emerging Brands

Mamahuhu hopes to spark 'third wave' that builds on legacy of Chinese-American mom and pops

Chef Brandon Jew takes on the fast-casual challenge of scaling quality food at an accessible price in a Panda Express-dominated segment. But you won't find Chrysanthemum Salad at Panda Express.

Financing

McDonald's is a chicken chain now

The company’s chicken business is “on par” with its beef business as Americans continue to devour more poultry. It plans more chicken products in the coming years.

Trending

More from our partners