Category: Press

This year’s rankings saw a bevy of chains climb the list.

After the pandemic bankrupted several buffet chains, Golden Corral is focusing on growth and offering franchise incentives to offset high operating costs.

After the COVID pandemic Shut down the system, the buffet giant has responded with record sales, net store growth, and a new fast-casual concept.

According to IBISWorld, an industry market research company, buffets were a $5.5 billion industry in 2022 — up 9% from 2021. 

Centre County residents who have long wanted Golden Corral to open locally may see their wish come true.

Golden Corral CEO Lance Trenary joined ‘Cavuto: Coast to Coast’ to discuss the recent Placer.ai report indicating that buffet restaurants are up 125% from 2021. 

All-you-can-eat buffets are back in a huge way post-pandemic, making them a more affordable option than a regular restaurant.

In March, visits to three leading buffets — Golden Corral, Cicis, and Pizza Ranch — were up 125% from January of 2021, according to data from Placer.ai, which tracks foot traffic at restaurants and stores.

Three years later, the buffet concept is rebounding back quickly. While the total dollars being spent at buffets are still lower than the $7.95 billion brought in pre-pandemic, it has grown steadily from between 2021 and 2022.

For some time, traffic to the dining industry has been impacted by inflationary pressures on consumer spending. Various restaurant categories have seen a decline in visits, and yet, some chains – and formats like “eatertainment” – are weathering the storm.