Operations

Golden Corral debuting fast casual concept in North Carolina

Photo: Golden Corral

April 17, 2025

Golden Corral is opening its fast-casual concept, Golden Corral Favorites, Tuesday in Southern Pines, North Carolina. The 4,200-square-foot space at 10735 US-15 will serve a selection of the brand's classics but in a format focused on speed and convenience, said CEO Lance Trenary.

"Golden Corral Favorites is all about honoring what our guests continue to return for — delicious, wholesome food at an incredible value — while adapting to how people want to dine today," he said in a company press release. "This new format builds on the strength of our brand and brings our core menu into a more convenient and technology-forward setting."

Earlier this year, the brand transitioned its previous fast-casual concept, Homeward Kitchen, into the Golden Corral Favorites identity. The refreshed concept maintains Golden Corral's pillars of comfort, value and quality while introducing technology and a streamlined service modelk said Jason Kornosky, VP of Operations.

"Golden Corral Favorites is a natural progression for our brand," he said in the release. "Through this concept, we're leaning into what we know works: the Golden Corral name, the food our guests love, and a commitment to quality. It's not about starting over — it's about evolving with purpose."

Golden Corral was founded in 1973.