Golden Corral Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Golden Corral stands out as a prominent figure in the American restaurant landscape, renowned for its vast buffet that appeals to a broad range of tastes and dietary needs.
Since its inception in 1973, this chain has been dedicated to offering an extensive selection of culinary delights under one roof, earning the affection of families and culinary enthusiasts alike.
Adopting a franchise model in 1987 has enabled passionate entrepreneurs to join the Golden Corral network and share its exceptional dining concept in numerous locales.
With its headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina, Golden Corral has risen to become the leading buffet-style restaurant chain in the country. This distinction underscores its dedication to delivering excellence, diversity, and great value, ensuring a top-notch dining encounter for every guest.
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Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Golden Corral franchise? It costs on average between $3,534,000 – $9,213,000 to start a Golden Corral franchised restaurant.
This includes costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the type of restaurant you choose, the location, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase the property. Golden Corral offers 2 types of franchises:
| Restaurant Design | Initial Investment Range |
|---|---|
| Golden Corral (Less Expensive) | $3,534,450 to $6,828,230 |
| Golden Corral (More Expensive) | $4,860,450 to $9,213,230 |
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Golden Corral franchised restaurant(the more expensive restaurant design). For more information on costs required to start a Golden Corral franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $50,000 |
| Purchase of Land | $800,000 – $3,000,000 |
| Construction, Contractor Site Preparation, Leasehold Improvements | $2,600,000 – $4,100,000 |
| Signage | $70,000 – $91,000 |
| Furniture and Equipment | $1,030,000 – $1,309,000 |
| Opening Advertising | $10,000 – $15,000 |
| Initial Training | $75,050 – $176,630 |
| License | $1,400 – $1,600 |
| On-Site Assistance Costs | $125,000 – $195,000 |
| Inventory | $50,000 – $85,000 |
| Insurance | $30,000 – $65,000 |
| Additional Funds (first 3 months of operation) | $19,000 – $125,000 |
| TOTAL | $4,860,450 – $9,213,230 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a Golden Corral franchise? A Golden Corral franchised restaurant makes on average $3,574,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:
This compares to $1,132,000 yearly revenue for similar other food & beverage franchises.
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Golden Corral Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Golden Corral locations are there?
As of the most recent data, Golden Corral operates over 400 locations across the United States. The majority of these locations are franchise-owned, with only a small percentage being company-owned. Specifically, there are approximately 100 company-owned locations, while the remaining locations are franchised.
What is the total investment required to open a Golden Corral franchise?
The total investment required to open a Golden Corral franchise ranges from $3,534,000 to $9,213,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Golden Corral franchise?
A Golden Corral franchise requires ongoing fees that include a 4% royalty fee on gross sales and a 2% marketing fee. These fees are paid regularly to support brand operations and marketing efforts.
What are the financial requirements to become a Golden Corral franchisee?
To become a Golden Corral franchisee, candidates must have a minimum net worth of $2.5 million and at least $500,000 in liquid capital. These financial thresholds are necessary to ensure that franchisees have the resources to cover the costs of opening and operating a Golden Corral restaurant, which includes initial investment expenses and ongoing operational needs.
How much can a Golden Corral franchise owner expect to earn?
The average gross sales for a Golden Corral franchise are approximately $3.57 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $3.57 million yearly revenue can result in $535,500 EBITDA annually.
Who owns Golden Corral?
Golden Corral is owned by Investors Management Corporation (IMC), a privately held company based in Raleigh, North Carolina. IMC has owned Golden Corral since its inception in 1973, overseeing its growth into one of the largest buffet-style restaurant chains in the United States.
Disclaimer
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