Who Owns Golden Corral?
Investors Management Corporation, a private company in Raleigh, North Carolina founded by Golden Corral co-founder James Maynard.
Golden Corral history
James Maynard and William Carl opened the first Golden Corral in Fayetteville, North Carolina in 1973 as a family steakhouse. Over the following years it added a buffet, which grew into the Endless Buffet and Grill the chain is known for today.
| Year | What happened |
|---|---|
| 1973 | First Golden Corral opens in Fayetteville, North Carolina |
| 1980s | The chain shifts toward an all you can eat buffet |
| 2001 | Military Appreciation Night starts |
| Today | Around 350 restaurants, mostly franchised |
Is Golden Corral publicly traded?
No. Golden Corral is privately held, and its parent IMC does not sell shares to the public.
See prices
Lunch, dinner, kids and senior prices are on the Golden Corral menu.
Related Questions
Who founded Golden Corral?
James Maynard and William Carl, in Fayetteville, North Carolina in 1973.
Is Golden Corral a franchise?
Yes. Most restaurants are run by franchise owners.
Is Golden Corral publicly traded?
No. It is privately owned by Investors Management Corporation.
Where is Golden Corral headquartered?
Raleigh, North Carolina.
How many Golden Corral restaurants are there?
Around 350, making it the largest buffet chain in the US.
Did Golden Corral start as a buffet?
No. It started as a steakhouse and moved to a buffet later.
More on Golden Corral
About this guide. USA Food Menu is an independent reference site and is not affiliated with Golden Corral. Details come from public sources and were checked in October 2026. See current prices on the Golden Corral menu.
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