A Golden Corral location has closed its doors after 30 years in operation.
The Chesapeake, Virginia, branch shut down for good after the landlord and the chain disagreed.
Golden Corral Closes Chesapeake Location
The Golden Corral, located in the Volvo Parkway Shopping Center in Chesapeake, Virginia, has permanently closed its doors.
A spokesperson for the chain confirmed to CBS affiliate WTKR that the branch shut down in April. The closure occurred after BOTH Inc., the franchisee operating this location, failed to reach a lease agreement with the landlord.
The chain thanked its diners and encouraged them to visit nearby locations.
"We appreciate the local community's support over the years and would welcome the opportunity to serve our Chesapeake guests at our other Tidewater restaurants in Virginia Beach, Newport News, and Williamsburg," the spokesperson said.
All staff received severance pay, and some managers were transferred to other local branches.
As reported by The U.S. Sun, fans expressed their sadness about the closure on Facebook.
Residents are saddened by the closure of Chesapeake's Golden Corral, and many share their disappointment on social media. One person mentioned that it was their son's favorite buffet restaurant and said he would be missed.
Another commenter called Golden Corral "one of the best restaurants" and blamed inflation costs for the closure. They praised the food and service, recalling the loss of their local branch in Elizabeth City a few years ago.
One customer shared that it was their favorite place to eat and wanted to return.
Many people shared their favorite menu items, with one noting that the rolls were absolutely the best.
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Golden Corral: America's Top Buffet Chain
Golden Corral's website highlights that the restaurant offers a renowned, endless breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet. The menu features home-style favorites, signature sirloin steaks, and seasonal specials, providing various options.
Lunch and dinner include an all-you-can-eat soup and salad bar, signature yeast rolls, homemade desserts, soft-serve ice cream, and the famous carrot cake. Golden Corral is a favorite among families and is known for its great value at a good price.
The buffet accommodates various dietary needs, including low-carb, vegan, paleo, and plant-based diets. To-go and delivery services are available, and every location offers a free private party room for large groups and special occasions.
Golden Corral's journey began in 1973 with its first restaurant in Fayetteville, North Carolina, committed to serving wholesome foods in a family-friendly atmosphere. Celebrating 50 years, it proudly holds the title of America's #1 buffet and grill.
According to The U.S. Sun, Golden Corral is not the only major chain that closed its location this year. Major dining chains have announced a series of restaurant closures.
Cracker Barrel has closed stores in Medford, Oregon, Columbia, South Carolina, and Sacramento, California. Mod Pizza has dramatically shuttered 27 locations, including several in California. Frisch's Big Boy confirmed the closure of its restaurant in Covington, Kentucky.
Moreover, Red Lobster recently shut down 17 locations in Florida. The popular seafood chain has been struggling with financial issues in recent months.
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