Updated October 14, 2026, 7:09 p.m. ET
Golden Corral has closed several locations over the past nine months, but the buffet chain says it continues to grow.
The company confirmed to USA TODAY that six new restaurants are in development and many of the shuttered locations could reopen under new franchise owners. Golden Corral, headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, also said it plans to continue its expansion through 2027.
Two locations are currently under construction in Knoxville, Tennessee, and Kissimmee, Florida. Four others are in the pre-construction phase in Baytown, Texas; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Spanish Fort, Alabama; and St. Petersburg, Florida.
The growth plans come as closures have been reported this year in Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Ohio and Texas, according to local news, social media posts and Google listings.
Here’s what we know about the Golden Corral locations that have closed so far.
Where did the sites close?
- Canton, Ohio: Closed Feb. 1 without specifying a reason after serving the community for more than 20 years, according to the Canton Repository, part of the USA TODAY Network.
- Alton, IL: Closed April 30 because the owners said “the location was no longer able to operate sustainably,” according to the Belleville News-Democrat.
- Davenport, IA: Closed July 6 for no reason, according to Moline Dispatch & Rock Island Argus.
- Boynton Beach, Florida: Closed July 26, due to the end of the restaurant’s lease and operational changes, according to the Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Network.
- Boise, Idaho: Closed in September without publicly citing reasons, according to the Idaho Statesman.
- Brownsville, TX: Closed Sept. 14, MySanAntonio.com reported. Citing the franchise owner, the store said the location closed due to necessary renovations and rising costs, including rent.
Where does Golden Corral have locations?
According to the company’s restaurant locator, Texas has the most Golden Corral locations (47), followed by Florida (31) and North Carolina (26).
- Alabama – 7 locations
- Alaska – 1 locations
- Arizona – 7 locations
- Arkansas – 4 locations
- California – 17 sites
- Colorado – 6 locations
- Florida – 31 sites
- Georgia – 18 sites
- Idaho – 1 location
- Illinois – 12 locations
- Indiana – 12 sites
- Iowa – 1 locations
- Kansas – 4 locations
- Kentucky – 9 locations
- Louisiana – 9 sites
- Maryland – 6 locations
- Massachusetts – 1 location
- Michigan – 5 locations
- Minnesota – 1 location
- Mississippi – 5 sites
- Missouri – 9 locations
- Nebraska – 2 locations
- Nevada – 2 locations
- New Hampshire – 1 location
- New Mexico – 4 sites
- New York – 4 locations
- North Carolina – 26 sites
- Ohio – 12 locations
- Oklahoma – 8 locations
- Pennsylvania – 6 sites
- Puerto Rico – 4 sites
- South Carolina – 9 locations
- South Dakota – 1 location
- Tennessee – 9 locations
- Texas – 47 sites
- Utah – 4 sites
- Virginia – 14 sites
- Washington – 3 locations
- West Virginia – 2 locations
- Wisconsin – 6 locations
Contributor: Emmy Bailey, Palm Beach Post
Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY’s trends team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – 757. Email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.
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