RALEIGH, N.C. – Golden Corral, the nation’s largest all-you-can-eat buffet chain, announced today that it made the Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500® list, considered the best and most comprehensive franchise ranking in the world.

Ranked in the top three franchises in the buffet category, the recognition represents the renewed focus placed on accelerating the brand’s growth, which can also be seen in new initiatives such as its limited-time franchise development incentive program. 
 
“We pride ourselves on delivering the best value to not only our guests, but our franchise owners as well, and this ranking only further validates the benefits that Golden Corral can offer to the portfolios of new and existing franchisees,” said Lance Trenary, President and CEO of Golden Corral Corporation. “In 2022, we focused on innovations such as a new mobile ordering and loyalty program platform, as well as growing our off-premise dining options for our guests. Our franchise system has never been stronger or more energized, and we invite other entrepreneurs across the restaurant industry to join us as we celebrate 50 years of business in 2023.

In Entrepreneur’s continuing effort to best understand and evaluate the ever-changing franchise marketplace, the publication’s 44-year-old ranking formula continues to evolve as well. The editorial team researches and assesses several factors that go into the evaluation including costs and fees, size and growth, support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability. Each franchise is given a cumulative score based on an analysis of more than 150 data points, and the 500 franchises with the highest cumulative scores become the Franchise 500® in ranking order. 

“The past year underscores the extraordinary opportunities that the franchise industry presents for entrepreneurs of all levels,” says Entrepreneur editor in chief Jason Feifer. “The brands named to our 44th annual Franchise 500 list represent some of the most innovative, creative, and trusted brands across many industries and highlight what it takes to build the kind of momentum that drives long-lasting success.”

Experienced entrepreneurs interested in becoming a part of the Golden Corral system must have at least $2.5 million in assets and $500,000 in liquid assets. Ideal franchisees should also have operations or ownership experience in the full-service restaurant industry.

Over its 44 years in existence, the Franchise 500® has become both a dominant competitive measure for franchisors and a primary research tool for potential franchisees. Golden Corral’s position on the ranking is a testament to its strength as a franchise opportunity.

To view Golden Corral in the full ranking visit: www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500. Results can also be found in the January/February 2023 issue of Entrepreneur, available on newsstands January 17.

For more information about Golden Corral, visit www.goldencorral.com.

For more information about franchising with Golden Corral, visit www.goldencorral.com/franchise.