Golden Corral was founded in 1973 in Fayetteville, North Carolina and has since grown to become America's #1 buffet and grill. Starting with one small steakhouse, Golden Corral adapted to changing tastes and increased competition to expand into one of the largest family restaurant chains in the country. By 2003, the company operated and franchised 467 restaurants across the United States, serving over 167.5 million customers. The founders aimed for rapid growth from the beginning, using various financing strategies to open multiple locations and establish Golden Corral as a leading buffet restaurant brand.