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GOLDEN Corral's Major Overhaul: How a New Executive is Turning the Ship Around After 15 Years

GOLDEN Corral is finally getting the tech upgrade it desperately needed, marking its first major change in 15 years.

In 2023, the buffet chain brought in a new chief information officer, Dawn Gillis, who was taken aback by the "numerous failures" holding the company back.

According to Gillis, Golden Corral needed a "total reset," and that's exactly what they did. She explained to Restaurant Dive that outdated technology had caused significant issues, leading to frustrating downtimes.

"The old systems were really holding us back," she shared. "It was affecting how we worked with franchisees and hindering business operations. There was a real need to modernize everything."

Under her leadership, the team completely overhauled the tech systems. From the internet connection equipment to in-store WiFi, they changed it all. "We started from the ground up," Gillis proudly stated. "It wasn’t just updating software or tools—it was a full transformation."

As part of this update, Golden Corral partnered with the restaurant tech platform Qu, rolling out an improved system across its locations. This includes a revamped online ordering system, putting Golden Corral on par with other major chains like Red Lobster.

Speaking of Red Lobster, the seafood giant introduced online ordering back in 2017 and teamed up with DoorDash. Now, Golden Corral is catching up, with better tech that will make a big difference, especially during the busy times. The new system includes kitchen displays that will help staff handle orders more efficiently.

However, not everything has gone smoothly in recent months. One of Golden Corral's locations, in Kingman, Arizona, closed suddenly in May 2024, leaving many locals upset. The popular spot on Stockton Hill Road was listed as "permanently closed" on both the company website and Google.

Despite the unexpected closure, the restaurant left a heartfelt message for its customers. Posted on the door of the building, it read:
"Thank you for all your support throughout the years. We were blessed to be part of this community. Unfortunately, we are closing our doors permanently."

Fans were quick to share their fond memories of the place on social media. "It's such a shame it closed," one person wrote. "I really enjoyed eating there." Another commenter added, "I can’t believe it, my son just ate there a few days ago."

As Golden Corral moves forward with its tech upgrades, fans will be hoping for more success and less disappointment in the future.