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Terms + Conditions for
Use of This Site

This website (“Site”) is owned and operated by Golden Corral Corporation.  These are the terms, covenants, conditions and provisions (the “Terms and Conditions”) upon which you may access and use this Site.  By using this Site, or any other website owned, operated, licensed, or controlled by Golden Corral Corporation or any of its related, affiliated, or subsidiary companies (together, “Golden Corral”), you indicate that you agree to and are subject to these Terms and Conditions as legally binding, as if you had signed them. If you do not agree to these terms, you should not use the Site or any materials from the Site.

Golden Corral may modify these Terms and Conditions at any time.  Any changes or modifications will be effective immediately upon posting of the changes or modifications, and to the extent permitted by law, you waive any right you may have to receive specific notice of such changes or modifications. Your continued access to or use of the Site after these Terms have been changed or modified (see Updated date above) signifies your acceptance of any updates to these Terms and Conditions. As a result, you should frequently review these Terms and Conditions to understand the terms and conditions that apply to your access to and use of this Site. If you do not agree to the changed or modified Terms, do not access or use this Site.

RESTRICTED USE

Information and materials hosted on the Site are owned by Golden Corral or others, are protected by copyright, trade secret, trademark and other laws, and may not be distributed, publicly displayed, copied or modified without the express written consent of Golden Corral.  You may not use this Site or any of the features or functions on this Site for any purpose that: (a) is prohibited by these Terms and Conditions; (b) violates any applicable law; (c) causes damage on or through this Site; (d) infringes upon the rights of any third party; (e) is defamatory, libelous, abusive, obscene, pornographic, lewd, indecent, suggestive, harassing, threatening, inflammatory, fraudulent or otherwise objectionable; (f) results in the commercial resale of Golden Corral gift cards, coupons or other items without the prior written consent of Golden Corral; or (g) actually affects or interrupts or attempts to affect or interrupt operation of this Site.

You agree to abide by all additional restrictions displayed on this Site, as it may be updated from time to time.  Golden Corral reserves the right to suspend, block or terminate your access to all or any portion of this Site and/or participation in any program or club without notice and in its sole discretion (including without limitation for actual or suspected fraud, unauthorized use of any program or club or failure to comply with these Terms and Conditions). Golden Corral also reserves the right to seek all other remedies available at law and in equity.

THIRD-PARTY CONTENT, SERVICES AND FUNCTIONS

Golden Corral may provide third-party content on this Site (including embedded content) and links to web pages and content of third parties, including Golden Corral branded, co-branded and/or our franchisee(s)’ content and/or web pages (collectively, “Third-Party Content”).  In addition, some of the features and services available on this Site and some of the Third-Party Content is provided through the use of third-party suppliers and service providers (“Suppliers”). By using the Third-Party Content or these features and services, you agree to comply with all terms and notices as the Suppliers may provide (such as through terms and conditions on the websites that are linked to this Site and where the features and services are provided).  Suppliers include, for example, the third parties that provide services for the purchase of Golden Corral gift cards and other products and services; third parties that collect resumes and job applications for Golden Corral employment opportunities; third parties that provide information about Golden Corral franchise opportunities; third parties that take reservations for tour groups; and third parties that conduct surveys on behalf of Golden Corral.  It is your responsibility to determine when you are accessing Third Party Content or services.  Golden Corral makes no guarantee as to the accuracy, completeness, reliability or suitability for your purposes of any Third-Party Content or features or services provided by Suppliers or other third parties. You agree to comply with all applicable laws, regulations and terms applicable to your use of any such third-party services (for example, if you use Google maps, you agree to comply with its Terms of Service). You acknowledge and agree that Golden Corral is not responsible or liable in any manner for Third-Party Content or Supplier services. If you have questions or concerns about the website of a Golden Corral franchisee, please contact that franchisee directly.

LOCATION BASED SERVICES

If you enable location-based services on your computer or other device in connection with your use of this Site, you expressly consent to Golden Corral and/or its Suppliers collecting the geolocation (which may include specific longitude and latitude) of your device. This information may be used as set forth in our Privacy Policy, including to identify your local Golden Corral restaurant, to provide personalized messaging or content and/or for marketing purposes by email, push notifications, online or in-app advertising or otherwise. Please see our Privacy Policy for further information and for details on how to opt-out of location collection.

TRADEMARKS

All rights in product names, company names, trade names, logos, service marks, product packaging, and trade dress, whether or not appearing in large print or with trademark symbols (collectively, “Trademarks”) displayed on this Site belong exclusively to Golden Corral or their respective owners and are prohibited from imitation, dilution, or confusing or misleading uses under national and international trademark and copyright laws.  Unauthorized use of the Trademarks is prohibited by law.  Nothing stated or implied on this Site confers on you any license or right under the Trademarks or any other intellectual property of Golden Corral or any third party.

SUBMISSIONS

All remarks, suggestions, ideas, graphics, survey responses, sweepstakes or other promotion entries and other information communicated to Golden Corral through the Site (each a “Submission”) will forever be the property of Golden Corral.  Except as set forth in the Privacy Policy with respect to Personal Information, Golden Corral will not be required to treat any Submission as confidential, and will not be liable for any ideas for its business (including without limitation, product, or advertising ideas) and will not incur any liability as a result of any similarities that may appear in future Golden Corral’s operations. Without limitation, Golden Corral will have exclusive ownership of all present and future existing rights to all Submissions of every kind. Golden Corral will be entitled to use all Submissions for any commercial or other purpose whatsoever without compensation to you or any other person sending the Submission.

DISCLAIMER

The materials and functionality in this Site could include technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Golden Corral may make changes or improvements at any time. THE MATERIALS AND FUNCTIONS IN THIS SITE ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” AND WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE PURSUANT TO APPLICABLE LAW, GOLDEN CORRAL DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. GOLDEN CORRAL DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE FUNCTIONS, FEATURES OR THE MATERIAL IN THE SITE WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR-FREE, THAT DEFECTS WILL BE CORRECTED, OR THAT THE SITE OR THE SERVER THAT MAKES IT AVAILABLE ARE FREE OF VIRUSES OR OTHER HARMFUL COMPONENTS. GOLDEN CORRAL DOES NOT WARRANT OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS REGARDING THE USE OF OR THE RESULT OF THE USE OF ANY FUNCTIONS, FEATURES OR MATERIAL IN THIS SITE IN TERMS OF THEIR CORRECTNESS, ACCURACY, RELIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE, AND YOU (AND NOT GOLDEN CORRAL) ASSUME THE ENTIRE COST OF ALL NECESSARY SERVICING, REPAIR OR CORRECTION.

PRIVACY

Please see our Privacy Policy posted on the Site.

To the extent that any other websites accessible through this Site have different privacy practices, terms or conditions, those practices, terms or conditions will be explained at that web site and will apply to that website, in lieu of these Terms and Conditions.

INDEMNIFICATION

You agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Golden Corral, its officers, directors, employees and agents from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, expenses, fees (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and court costs) resulting or arising from any third-party claim in connection with (a) any Submissions or other information you submit or transmit through the Site, (b) your violation of these Terms and Conditions, (c) your violation of the terms and conditions of any Supplier’s website or services; (d) your violation of any rights of any third party, or (e) any viruses, trojan horses, worms, time bombs, cancelbots, spyware, or other similar harmful or deleterious programming routines input by you into the Site.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

Neither Golden Corral nor any of its officers, directors, employees, agents or representatives will be liable for any damages or injury caused by, including but not limited to, any failure of performance, error, omission, interruption, defect, delay in operation of transmission, computer virus, or line failure, nor will such individuals or entities be liable for any damages or injury, including but not limited to, special or consequential damages that result from the use of, or the inability to use, this Site or any materials on this Site, even if there is negligence by Golden Corral, its Suppliers, agents or contractors, and even if an authorized Golden Corral representative has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Golden Corral Corporation is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce. To be considered for a posted job opportunity, you must apply online at the Careers section of this Site. For your information, Golden Corral franchisees each hire their own employees and establish their own terms and conditions of employment, which may differ from those of Golden Corral Corporation.

LINKING

This Site may be linked to other web sites which are not maintained by Golden Corral. Golden Corral is not responsible for the contents of those other web sites. The inclusion of any link to such web sites does not imply endorsement by Golden Corral of those web sites or any companies, products or services described on such web sites.

GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION

These Terms and Conditions and your access to and use of this Site are governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina, without regard to conflicts of laws principles. Any legal action or proceeding relating to these Terms and Conditions or your access to or use of this Site shall be instituted only in the federal and state courts in the State of North Carolina in Wake County. By accessing or using this Site, you consent to submit to the jurisdiction of, and agree that venue is proper in, these courts in any such legal action or proceeding.

MISCELLANEOUS

If any part of these Terms and Conditions is unlawful, void, or unenforceable, that part will be deemed severable and will not affect the validity and enforceability of any remaining provisions. Possible evidence of use of this Site for illegal purposes will be provided to law enforcement authorities.  No waiver of any term of these Terms and Conditions shall be deemed a further or continuing waiver of such term or any other term, and a party’s failure to assert any right or provision under these Terms and Conditions shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision.  These Terms and Conditions, together with the Privacy Policy and any other legal notices published by Golden Corral on this Site, are the entire agreement between the parties relating to the use of this Site.   Golden Corral reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions at any time, without notice, as described herein.

Updated April 2019

 

Golden Corral® App Terms and Conditions

 This Golden Corral App (the “App”) is offered by Golden Corral Corporation (“Golden Corral”, “we”, or “us”) for its own benefit and for that of independently owned and operated franchisees of Golden Corral Franchising Systems, Inc., a subsidiary of Golden Corral (“franchisees”).  These Terms and Conditions (“Terms and Conditions”) apply only to this App and the Rewards Program (as defined below) offered herein, and not to any other website, mobile app, product, service, or program offered by us.  These Terms of Use are a legal and binding agreement between you and Golden Corral governing your use of this App, which includes its content, information, services, and features.

 Please read these Terms and Conditions, which apply to your use of this App and enrollment and participation in our Rewards Program.  If you do not agree to these terms, then do not use this App or participate in the Regards Program.

Modifications

 We may modify these Terms and Conditions from time to time. When we do, we will notify you by email or otherwise as required under applicable law.  It is therefore very important that you update your account information or notify us when your email address changes. Any changes to this Terms and Conditions will also be posted here.  Your continued use of the App or participation in the Rewards Program after any modification confirms your acceptance to the modifications.

Additionally, Golden Corral may at any time, for any reason, and without notice or liability: (1) modify, suspend, or terminate operation of or access to this App or any portion thereof; (2) change, revise, or modify this App or any portion thereof; (3) interrupt the operation of this App or any portion thereof for maintenance and support; (4) impose limits on certain features and services, or restrict access to the App; and/or (5) terminate the authorization, rights, and license given above.  Upon any termination, the rights and licenses granted to you herein shall terminate, and you must cease all use of the App.

Content & Use

This App and all content, information, and other materials featured, displayed, contained, and available on this App (collectively, the “Content“) are owned by or licensed to Golden Corral and are protected by copyright, trademark, trade dress, patent, and/or other intellectual property rights.  Subject to your compliance with these Terms and Conditions, Golden Corral grants you a personal, non-exclusive, non-transferable, limited right to access, use, display, and download this App for noncommercial purposes only.  You may not, in any way, otherwise copy, reproduce, distribute, transmit, display, perform, reproduce, publish, license, modify, create derivative works from, sell, or exploit, in whole or in part, this App or its Content.

You agree to use this App and the Content in accordance with these Terms and Conditions and all applicable laws and regulations.  Golden Corral may prohibit access, use, conduct, communications, or content that we, in our sole discretion, deem to be harmful to this App, the Content, users, us, our brand, or any other person or entity, or that violates these Terms and Conditions and/or applicable law.

 Rewards Program

 Golden Corral offers the Golden Corral Rewards Program (the “Rewards Program“) to reward and thank our loyal restaurant customers.  The Rewards Program is available to enrolled members at participating Golden Corral restaurants in the United States.  Rewards accumulated under the Rewards Program are promotional and have no cash value.  There are no membership fees associated with the Rewards Program. 

 Eligibility:  You may enroll in the Rewards Program if you: (1) are a legal resident of the United States (for clarification, including but not limited to, Puerto Rico); (2) at least 18 years of age at the time you enroll; (3) have an active, valid e-mail address; and (4) are a human being.  No corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, or other legal entities can participate in the Rewards Program.

The Rewards Program is not targeted towards, nor intended for use by, anyone under the age of 18. 

 Enrollment/Rewards Account:  You can enroll in the Rewards Program and create a Rewards Program account (“Rewards Account”) in one of the following ways:

Click here to create a Rewards Account;

Visit the Golden Corral website located at www.GoldenCorral.com/Rewards; or

Through your Facebook account using the App.

Your Rewards Account is personal to you and may not be sold, transferred or assigned to, or shared with family, friends or others.  You may have only one (1) Rewards Account. 

As a part of the Rewards Program, Golden Corral will send you transactional, informational, and promotional messages and/or offers.  These communications may happen in the form of push notifications through the App, email, and/or any other ways you may have selected when you enrolled in the Rewards Program.  If your contact information changes, or if you wish to change your contact information or the method by which we send you messages, please log into your Rewards Account and update your contact information or preferences.

Rewards:  You will earn and receive Points (as defined below) toward Rewards (as defined below) as follows: 

Qualifying Purchases:  Subject to the these Terms and Conditions, and except as otherwise described below, you will earn and receive Points toward Rewards by making purchases of our food and non-alcoholic beverages either online and/or at participating Golden Corral restaurants (both Golden Corral company-operated restaurants and franchisee-operated restaurants) (“qualifying purchases”) and, thereafter, by your completing the Purchase Registration (defined below)  within 72 hours of your qualified purchase. You will not earn Points from a qualified purchase if you fail complete the Purchase Registration for the qualified purchase within such 72-hour period.  You will earn one Point per $1 of a qualified purchase. Change of $0.51 and higher from your qualified purchase will be rounded up to the nearest whole dollar when determining Points earned per qualified purchase, however, change of $0.50 or less from your qualified purchase as reflected on your receipt will not earn any Point (and nor will you earn any fraction or percentage of a Point in connection with any such $0.50 or less change amount). You will not earn Points towards an earned Reward for the purchase of a Golden Corral® gift card (whether purchased online, in a restaurant location or from a third-party retailer) (a “Gift Card”). To clarify, any purchase of a Gift Card is not a qualified purchase for purposes of the Rewards Program, but you will earn Points when redeeming a Gift Card as a form of payment towards a qualified purchase. Please note that single-use promotional bonus cards are not Gift Cards, and you will not earn Points when redeeming these cards (that is, any purchase from the use of a single-use promotional bonus card is not a qualified purchase for purposes of the Rewards Program. Points cannot be redeemed for or applied toward the purchase of any alcoholic beverage or Gift Cards. Points are earned on qualified purchases after all discounts have been applied (such as, by way of example and not limitation, senior discounts) and before taxes and gratuities. For clarification, a qualified purchase under the Rewards Program does not include any charges or amounts paid for any alcoholic beverage, sales taxes and server tips/gratuities.

Purchase Registration:  To receive Points for a qualified purchase, use a QR code scanner at the register to scan your Rewards ID in the App, or, within 72 hours of such purchase, either scan the bar code on the receipt from your purchase with the built in scanner in the App or enter the code on your receipt into the App (a “Purchase Registration”),. Receipts are verified through the point of sale system. If the verification is unsuccessful, you will receive an error message and/or notification. If this verification is successful, the Points to which you are entitled will be applied to your Rewards Account. You can track the Points and Rewards you have already earned and that you may earn in the future by logging into your Rewards Account History.

Social Media Sharing & Referral Bonuses:  You can also receive extra Points for every Facebook friend you refer who joins our Rewards Program and starts earning Points. Your extra Points will not be awarded until the referred member enrolls in the Rewards Program using your invite code and earns their first Point.  

You can also share your Golden Corral® experience on your personal Facebook page through the App. You have the option to make your comment public, but please note that by making your comment public, you are deemed to provided us with consent to use your comment on the Golden Corral website, Facebook page, and/or other social media outlets freely and without any payment to you.

Rewards:  By accumulating 100 Points in your Rewards Account, you will earn $10 off your next purchase (a “Reward“), which you may redeem at participating Golden Corral® restaurants (both Golden Corral company-operated restaurants and franchisee-operated restaurants). Once you earn a Reward, you may start accumulating Points towards another Reward. You may bank Rewards (“Banked Rewards”) to redeem multiple Banked Rewards at a later date. Banked Rewards are not required to be redeemed at one time, and can be redeemed in any amount from $1 to $100. Any Banked Rewards not redeemed will remain Banked in your Rewards Account. A Reward may only be combined with Banked Rewards and may not be combined with any other offer or coupon. Rewards may not be redeemed for the purchase of any alcoholic beverage or Gift Cards. Points and Rewards are valid for only 365 days from the most recent activity on your Rewards Account (“activity” means either you have completed a Purchase Registration pertaining to a qualified purchase to add Points to your Rewards Account or you have redeemed a Reward from your Rewards Account). For clarification, if there is no activity on your Rewards Account for more than 365 consecutive days, all Points and/or Rewards in your Rewards Account will at such time expire.  In addition, if you request in writing (electronic or otherwise) that we delete your Personal Information (as defined in our Privacy Policy) which we use to contact or identify you, then all of your Points and Rewards, if any, under your Rewards Account will immediately expire, and you will not be able to redeem any Points or Rewards upon our deletion of your Personal Information.

Additional Points and Rewards: Additional opportunities to earn Points or Rewards through participation in member surveys, feedback or participating in certain games offered by Golden Corral may become available nationally or locally.

Additional Rewards Program Terms:  Golden Corral reserves the right to terminate your Rewards Account and/or your participation in the Rewards Program if we determine in our sole discretion that you have violated these Terms and Conditions, you have more than one (1) Rewards Account, or that the use of your Rewards Account is unauthorized, deceptive, fraudulent or otherwise unlawful. Golden Corral may, in its sole discretion, suspend, cancel, or combine Rewards Accounts that appear to be duplicative, and may refuse to allow you to re-enroll in the Rewards Program.  Golden Corral also reserves the right to “unregister” and make ineligible for the Rewards Program any Rewards Account (and thereby all Points and/or Rewards thereunder are deemed expired) that has been inactive for 24 months. A Rewards Account is “inactive” if for a 24 month period no Points have been earned or no Points and/or Rewards in such account have been redeemed.   

Golden Corral has the right at any time, with or without giving you prior notice, to:

  • End, cancel  or suspend the Rewards Program and/or any specific Reward;
  • Change, limit and/or expand any Reward or other Rewards Program benefit we offer;
  • Change. limit and/or expand the requirements for earning a particular Reward;
  • Change, limit and/or expand the time you have in which to earn a particular Reward; and/or
  • Change, limit or expand any other feature of the Rewards Program.

If we end or cancel the Rewards Program, Rewards you have earned but not used will expire on such end/cancellation date, and you may not redeem any Rewards or use any credits after the end/cancellation date.

Login and Registration

Certain features or services offered on or through this App may require you to complete a registration process and/or setup an account or login.  In connection therewith, you agree to (1) provide true, accurate, current, and complete information about yourself, and (2) maintain and promptly update your information to keep it true, accurate, current, and complete.  You are entirely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of the information you hold for your login, including your password.  You agree to notify Golden Corral immediately of any unauthorized use of your login, or any other breach of security. You may be held liable for losses incurred by Golden Corral, franchisees or any other App user or visitor due to someone else using your login as a result of your failing to keep your login information secure and confidential.

 You may not use anyone else’s account or login information.  Golden Corral shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your failure to comply with these obligations.

 No Warranties

 THIS APP, THE CONTENT, AND THE REWARDS PROGRAMS ARE  PROVIDED  ON AN “AS IS”, AND “AS AVAILABLE” BASIS, AND  GOLDEN CORRAL HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF TITLE, NON-INFRINGEMENT, ACCURACY, MERCHANTABILITY, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, GOLDEN CORRAL DOES NOT GUARANTEE THAT THE APP OR CONTENT WILL BE ERROR-FREE, UNINTERRUPTED, OR FREE OF VIRUSES OR OTHER HARMFUL COMPONENTS, OR THAT ANY DEFECTS WILL BE CORRECTED.

 Limitations of Liability

IN NO EVENT SHALL GOLDEN CORRAL AND/OR THE FRANCHISEES BE LIABLE TO YOU OR TO ANY THIRD PARTY FOR ANY DAMAGES (DIRECT OR INDIRECT) WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS APP (INCLUDING ITS MODIFICATION OR TERMINATION), THE CONTENT, THE REWARDS PROGRAM, OR THESE TERMS OF USE, WHETHER OR NOT GOLDEN CORRAL MAY HAVE BEEN ADVISED THAT ANY SUCH DAMAGES MIGHT OR COULD OCCUR AND NOTWITHSTANDING THE FAILURE OF ESSENTIAL PURPOSE OF ANY REMEDY.  BECAUSE SOME STATES DO NOT PERMIT THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF CERTAIN DAMAGES, IN SUCH JURISDICTIONS, LIABILITY IS LIMITED TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY SUCH STATE LAW.

Electronic Communications

 When you visit this App or send e-mails to us, you are communicating with us electronically. You consent to receive communications from us electronically. We will communicate with you by e-mail or by posting notices on this App. You agree that all agreements, notices, disclosures, and other communications that we provide to you electronically satisfy any legal requirement that such communications be in writing.  You further agree that any notices provided by us electronically are deemed to be given and received on the date we transmit any such electronic communication as described in these Terms and Conditions.

International Users

This App is controlled, operated, and administered by Golden Corral from offices within the United States of America. We make no representation regarding use of this App outside of the United States.  You may not use this App or export any portion of it in violation of U.S. export laws and regulations.  If you access this App from locations outside of the United States of America, you are responsible for compliance with all local laws.

 Governing Law/Venue

This App is governed by and subject to the laws of the State of North Carolina, USA and, where applicable, U.S. federal law, without regard to conflict of law principles. You agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the courts located in North Carolina for any disputes arising out of these Terms and Conditions, the App, and/or the Rewards Program. Notwithstanding this provision, you agree that Golden Corral may apply for injunctive or other equitable relief in any court of competent jurisdiction.

 Privacy

Please review our Privacy Policy located at www.goldencorral.com/privacy/ (as updated from time to time, the “Privacy Policy”), which is incorporated herein and also governs your use of this App to understand Golden Corral’s privacy practices.

General Provisions

All or any of Golden Corral’s rights and obligations hereunder may be assigned to a subsequent owner or operator of this App in a merger, acquisition or sale of all or substantially all of Golden Corral’s assets.  If, for any reason, a court of competent jurisdiction finally determines any provision of these Terms and Conditions or any portion thereof to be unenforceable, such provision will be enforced to the maximum extent permissible so as to give the intended effect thereof, and the remainder of these Terms and Conditions will continue in full force and effect.  Golden Corral’s failure to act with respect to a breach by you or others does not waive Golden Corral’s right to act with respect to that breach or subsequent or similar breaches.  

 Questions

 If you have any questions regarding the App, the Rewards Program, and/or these Terms and Conditions, you can contact us at: marketing_support@goldencorral.net

 Last Updated

 Golden Corral App Terms and Conditions last updated on April 19, 2021.

LANCE TRENARY

PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Lance Trenary began his restaurant career in his father’s restaurant at a young age, where he learned the value of guests and the people who serve them. Lance joined Golden Corral in 1986 as Partner Manager. After deciding to pursue a multiunit career with Golden Corral, he quickly rose through the system, holding leadership roles of increasing responsibility. He was named President and Chief Executive Officer in January 2015, leading America’s largest buffet and grill concept and becoming only the third person to hold this position in the brand’s 49-year history. This year marks Lance’s 36th year with Golden Corral.

Lance’s industry leadership includes his current role as Chair of the Board of Directors for the National Restaurant Association, as well as serving as a Trustee for the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. Lance also serves on the Executive Committee of the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association and is a former Chair (2016). He has chaired the Restaurant Industry Executive Council and served as a WFF CEO Advisory Council member.

Lance was the 2022 recipient of the highest honor in the restaurant industry, the IFMA Gold and Silver Plate Awards. In 2019, Lance was named the Restaurateur of the Year by NCRLA and was a past recipient of the Griff and June Glover Award for Distinguished Service. In addition, Lance was the recipient of the 2019 Chairman’s Award for the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation and was the National Restaurant Association’s 2020 Chairman’s Award recipient for outstanding leadership and contributions to the industry. He has also been named to the Society of Fellows of the Culinary Institute of America.

Committed to giving back, Lance served as a founding board member for Camp Corral, a summer camp for children of wounded or fallen military service members, and chaired the board in 2019. Lance also serves on the Founder’s Circle Advisory Board for Project Healing Waters, which is dedicated to physically and emotionally rehabilitating wounded or disabled military service personnel. He was honored by that organization with the Patriot Award for a lifelong commitment to our military veterans. In addition, he is a passionate supporter of ProStart for the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. He contributes time and resources to help young people explore career opportunities in the industry he loves. He makes supporting the development of the future leaders of the restaurant industry a personal priority.

Lance and his wife of 37 years, Paulette, have two adult daughters, Elizabeth and Ally-Catherine.

JIM LAVERTY

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Jim has been part of the Golden Corral family for over 41 years. In 2014, Jim was appointed Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration of Golden Corral and GC Cares. In his current role as the Chief Financial Officer of Golden Corral Corporation, Jim directs the Accounting and IT Departments and is responsible for the protection of the financial assets of the company, coordination of the company’s budget, financial forecasting for the strategic plan and maintaining the company’s records.

Jim graduated with a B.S. in Accounting from Penn State University in 1979.

He is an avid golfer and sports enthusiasts as well as an active member of his church family. Making their home in Cary, NC, Jim and his wife enjoy spending time with their children and their spouses as well as their grandchildren.

SHELLEY WOLFORD

CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER

Shelley Wolford has worked in the hospitality industry for over 25 years.  She joined the extended leadership team at Golden Corral Corporation ten years ago, first as Vice President of National Marketing for six years, before moving into a senior leadership role as Senior Vice President of Strategy & Communications.  This year, Shelley’s role expanded to Chief People Officer, which includes leadership responsibility for Human Resources, while retaining her strategy and communications responsibilities. 

Shelley also dedicates time to advancing meaningful industry causes through her roles as Foundation Board Vice Chair for the North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association, Advisory Board member for the Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance, and Advisory Council member for the Global Foodservice Hospitality Exchange.  In addition, she was recently appointed to the North Carolina Education and Workforce Innovation Commission to join educators and community leaders to ensure that the state has an effective and efficient workforce development system that meets the current and future needs of workers and businesses.

Shelley received her B.S. in Hotel and Food Administration from Boston University and an MBA from Georgetown University.  She lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, with her husband Denny and their dog Nutmeg.

PAUL “SKIP” HANKE

CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER

Skip Hanke joined Golden Corral Corporation as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) in 2021. Skip is responsible for Golden Corral’s National Marketing, Advertising, and Media Plan, as well as its Local Store Marketing and Off-Premise Business.  As CMO, Skip is also responsible for Food & Beverage / Culinary Innovation, Guest Insights, and Purchasing.

As a 4th Generation U.S.Navy Veteran, Skip achieved the rank of Lieutenant as a United States Naval Officer.

Skip holds both a BA in Economics with distinction from Duke University (cum laude) and a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) with distinction from Northwestern University’s J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management.  An avid golfer and sports fan, he lives in Cary, North Carolina.

DAVID CONKLIN

CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

David Conklin has worked in the hospitality industry for over 22 years.  He joined the Golden Corral Senior Leadership Team 8 years ago, first as the Senior Vice President of Development before being promoted to Chief Development Officer.  David leads our efforts for Company Growth and Brand Expansion, Innovation and Remodels.  He is responsible for Franchise Development, Real Estate, Construction and Coastal Equipment – Golden Corral’s equipment company.   He also dedicates time to the expansion of the hospitality industry and increasing visibility of the industry as a career path by supporting the East Carolina University School of Hospitality Leadership as an Advisory Board Member.

David received his both his B.A. in Legal Studies, and J.D. from the State University of New York at Buffalo.   He lives in the Raleigh, North Carolina area with his family.

CHAPPELL PHILLIPS

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT / GENERAL COUNSEL & SECRETARY

Chappell Phillips is the Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary of Golden Corral Corporation, leading the company’s Legal Department and overseeing all legal aspects of key strategic activities. He has been a member of the Senior Leadership Team since 2017, first as Senior Vice President before being promoted to Executive Vice President in 2021. He has also served as an officer of GC Cares since its inception in 2017. Prior to joining Golden Corral in 2013 as Assistant General Counsel, Chappell spent 18 years practicing in-house at various companies, including 11 years with Kimball International, a global manufacturer based in Indiana.

Chappell enjoys actively advocating for the interests of the restaurant industry as a member of the Board of Directors of the Restaurant Law Center, serving as Chairman from 2020 through 2022.

A native Tar Heel, Chappell received a BA in Latin American Studies and JD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Chappell is licensed to practice law in North Carolina. He and his wife Elaine live in Hillsborough, NC and have seven children and a dog Luna. Outside of work he enjoys time with family and church friends, playing pickleball, tennis, and basketball, and attending UNC basketball games.