The last 4 years has been quite a journey for buffet-style restaurants. Many predicted their demise as concerns over food safety took center stage.
BUT while not all buffet brands weathered the storm, Golden Corral restaurants emerged as a surprising success story, defying early pandemic trends and in its first 6 weeks in 2023, saw a 37% increase in same-store sales mostly coming from an increase in orders.
So, what’s the secret to its success?
Well, it boils down to two main ingredients: value and versatility.
Golden Corral continues to offer affordable dining options without sacrificing quality. They know their audience like the back of their hand and have stayed true to their reputation of providing a wide array of delicious dishes at wallet-friendly prices.
But while it’s common knowledge that Golden Corral offers a vast array of choices – 150 dishes, in fact! – we have to ask, how does it handle food allergies?
An Overview of Food Allergies
Food allergy is an immune system response after you eat a certain food or ingredient. Some people may experience food allergy with a tiny amount of the allergen. Others may even develop a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis.
Mayo Clinic estimates that many early bird seniors and 4% of adults have food allergies, while 8% of children under 5 also suffer from them. Most will outgrow their food allergies.
Symptoms of food allergy usually include:
- Skin itching or hives.
- Tingling in the mouth.
Swelling (tongue, lips, face and sometimes throat) - Nasal congestion
- Trouble breathing
- Belly pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lightheadedness
- Anaphylaxis
What are the Major Food Allergens?
When it comes to food allergies, certain ingredients are more likely to trigger a reaction than others. These are known as major food allergens, and they’re the focus of the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA). This important legislation helps ensure that consumers have clear information about the presence of these allergens in packaged foods.
So, what are these major food allergens? Let’s take a look:
Milk
Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are common sources of milk allergens.
Eggs
Eggs are another common allergen, with reactions ranging from mild to severe. This includes both the egg white and the yolk.
Fish
Some kinds of fish like salmon, tuna, and cod can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Shellfish
This category includes shellfish such as shrimp, crab, lobster, and crayfish. Even handling or inhaling steam from cooking shellfish can provoke allergic reactions in some people.
Tree Nuts
This type of nuts include almonds, walnuts, and cashews. Always read labels and avoid products that may contain traces of tree nuts – if you’re allergic to them.
Peanuts
Despite their name, peanuts are legumes, not nuts. They are also classified as a major food allergen due to the severity of allergic reactions they can cause.
Wheat
Wheat allergy is relatively common particularly in children. It can be found in many foods, and wheat-containing ingredients have many names, including: durum, pasta, wheat flour, cereal extract, farina, couscous, gluten, hydrolyzed wheat protein, semolina, malt, vital wheat gluten, wheat berries, wheat germ, wheat starch and others. Foods that may contain these ingredients include breads, cereals, crackers, candy, processed meat, beer, soy sauces, salad dressings and soups.
Soybeans
Soybeans and soy products are prevalent in many processed foods. Soy can be found in a wide range of products as well, including tofu, soy sauce, and meat substitutes.
Does Golden Corral Have Measures Against Food Allergies?
If you’re wondering whether or not Golden Corral takes steps to prevent the risk of allergies among its diners, YES, they do and also offer catering services.
One of the ways they do this is by publishing their menu items online and labeling them accordingly. Check out their nutritionals here where you will see tons of menu items, each with information regarding fat content, calories, weight, cholesterol, sodium, fiber, sugar, protein, serving size and allergen statement.
The allergen statement on this pdf file will tell you which major allergens (see info on this above) are contained in the dish.
Nevertheless, it’s important to be aware that Golden Corral’s allergen statement makes it clear that while they DO take precautions to prevent cross-contamination, they CANNOT guarantee a completely allergen-free environment.
They’ve stated on their website:
To Our Guests with Allergies,
Our buffet offerings change frequently and may use ingredients containing common food allergens such as peanuts and other tree nuts, seafood including shellfish, whey, wheat/gluten, eggs, dairy and soy. If you have any questions about ingredients, please ask to speak with a restaurant manager. However, because of the handcrafted nature of our menu items, the variety of procedures used in our kitchens and grills, our reliance on our suppliers, and the self-service nature of our buffets, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of ingredient information or the possibility that an ingredient might be transferred among food items and must disclaim any liability regarding the accuracy of such information.
What to Eat at Golden Corral If You Have Food Allergies?
Navigating a buffet-style restaurant like Golden Corral can be a challenge for someone with food allergies. But with careful consideration and awareness, you can still enjoy a delicious meal here. Here are my recommendations:
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Golden Corral offers various kinds of fresh fruits and vegetables on their buffet line. These options are usually safe choices for individuals with food allergies, as long as they are not prepared with any allergen-containing ingredients.
Grilled Meats
Look for grilled meat options, such as chicken or steak, that are prepared without marinades or sauces. These items are often cooked separately from other dishes and can be a safe choice for those with allergies.
Salad Bar
Golden Corral’s salad bar is usually stocked with a range of fresh greens, vegetables, and toppings. Steer clear of dressings or toppings that may contain allergens. Better yet, bring your own dressing!
Customizable Options
Some Golden Corral locations offer made-to-order stations where you can customize your meal. Communicate your dietary restrictions directly to the staff and request modifications as needed.
Allergen-Friendly Dishes
Golden Corral may have specific dishes or menu items that are labeled as allergen-friendly. These options are typically prepared in a way that minimizes the risk of cross-contamination.
As encouraged by the restaurant chain itself, you should not hesitate to communicate with their staff about your food allergies. They can provide advice or guidance on which menu items are safe for you to eat and may be able to accommodate special requests so that your meal is allergen-free.
What Customers Have to Say About Golden Corral’s Food Allergy Safety
To give you an idea of what Golden Corral’s own customers think of their food allergy measures, check this review we found online:
From Linzyes which was posted on TripAdvisor:
My step daughter was recently diagnosed with a milk allergy that has changed our whole perception of eating out. We ventured to this location on a family outing in hopes of finding something that she could eat. My hopes were rewarded! Upon arriving, I asked our waitress if she could tell us about the ingredients in certain dishes. She said she could do better. She went to the kitchen and came back directly with a list of menu items with EVERY ingredient involved for every dish. It was simply put, great. I worry all the time about my step daughter getting sick immediately after eating something unknowingly with dairy. My mind was put at ease for his particular meal. A HUGE thank you to Golden Corral for a worry free, delicious meal!
In a Nutshell
While Golden Corral takes significant steps to accommodate guests with dietary restrictions, personal vigilance is a must if you’re planning to try their endless buffet. Golden Corral’s commitment to transparency and communication regarding allergen information is commendable, yet it’s essential for those with food allergies to remain proactive in ensuring their safety.
Our best advice would be to leverage the resources provided by Golden Corral, such as allergen statements and menu labeling in order to have a safe and enjoyable dining experience.
Enjoy your buffet meal at Golden Corral!