America’s leading buffet celebrates U.S. service members and veterans with free meals and fundraising for Disabled American Veterans
Raleigh, NC (RestaurantNews.com) Golden Corral invites all active-duty military, retirees, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans to enjoy a complimentary dinner buffet and beverage on Tuesday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day, from 4 p.m. until close for its 25th Annual Military Appreciation Night.
In addition to offering free meals to our nation’s heroes, Golden Corral is continuing its partnership with Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Local DAV chapters will be stationed at restaurants beginning Monday, Oct. 27, where guests can contribute through direct donations or by rounding up at the register. All proceeds will go toward providing essential services to disabled veterans and their families in the local communities served by DAV chapters across the country.
“Military Appreciation Night is always a highlight of our year,” said Lance Trenary, CEO of Golden Corral. “Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, this tradition has given team members and our guests the chance to connect with those who have served, hear their stories, and come together in gratitude and respect. Watching people from every background unite in support of our military heroes is profoundly moving and serves as a powerful reminder of why this tradition matters so much.”
In 2024, Golden Corral served more than 185,000 complimentary “Thank You” meals and raised more than $1 million for local DAV chapters on Military Appreciation Night. Since the inception of Military Appreciation Night in 2001, the brand has provided nearly 6.7 million free meals and raised over $20 million for active-duty military personnel and veterans nationwide.
The Military Appreciation Night offer is available at all Golden Corral locations for dine-in only and does not extend to spouses, friends, or other family members. Military identification is not required to receive the complimentary meal.
Beyond the annual event, Golden Corral supports military families year-round through Camp Corral, a nonprofit that provides summer camp experiences for children of wounded, ill, and fallen service members at no cost. Since 2011, Golden Corral and DAV have helped raise over $19 million for Camp Corral, giving thousands of children the chance to enjoy life-changing camp experiences.
This year, Golden Corral also launched its inaugural fundraising partnership with Project Healing Waters, a nonprofit dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of veterans and active-duty military through therapeutic fly fishing activities. The effort exceeded its first-year goal of $175,000, with plans to expand fundraising and its impact in the years ahead.
Golden Corral’s legendary, endless buffet features an abundant variety of quality, scratch-made dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests can choose from over 150 items, including USDA grilled-to-order steaks, pork, seafood, and shrimp, alongside traditional favorites like pot roast, fried chicken, meatloaf, mac and cheese, fresh salads, and more. In addition to its long-time favorites, Golden Corral regularly introduces new recipes,