Homeward Kitchen will close Monday night as it begins transitioning to a new concept from its Raleigh-based owner, Golden Corral.
Golden Corral is launching a new fast-casual concept, Golden Corral Favorites, which will offer a selection of the brand’s signature dishes in a streamlined, quick-service format, delivering the same food people love with added convenience.
“Golden Corral has always been about delivering an unmatched variety of high-quality food at an incredible value, and through the rebranding of this concept, we’re staying laser-focused on what we do best,” CEO Lance Trenary said in a press release. “We’ve learned just how much our guests love the Golden Corral brand and want the wholesome food that we serve, so we’re bringing those favorites to a fast-casual setting. This new concept leverages the brand equity in the Golden Corral name and blends the best of both worlds — offering our signature comfort foods they crave with the convenience today’s consumers expect.”
The first-ever Golden Corral Favorites location will provide both dine-in and enhanced digital ordering options, including drive-thru and pickup, allowing guests to enjoy some of the same dishes offered at a full-scale Golden Corral restaurant.
According to the press release, employees at Homeward Kitchen will maintain their position, and be paid for the closure time. “Golden Corral also remains committed to the loyal restaurant team in Southern Pines, the majority of whom have worked at the restaurant since it first opened. With the objective of retaining the entire crew, Golden Corral will fairly compensate all team members and take advantage of downtime for additional training. All employees were notified in early January that they will be paid a temporary closure payment. A return-to-work incentive was also offered to those who return for the opening of Golden Corral Favorites.”
Golden Corral Favorites is expected to open in April on Highway 15-501 near Murray Hill Road.
