Golden Corral Buffet & Grill — Restaurant in Gainesville

We are longtime customers of the Buford, GA location (since it originally opened) so there are many differences we noticed today - several of which left us feeling like we are better off driving to the Buford location instead of to the new Gainesville location. The process to get seating is ridiculous. Seating held up the line to pay for nearly 20 minutes - the line moved NOWHERE. We could look around and see plenty of empty tables but there we stood going nowhere. In Buford, you pay and go find where you want to sit, get your plate, and eat - takes 5 minutes or less usually on a Saturday afternoon. We've come by this location on several occasions but the line was out the door so we didn't go in. Today was our first visit and this is what we encountered and boy was it aggravating. The other items were things like over-fried chicken - it was overdone, overfried, and too hard to eat. There was no butter nor sour cream anywhere around the baked potato/sweet potato bar. The hushpuppies were overdone (but Buford has done the same lately). I love the rolls but the only rolls I saw during our entire visit were attached to my cheeseburger - not good. We spent a minute or so looking for the plates - this is a new location so perhaps the wait staff or staff at the cash register can point out where things are or maybe add signage to help customers learn this location.

On the plus side, the desserts were better than Buford, the mashed potatoes were better than Buford, the cheeseburgers were better than Buford (though a regular bun instead of the rolls would be nice). Our waitress, Angelice (or Angelica?) was nice and kept our drinks filled. The banana pudding was superior to Buford's.

UPDATE 11/14/20: The craziness surrounding the opening of this new location has subsided and things have improved immensely. Then COVID-19 struck a few months later and they had to close March 2020. They reopened Sept. 17, 2020 and it seems to be smooth sailing. So glad they are a part of our community. They are taking necessary steps to keep people safe - though, as in many places that are self-serve, kids are not being properly supervised by their PARENTS. I have seen the staff do everything they can to get parents to comply. The food is good, there are no lines, masks are expected to be worn by staff and patrons alike, gloves are provided for every trip, plates are brought to the table by the wait staff, and it's nice to go out...

We decided to visit this place when one of our friends mentioned that Golden Corral opened a new restaurant in Gainesville, GA. Our first impression of this new location is that the ambience offers you an open, airy and very clean feel with great lighting. We noticed that it has plenty of room for patrons to move around while getting their food as the go and come back from their tables in this all you can eat style restaurant. Also, the tables and booths are disigned to accommodate costumers that may require a little more room to sit; which we found very convenient and thoughtfull. The decoration is smooth and not at all distracting nor offensive. They built a large fireplace in the middle of the restaurant that gives the establisment a hospitable welcome to all guests. It is my belief that they offer a great selection of gourmet, delicious and well prepared meals that may fit any type of diet a person will choose to follow. Also, if you come with your children, we assure you that they will have a blast choosing from their enormous selection of sweet delectable desserts, including ice cream cones. Their fresh garden salad bar offers many choices of greens with a lot of different dressings and a variety of season fresh fruit. The food in all the bars never disappoints you. The service was also kind and friendly even though this is a buffet type restaurant where the guests serve themselves from the food bars. You may eat as little or as much as you desire for the same fixed price that you pay at front. Also, when you pay for the drinks in addition to the meals, the waitress will be sure to come to your table and refill your drinks as many times as you wish. This is a good place for families and also to relax because you choose what and how much you want to eat and drink. Like my mom used to say: "You just need to be cautious with everything in life. Too little of something is not good, but tooooo much of something is also not good! It's always good to find a balance.😉 you will be happy." We are giving you five stars, please keep...

First let me say I don't live near this one. Do not like the one where I live so really only went because I was visiting my mom. She said it was kinda new and has been really good. So yes I was surprised! First noticing how clean it is! The food was good but not hot enough. Per opinion(FDA H&S standards idk) for the fact I didn't get sick. I ate the prime rib, loaded potatoes and lots of vegetables. Topped off with any and all the desert I could eat. Amazing strawberries! All from buffet and it was very good and flavorful. I prefer straight horseradish with my prime rib. Turned to an employee(manager maybe idk)standing at side of buffet and asked for some and she happily got some for me. As with most buffets there isn't much the waiter/waitress has to do but don't recall having any problems. They were pleasant, friendly and did a great job with refills and such. Just a little slow with cleaning the table before we sat down. Not sure who's responsible for that. My only complaint/suggestion with that is when the table gets cleaned the seats should be apart of the process. With ALL that said I was glad we ate there, enjoyed it and will return if in the area. With all hopes for this Golden Coral team to keep up the good work and keep it clean. Always be open to change, accept and consider suggestions and improvements happily and with integrity. Act like you love your job. It makes dining a much more pleasurable experience and will make your pockets...