Golden Corral updates restaurant, menu

Posted: June 1, 2009

By Peter Adelsen

The Kokomo Golden Corral celebrated its 8th birthday on March 1, and even though the eatery aged, it looks younger.

The restaurant off of U.S. 31 near Center Road underwent a complete remodel, general manager Rick Riddle said. The inside has new wallpaper, chairs, tables and bathrooms. Besides the new furniture, new food will be introduced, and the hot bar will be improved. There will be sections of Mexican, Italian, and American favorites, and a pagoda featuring Chinese food.

Golden Corral began the remodeling shortly after its birthday, and it took a five- to six-week process. Riddle said they worked on the remodeling from closing time to 8 a.m.

Riddle said back in January he was worried that the restaurant would not be remodeled because of the economic recession. Then he received a phone call from corporate. He was relieved when they gave him the good news.

"We want to enhance the restaurant and make it better and be here now and forever," he said. "We are committed to stay in Kokomo."

Riddle said there will be no change in the food quality after the remodeling is finished.

The restaurant has also been active in the community. The Monday prior to Veterans' Day is Military Appreciation Monday. A free dinner is offered to any person who has ever served or is serving in the United States military. The Kokomo location is in the top five every year in free meals given to military since it began the program seven years ago, he said. Every Golden Corral participates on this day.

Also every April through May, the restaurant has a fundraiser for Riley Hospital for Children, Riddle said. The store sells paper balloons, has a bake sale, and offers car washes to benefit Riley, he said. The location came in fourth place in the nation, and first in Indiana, when it donated $8,500 last year to Riley after he set the goal to $8,000, he said. The goal this year is to donate $10,000.

For the past couple of years Riddle has even sat on the roof of the restaurant for a day to help with the Riley fundraiser. Riddle also shaves his head when the fundraising goal has been met.

"There is nothing to sacrifice when it comes to my hair," he said. "The kids down there are far worse off than I could ever be."

Link: http://kokomoperspective.com/lifestyles/article_ae7352c7-fb2a-52d4-a171-447bf3e7f707.html