What was the average controllable expenses amount for Golden Corral restaurants?
Golden_Corral Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Costs and Expenses (Note | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2): | ||||
| Average Food Cost | $2,333,661 | 36.57% | $1,052,891 | 38.57% |
| Average Labor Related | ||||
| Expenses (Note 3) | $1,727,738 | 27.08% | $836,508 | 30.65% |
| Average Controllable | ||||
| Expenses (Note 4) | $681,051 | 10.67% | $375,077 | 13.74% |
| 2024 Total of Average | ||||
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Operating Costs and | ||||
| Expenses | $4,742,451 | 74.32% | $2,264,475 | 82.96% |
Source: Item 19 — FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPRESENTATIONS (FDD pages 64–74)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Golden Corral's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the average controllable expenses for franchised GC-11M restaurants was $681,051, while for GC-11S restaurants, it was $375,077 during the fiscal year 2024. These figures represent 10.67% and 13.74% of gross sales for GC-11M and GC-11S restaurants, respectively. It's important to note that these expenses include utilities, maintenance, and sanitation supplies, as reported by franchisees.
These controllable expenses are part of the overall operating costs, which also include food and labor-related expenses. However, they do not include capital expenses or fixed expenses like rent, debt service, advertising, administrative costs, taxes, licenses, or insurance. Additionally, the figures do not account for the 4% royalty on gross sales payable to Golden Corral, the cost of additional supervisory personnel, or expenses for transportation, room, and board for attending training refresher courses.
Prospective franchisees should understand that these are averages, and individual restaurant performance may vary due to factors such as location, demographics, economic conditions, and management team effectiveness. Golden Corral states that local market conditions and minimum wage requirements may affect labor-related expenses. Therefore, it is crucial for potential franchisees to conduct their own independent investigation and consult with financial advisors to determine the potential profitability of a Golden Corral franchise in their specific market.