What are 'Items' as defined by Golden Corral?

According to Golden Corral's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, 'Items' encompass a broad range of goods, services, fixtures, furnishings, signs, supplies, and equipment necessary for operating a Golden Corral restaurant. Franchisees are generally required to purchase these 'Items' from suppliers approved by Golden Corral or that conform to Golden Corral's specifications. This requirement ensures brand consistency and quality control across all franchise locations.

This definition has significant implications for prospective franchisees. It means that franchisees do not have complete autonomy in selecting their suppliers. Instead, they must adhere to Golden Corral's approved vendor list or seek approval for alternative sources. This process includes demonstrating that the supplier meets Golden Corral's standards for quality, service, and pricing. While this may limit a franchisee's options, it also provides a level of assurance that the products and services they are using meet the brand's standards.

The FDD also specifies that Golden Corral does not provide material benefits to any franchisee based on their use of approved suppliers. This suggests that the approved supplier system is primarily for quality control and brand consistency rather than generating revenue for the franchisor through supplier kickbacks, which is a positive aspect for franchisees. However, franchisees should be aware that Golden Corral's parent company, GCC, is an approved supplier for certain items, and franchisees may be required to purchase these items from GCC's Coastal division, as evidenced by the Equipment Purchase and Sale Agreement.