Do You Have Fond Memories of Golden Corral on Alpine? Many Miss it!

It hasn't been that long that the popular Golden Corral, the popular family-style buffet on Alpine closed for good, but it is still missed by many. The Pandemic caused the initial closing, but as things eased up they reopened for a bit. Sadly, that didn't last long.

It had been in operation for over two decades opening its doors in 1998 and it quickly became a go-to spot for Grand Rapidians and tourists looking for a variety of all-you-can-eat food options, including steaks, seafood, and desserts.

Many have said that their warm memories of the Golden Corral were being able to bring their families there for a good meal and not break the bank, the huge buffet, which included a salad bar, hot food stations, a grill station, and a dessert station. There was even a kids' buffet and play area. What a great idea. Parents actually got to have dinner in relative peace and somewhat quiet.

One of the great things about the Golden Corral was its involvement in the local community.

Golden Corral often hosted fundraisers for charities and organizations in the area, so its closure has left a big hole for non-profits.

Sadly, time marches on, and in 2021 they did close for good, and the building has now been demolished to make way for a new fast-food restaurant, Chick-Fil-a, which is expected to open soon. Actually, its closure is part of a larger trend of buffet restaurants across the country that are struggling since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The demolition of the Golden Corral on Alpine Road marks the end of an era for Grand Rapids folks who frequented the restaurant because it was affordable, family-friendly, and had all that food!

If you really miss it that much, there is one Golden Corral open in Michigan in Saginaw on Bay Road. It's a hike for sure, but maybe it's worth it for you.