WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – Citing rising costs, a dining spot dishing out all-you-can-eat meals has ended operations in the Lehigh Valley.
A location of Golden Corral, offering an endless buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, has closed at 900 Lehigh Valley Mall Drive in Whitehall Township, according to signage posted on the door.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the permanent closure of our Golden Corral location in Whitehall, Pennsylvania,” the announcement reads.
“This was not an easy decision, nor was it one we ever imagined having to make. Unfortunately, the continued rise in food costs, labor expenses, utilities, and the overall cost of operating a restaurant has made it increasingly difficult for us to sustain our business. Despite our continued efforts to overcome these challenges, we have reached a point where remaining open is no longer financially possible.”
Golden Corral’s only Lehigh Valley location opened in 2013 at the site of a former Chi Chi’s restaurant at the Lehigh Valley Mall.
The company’s first family steakhouse opened in Fayetteville, North Carolina, in 1973.
According to a company description, the chain grew steadily during the next decade, starting with locations in Virginia and Texas before expanding outward.
“By the mid-1980s, guests had fallen in love with our wholesome food, family-friendly atmosphere and great value,” the online description continues.
“In order to enhance our core customers’ dining experience while attracting new customers, we reinvented ourselves by introducing our 11,000+ sq. feet “Buffet & Grill” design to bring our product quality and freshness to the forefront. For over 50 years, we have been the go-to place for families to enjoy signature dinner favorites like our tasty fried chicken, along with made-from-scratch bakery items like our homemade yeast rolls and decadent desserts.”
“For us, this restaurant has always been about so much more than serving food,” the posted message reads.
“It has been a place where families gathered, birthdays were celebrated, friendships were formed, and countless memories were made. To our loyal guests, thank you. Thank you for choosing to spend your time with us, for supporting us through the years, and for allowing us to be a small part of your lives. Your kindness, loyalty, and support have meant more than words can express.”
The announcement also thanked the restaurant’s “incredible members, past and present” for their “hard work, dedication, and sacrifices.”