Golden Corral said it has closed all 35 company-operated restaurants and furloughed 2,290 employees because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The franchisor said that “some” of the buffet chain’s 454 franchised stores remain in operation, offering takeout and delivery. Employees were informed of the move in a “virtual” town hall-style meeting with corporate officers. “It is truly an emotional and challenging time for our country,” Golden Corral CEO Lance Trenary said during the meeting. “The realities of the current situation have forced us to make difficult decisions.” Golden Corral said that it will provide food for the furloughed employees to feed their families and will assist them in seeking unemployment benefits. The buffet chain had been heavily advertising its takeout service via network TV. Restaurant Business.