A checkoff-funded foodservice promotional partnership is now underway at Golden Corral Buffet and Grill, a 480-plus – unit U.S. restaurant chain that last year sold more than 50 million pounds of beef — its biggest beef year ever. Based on the first 30 days of this promotion, the chain expects to increase its purchase of top sirloin by 3. 8 million pounds through the end of 2006, according to Dick Chase, Golden Corral’s vice president of purchasing and distribution.

The chain is now featuring Applewood Bacon Sirloin Filet as the daily dinner centerpiece for its family-style buffet and grill concept, which includes an “endless” selection of entrees, sides and desserts for a single price. The promotion offers huge exposure for beef, as the Golden Corral chain serves some 200 million meals a year and has consistently been named the top U.S. buffet and grill franchisor by Entrepreneur Magazine, according to Laurie Bryant, chairman of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board Foodservice Committee.

“The chain’s national presence will allow for a lot of promotional tie-in at the state and local levels — and it runs for six months, so that really extends its reach and value,” he explained.

Source: Cattlemens Beef Board