The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Golden Corral plans reopening
New owners also own, operate Mansfield restaurant
An old family-favorite restaurant is returning to Lorain County.
Golden Corral, located at 1519 W. River Road North in Elyria, is planning to reopen its doors under new management.
New owners Renee and John Sears also own and operate a Golden Corral in Mansfield.
“I’m very excited,” Renee Sears said. “My husband is very much the bookkeeping guru, and I’m the people person. We fit together as a perfect team.”
The official re-opening date has not been set due to ongoing repairs and required inspections, she said. “It’s been nonstop for five weeks trying to get it together. We’re basically starting over.”
Sears said the location is near to her heart as she trained there when she first began her career with Golden Corral.
“I know a lot of the employees that we’re bringing back,” she said. “It’s extremely great to bring back former workers that are already trained and know what to do.”
Prior to joining the Golden Corral franchise, Sears worked at another restaurant for 19 years.
General Manager Kris Kolk was with the franchise before its closing in October 2020.
“There’s a lot of workers who we were able to bring back,” Sears said. “Our GM Kris is actually my former area director. We’re partners; he’s the most integral manager I ever met, and I know what he is capable of.”
Sears said she believes being a working owner is more rewarding.
“I love it because I know what’s truly going on,” she said. “As a working owner, I know what needs to be done and have a personal relationship with my staff.”
She said she’s excited to positively impact the community.
“We’re bringing back jobs and revenue back to the area,” Sears said. “I think it’s a good thing for the entire community.”
Golden Corral plans to hold a soft launch to get new employees acclimated before the grand reopening, she said.