Golden Corral’s Dave Gronewoller Honored as a Franchisee of the Year by the International Franchise Association

Award and recognition

March 10, 2025 // Franchising.com // RALEIGH, N.C. – Golden Corral announced today that long-time, multi-unit business owner Dave Gronewoller has been awarded Franchisee of the Year by the International Franchise Association (IFA). Nominated by their franchisor, individuals are selected for their service to their communities, fostering a strong and vibrant workforce, opening the doors for career growth and entrepreneurship, and supporting their fellow franchisees.

Gronewoller was honored at the 65th annual IFA Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, for his exceptional work as a leader and mentor within the Golden Corral franchise system. Throughout his 31-year career, he has grown to 14 locations. Dave recently stepped down from his leadership role on the brand’s Franchise Advisory Council, making him the longest-serving Chair in Golden Corral's history.

While collaborating with the brand on innovations, he has been a driving force behind Golden Corral’s reimagined concepts, investing his own resources to open the first Golden Corral Gateway prototype. Leading by example, Gronewoller has earned the respect of his fellow franchisees through his commitment to the continued success of the Golden Corral brand.

“It is a privilege to be recognized by the IFA,” said Gronewoller. “Golden Corral has been a cornerstone of my career, and I’m grateful for the support of our team and fellow franchisees who share a commitment to value in family dining. My sons and I look forward to continuing to champion this brand and push us towards future success.”

Community involvement

Beyond his business success, Gronewoller is deeply committed to his community, supporting initiatives like Meals on Wheels, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and Camp Corral. His leadership, innovation, and dedication to his employees and fellow franchisees make him a deserving recipient of the IFA Franchisee of the Year award.

“Franchisees of the Year represent the very best of franchising,” said Matt Haller, President and CEO of the International Franchise Association. “They embody the American Dream, create economic opportunity, serve their communities, and show what it means to go into business for yourself, but not by yourself. We are proud to recognize Dave Gronewoller with the highest honor IFA awards to individual franchisees, and we salute his tireless efforts to lift up all those he serves.”

Golden Corral strives to make pleasurable dining affordable for all families. Golden Corral restaurants are 99% locally owned and operated by independent franchisees. While its commitment begins each day with preparing delicious food, Golden Corral also believes in providing outstanding hospitality and giving back.

Service to others is a hallmark of the Golden Corral brand. In 2023, Golden Corral was recognized as one of the nation’s top 50 “Most Loved Brands” by Yelp. They were also recognized for valuing their customers and providing excellent customer service by Newsweek, “America’s Best Customer Service 2024.”

In addition, Golden Corral has received multiple workplace awards in recognition of their deep-rooted culture. Golden Corral restaurants nationwide have long been strong supporters of the U.S.

Military and DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and have more recently partnered with Project Healing Waters, an organization that helps active military service personnel and Veterans in need through a dedicated, developed curriculum of fly fishing, fly casting, fly tying, and fly rod building. Golden Corral is also the founding sponsor of Camp Corral, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, nonprofit corporation, which provides free, one-of-a-kind summer camp experiences for children of wounded, injured, ill or fallen service members. For more information, visit goldencorral.

Celebrating over 60 years of excellence, education, and advocacy, the International Franchise Association (IFA) is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations, and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising and the approximately 830,000 franchise establishments that support nearly 8.8 million direct jobs, $896.

IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees, and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology, and business development.

Golden Corral is the largest National Buffet chain, offering delicious comfort food classics allowing guests to create their own unique and perfect plate.