ONTARIO – The new owner of a Mansfield-area restaurant is hoping to “corral” more customers after finally re-opening the establishment in March.
Renee Sears, who is general manager and owner of the Golden Corral, 575 N. Lexington-Springmill Road, said the restaurant was forced to close last year due in part to COVID-19 but celebrated a grand re-opening and ribbon-cutting on March 25.
“We put our heart and soul into it, and it almost broke me to get it back up,” said Sears, who officially took over the franchise from her husband, John Sears, about two months ago.
“I’ve pushed myself a lot, but it’s what I love to do. You do what you have to do.”
The family-style restaurant, known for its endless lunch and dinner buffets, has been busy since re-opening, Sears said. Beginning this week, she said, online ordering and Door Dash delivery service will also be available for customers who opt not to dine in.
The Golden Corral – dubbed America’s No. 1 buffet and grill – is gearing up for Customer Appreciation Week May 10-17. Every paying adult, Sears said, will be entitled to a free children’s meal for those age 12 and under during the weeklong promotion. No coupon will be needed.
Sears said the popular “senior” specials for older adults are still being offered from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. In addition, the Golden Corral features a variety of homestyle meals on its catering menu, which are perfect for weddings, funerals, and special occasions, she said.
Sears is no stranger to the Golden Corral or the restaurant business. She has worked for the Ryan’s Restaurant Group throughout Ohio since 1998, starting as a server and working her way up in 2016 to general manager for Ryan’s Steakhouse in Marion.
She transferred to the chain’s Wooster location when Ryan’s in Marion closed, then moved to Ryan’s in Sandusky, which she said was eventually bought out by Golden Corral. She managed a Golden Corral in Grove City, Ohio, and relocated to Ontario in 2017.
Sears said that although the restaurant suffered huge losses in revenue due to last year’s shut-down, government stimulus money and a loan were lifesavers in keeping it afloat.
Now she’s “good as gold” – pushing ahead and working hard to build the business back.
“You gotta love it to do it, and I’m definitely a people person, so I’m constantly out there on the floor,” she said. “I love the community. This is my passion. This is what I do. I can’t see myself doing anything but this.”
“I have great plans.
I’m hoping to be here for a long time.”