Golden Corral to hold grand opening Friday

The long wait is over for hungry customers craving Golden Corral in the Town of Poughkeepsie.

The chain restaurant will open to the public Friday, filling a niche for American buffet food in the town, according to franchisee owner Sherrance Henderson.

The restaurant was intended to open in September, but it faced several delays with the opening being pushed back to November, December and finally January.

MORE: Popeyes aims for launch in February 

READ: Chipotle, Five Guys construction in Fishkill 'on schedule' 

Issues with the building’s gas line, inspection schedules and supplies on back order resulted in these delays.

The restaurant will employ 140 hourly workers and five managers, Henderson said.

The opening marks the first Golden Corral in Dutchess County. The next closest location is in Middletown, about 39 miles from Poughkeepsie. The restaurant is most prominent in the South, but the chain has recently focused on expanding into new areas, Henderson said.

Golden Corral will be open 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. at 2345 South Road, Henderson said earlier this month.

Golden Corral follows an influx of chain restaurants opening in Dutchess County.

MORE: New grocery stores, eateries change landscape 

Hardee's, Texas Roadhouse and Tilted Kilt opened in 2016 in the Town of Poughkeepsie. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen plans to open in February. Chipotle Mexican Grill is expected to open in summer 2017 in the Town of Fishkill.

For more information, call Golden Corral at 845-544-8560.

Geoffrey Wilson: gwilson@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4882, Twitter: Geoff_LW