16018: At Golden Corral, Blandness Is A Holiday Tradition.

 

This Golden Corral holiday commercial is a turkey.

 

 

12321: Panning Golden Corral Pitch.

Adweek reported on the shootout results for what is arguably the most sought-after account ever: Golden Corral. Why, what White advertising agency wouldn’t kill for the chance to continue the breakthrough creative excellence the restaurant has established over the years? The competition featured White ad agencies Merkley + Partners, Mullen and ultimate victor VIA, undoubtedly staging a buffet battle worthy of spotlighting on AMC series The Pitch. VIA appears to be the stereotypical predominately White shop with experience producing painfully mediocre restaurant campaigns—a perfect match to serve and take orders from Golden Corral.

Golden Corral Finds Its Lead Agency in Maine

The VIA Agency prevails in 3-horse race

By Andrew McMains

Golden Corral has completed its search.

The VIA Agency is the new lead creative agency for the casual dining chain, according to sources. The independent shop in Portland, Maine, prevailed in a pitch against two other finalists: Merkley + Partners in New York and Mullen in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Golden Corral, which has more than 500 restaurants in 40 states, spent about $55 million in media last year, according to Kantar Media.

Recently, the casual dining chain has used freelancers and produced ads in house. So the hiring of a lead agency represents a shift in strategy as the brand looks to rebound from softness in sales.

Golden Corral could not immediately be reached, but sources said the contenders had been told of the decision.

VIA’s previous restaurant clients include Friendly’s and Romano’s Macaroni Grill.

The selection comes amid a flurry of fast-casual reviews, including creative searches for Panera Bread and Buffalo Wild Wings and a media search for Bloomin’ Brands, whose mainstay is Outback Steakhouse. Panera and Buffalo Wild Wings hired Anomaly and TBWA\Chiat\Day, respectively; the Bloomin’ search continues but is expected to be completed soon.

10774: Giving Extra Special Thanks.

Be thankful you’re not spending Thanksgiving at Golden Corral—or working there on the holiday.

But be sure to ask about the latest fake menu items when you visit.

10515: Golden Corral’s Island Getaway.

Golden Corral presents Tropical Island Grill buffet items. “We’re talking real island cooking at its best.” Yep, when you think authentic island cuisine, you think Golden Corral. Black folks gonna be jumpin’ outta cars over dis, mon!

9675: Shucking And Diving At Golden Corral.

Golden Corral would have us believe that Black people will jump out of a moving car for the restaurant’s 2 for $20 appetizers. Um, maybe the colored couple simply sought to ditch the White folks. Even more pathetic is the behind-the-scenes video showing the production of the spot, as the Black actors shamelessly shill for the menu items.

8835: Golden Corral Gets A Golden Shower.

Golden Corral has produced behind-the-scenes videos of their commercial productions. The restaurant chain declared, “You love the ads, so we are granting you behind-the-scenes access to our latest Seafood Lover’s Paradise commercial shoot…” Um, don’t recall ever professing affection for the spots. In fact, here’s a sampling of comments left at YouTube for various versions:

God he’s such a douche with all of his lame puns.

Golden Corral…please stop this set of advertisements. They’re not funny, and everyone hates that guy. Plus, there aren’t even Golden Corrals near me, so I hate these commercials even more.

That man has to be the ugliest-looking person in human history.

I wish that Golden Corral waiter would get mauled by a rabid dog. He’s so smug and annoying.

Does anybody else find this offensive? I’m sorry, but I feel like this commercial is mocking white people and traditional American food. You might as well have a white family asking for some “soul food.”

Wow, all of you are fucking annoying, and that one guy that says those stupid lines is the biggest [douche] of you all. I hope you all die and rot in hell!