The Mermaid Inn | Three locations in New York

By Lisa Shames
May 13, 2022

Darryl Mickler
When Golden Corral, the iconic buffet-centric family restaurant chain, sought to expand its fried chicken lineup with new varieties, it started with the solid foundation of a signature recipe that had been a successful core menu item for some time. The challenge was to identify flavor profiles that would be trend-forward while remaining approachable to guests and a good fit with the chain’s brand identity. The culinary development team hit on a trio of new offerings: Ranch-Seasoned Fried Chicken, Nashville Hot Fried Chicken and Honey-Dipped Fried Chicken. “These were bold profiles that had been trending and fit our menu philosophy but also pushed our flavors forward,” says Darryl Mickler, VP of Food and Beverage.
The Ranch-Seasoned Fried Chicken is a solid example of differentiation while leveraging a trusted flavor system American diners have long embraced. “We developed the flavor using some of our classic seasoning blends with enhancements for two or three additional spices,” says Mickler. “Additionally, we leaned on flavors we had high confidence in from a supply-chain perspective.”

Knuckle Down: Lobster Knuckles “Escargot Style” The Mermaid Inn | Three locations in New York

Use Your Noodle: Chicken Curry Ramen The Holding Company | San Diego
The Holding Company | San Diego

Mussel Magic: Mussels with Lobster-Butter Broth The Graceful Ordinary | St. Charles, Ill.
The Graceful Ordinary | St. Charles, Ill.

Treasure Chest: Scallop en Croûte The Driskill Hotel | Austin, Texas
The Driskill Hotel | Austin, Texas

Gateway Dish: Sushi Pizza Yamashiro | Hollywood, Calif.
Yamashiro | Hollywood, Calif.

Rolling in Dough: Dire Wolf Chicken Wrap Wolfnights | New York
Wolfnights | New York

Loaded with Possibility: BBQ Brisket Fries Wienerschnitzel | Based in Newport Beach, Calif.
Wienerschnitzel | Based in Newport Beach, Calif.

Work of Art: Porchetta Roast Whino | Arlington, Va.
Whino | Arlington, Va.