ALTON – Golden Corral in Alton, Illinois, will close permanently on April 30, 2026, according to a notice posted on the restaurant’s door, ending what some customers described as a long-standing routine.
In the sign addressed to customers, the restaurant said it is giving a two-week notice and encouraged guests to visit before the closing date. “It is with heavy hearts that we share the difficult news that the restaurant will be closing permanently on Thursday, April 30, 2026,” the notice said. “We hope that this two-week notice will give you all the opportunity to come dine with us one last time.”
The notice said the decision followed efforts to keep the location open.
“This decision was not made lightly. We explored every possible option to keep this location up and running,” the ownership said in a notice. “Despite our best efforts, the location is no longer able to operate sustainably.”
The restaurant also acknowledged the effect on the area.
“Closing this location is one of the hardest decisions to make,” the ownership stated in the notice. “We sincerely regret the impact this will have on the community, and we appreciate your understanding during this transition,” the notice said.
The Riggs family said they were sorry to see the Alton Golden Corral close and made what they described as one of their last visits on Sunday, April 19, 2026. One family member said the restaurant has been part of a weekly tradition.
“I come with my brother and father every Sunday,” the family member said. “We always meet at 8 a.m. on Sundays. We are from St. Peters, Missouri, Granite City, and Wood River. We would love not to see it close. It will be very hard for all of us.”
In the notice, the Alton Golden Corral ownership directed customers to other locations. “Please come and visit us at one of our sister locations, Shiloh or O’Fallon, Mo., and in South County, Missouri, on Lindbergh. Thank you for visiting and supporting us all these years,” the ownership said.
