GOLDEN CORRAL IS UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

JACKSON -- The Golden Corral is under new ownership.

Ron Johnson of Eufaula, Ala., recently purchased the franchise for the Jackson restaurant.

"It was previously a company-owned store," said Johnson, who has been with the Golden Corral corporation seven years. "I'm looking forward to owning my own business," he said.

Johnson was a partner-manager of the Golden Corral at Eufaula.

"When the Jackson franchise became available, I looked into it," said Johnson. "We made several visits to the area, looking at schools, churches and the area in general. We liked it."

Johnson, a native of Georgia, and one of his sons, Michael, is already in the area.

"Michael is assistant manager of the restaurant," said Johnson.

The rest of the family, wife, Margie, and son, Kyle, 7, will move here in the near future, he said.

Johnson assumed ownership Feb. 29.

The restaurant will be open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The rest of the week it will open at 11 a.m. and close at 10 p.m.

"We have added three new sea food items grilled Alaskan white fish, shrimp scampi and a seafood platter to the menu," Johnson said. "We'll also be starting a Lenten bar Wednesday, which will run through Easter."

The restaurant, at 1830 Highway 61 East, is noted for its steaks. The restaurant employs 30 people.