Golden Corral puts a little something extra on its buffet

So we know those two similar looking buildings going up just a few miles apart from each other along Randall Road are Golden Corral restaurants.

But what exactly is Golden Corral?

There are many of you out there who've already been to the North Carolina-based chain, which has outlets in 40 states, and now are excited for Golden Corral to open up along Randall in both Algonquin and Elgin.

But others don't know what to expect. Like three-quarters of the 500 Golden Corrals restaurants out there, the restaurants in Algonquin and Elgin will be franchises, both of which will be run by different franchisees.

Still, you can essentially expect the same buffet-style restaurant at any of the Golden Corrals you travel to across the country.

The family-style restaurants, which are expected to open soon in both locales, will feature buffets with essentials like meat, pizza, pasta, vegetables and a salad bar.

However, on different nights at the restaurant, there will be different features. For example, on Sundays you can expect to find a meat carving station inside the Golden Corral.

Many of you out there have already called and e-mailed, saying you can't wait for the restaurant to bring its steak buffet, which features all-you-can-eat sirloin steak.

For those of you looking for a little more variety, the restaurant also has menu items, such as chicken, pork and sausage, that are cooked right in front of the guests.

And to finish off your meal, Golden Corral has a bakery buffet with cookies, rolls and brownies baked throughout the day.

For those of you interested in buffet-style restaurants, we'll keep you posted on when the grand openings are near. But for now, just keep an eye on the construction progress of the Golden Corral in Algonquin, which is located in the Galleria, and the Golden Corral in Elgin, which is just north of the new Lowes.

On the cheap: For those of you looking to save a little when dining out, Houlihan's restaurant along Randall Road in Algonquin now is offering 99-cent kids' meals on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Short drive to smoothies: It's hidden a little behind other new businesses, but a new Froots Smoothies business now is open in Elgin, on the west side of Randall just north of the tollway.

The business, which serves up just about every flavor of fruit smoothie imaginable, is located behind Village Pizza and Burnt Toast, in The Grove.