Trusted finance leader and industry advocate to strengthen brand performance and shape its next chapter
Golden Corral, America’s leading buffet chain, has appointed Trona Balkissoon as chief financial officer, effective today. Balkissoon steps into the role following the retirement of CFO Jim Laverty.
In her new role, Balkissoon will lead Golden Corral’s financial strategy, focusing on optimizing results, sharpening decision-making, and supporting long-term system health across its corporate and franchise footprint. Her perspective will be key as the company continues to grow and adapt.
She brings more than 25 years of global experience with Nestlé, spanning both retail and foodservice channels. Balkissoon joined Golden Corral in April 2025 as senior vice president of finance, after most recently serving as chief financial officer for Nestlé’s out-of-home division, where she oversaw operations throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Since joining the brand, she has been recognized for her dynamic, agile approach, pairing fiscal discipline with a talent for building high-performing teams.
She is also an active advocate for advancing opportunity and representation within the industry. Balkissoon was appointed to the Women’s Foodservice Forum Board of Directors in 2023, currently serves on its Executive Board, and was named Treasurer in 2026. She also serves on the Board of Trustees for the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation as a member of the Foundation Executive Committee and Vice Chair of the Finance Subcommittee. Her work supporting women in leadership and developing future talent aligns with Golden Corral’s ongoing investments in education and community, including initiatives like Camp Corral.
“Trona’s impact has been clear from the moment she joined our team, and this next step reflects her exceptional leadership and the trust she’s earned across the organization,” said Lance Trenary, CEO of Golden Corral. “She brings a rare combination of global perspective, financial rigor, and a deep understanding of the foodservice landscape. As we continue to evolve, her ability to connect strategy, financial discipline, and execution will shape how we move forward.”
This transition highlights Golden Corral’s commitment to building a visionary leadership team equipped to navigate a rapidly changing environment while staying true to the core principles that define the concept and guide its decisions.
“Golden Corral is a renowned brand with a legacy built on delivering value and genuine hospitality to families across the country,” said Balkissoon. “In this role, my focus is on ensuring our financial approach sustains responsible growth, strengthens our franchise system, and creates opportunities for our teams. When those elements are aligned, we can continue delivering a consistent, high-quality experience for our guests.”
Looking ahead, Balkissoon’s appointment reflects a clear direction for Golden Corral as it continues to evolve within a competitive landscape. Her leadership brings added discipline and perspective to a system designed to support franchisees while continuing to meet guest expectations at every visit.
For more information about Golden Corral, visit GoldenCorral.com. To find a nearby restaurant, visit GoldenCorral.com/locations or order online at GoldenCorral.com/order-online/.
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