After months of planning and renovating, Golden Corral opened its doors Monday in Syracuse. Just off of Erie Boulevard East near the Midler Avenue exit of I-690, it's the first location in the area and the seventh in New York state.

Dozens of the bar and grill’s dedicated customers were lined out the door in the hours after its 10 a.m. grand opening. One man said he even slept in his car Sunday night in order to be the first person inside.

Annie Stephens said she used to drive the distance for Golden Corral and is glad she won’t have to do that anymore.

"We used to leave there at 2 in the day on Sunday and go all the way to Rochester, have our dinner in Rochester and drive back in the dark, so that lets you know that the food is good,” said customer Annie Stephens.

The buffet chain traces its beginnings back to 1973, with the first opening in North Carolina. The restaurant prides itself on having more than 150 items for diners to choose from. They also boast a strong reputation in service by giving back to military members and their families.