Billy Todd/Sampson Independent The Clinton Golden Corral sign is a bit ominous as it reads closed. The business closed its doors unexpectedly on Monday to both staff and the public. Owner Chris Bouchard did not wish to comment on the closing at press time.

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Monday’s rainy weather and dark clouds brought a surprise to staff and patrons of Clinton’s Golden Corral, where a sign on its doors and marquee told the story in a single word — closed.

Many customers were unaware that the business had closed its doors until they got out of their car and found the doors locked and the closed signs there to greet them at lunch time.

Reached by telephone Monday afternoon, Golden Corral owner Chris Bouchard said he did not wish to comment on the closure, saying there were too many issues up in the air at the time.

Although there appeared to be a few employees inside the long-standing restaurant cleaning up Monday afternoon, no one was willing to make any comment at the business on Monday.

Residents dropping by the newspaper reported that employees at the restaurant were not aware of the closing until they showed up for work Monday morning, a fact that could not be confirmed at press time.

Questions about the business reopening at a different location also went unanswered. Rumors have circulated over the last few months that plans were being made for a new Golden Corral to be constructed somewhere on N.C. 24 near Sampson Crossing, but that, too, was left unconfirmed.