# Is Anyone Else Grossed Out by Golden Corral's Chocolate Waterfall? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [February 17, 2012, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-anyone-else-grossed-out-by-golden-corrals-chocolate-waterfall/613189 "2012-02-17T21:39:32Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Eve](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Eve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eve)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2012, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-anyone-else-grossed-out-by-golden-corrals-chocolate-waterfall/613189/61 "2012-02-21T17:37:55Z")
Oddly enough, I had never heard of Golden Corral or their Hershey Squirting Fountain, till this thread–and last night I saw a commercial for it! It really does look disturbing, and I have a feeling it is not the _highest_-quality chocolate, either. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2012, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-anyone-else-grossed-out-by-golden-corrals-chocolate-waterfall/613189/62 "2012-02-21T17:47:41Z")
It probably barely qualifies as chocolate at all. ---
**Author:** ![Phedre\_no\_Delaunay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/839c29/32.png) [@Phedre\_no\_Delaunay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phedre_no_Delaunay)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2012, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-anyone-else-grossed-out-by-golden-corrals-chocolate-waterfall/613189/63 "2012-02-22T00:23:38Z")
Oh God yes. I am completely repelled by the very idea. It’s just a breeding ground for who knows what virulent strains of God only knows how many bacteria. ---
**Author:** ![Teufelblitz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@Teufelblitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Teufelblitz)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2012, 9:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-anyone-else-grossed-out-by-golden-corrals-chocolate-waterfall/613189/64 "2012-02-22T09:11:32Z")
All I think of when they are listing stuff that gets dipped in it is brownies, rice crispy treats, bandaid drippings, boogers… any other random detritus some unwashed hand happens to have on it. Bluh. Of course, I tend to put portions of dips or sauce on my plate for whatever I am dipping, or I ask the server for a bit extra on the side. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2012, 9:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-anyone-else-grossed-out-by-golden-corrals-chocolate-waterfall/613189/65 "2012-02-22T09:26:07Z")
I honestly find the fountain much more gross than any sort of buffet. Even kids use the tongs or spoons on the buffet, assuming the parent even lets the kid get his own food. But a chocolate fountain is a novelty, and kids are more likely to want to play with it. Though, since I’ve never seen one, I have to admit that I wouldn’t have thought about the germ issue until after I’d used it at least once. ---
**Author:** ![Pai325](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@Pai325](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pai325)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2012, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-anyone-else-grossed-out-by-golden-corrals-chocolate-waterfall/613189/66 "2012-02-22T13:49:20Z")
Someone brought one to a work pot luck, and even though it was all adults, all of whom I know, I wouldn’t partake. The whole thing running all day - ikk. And no matter how careful you are, more than food is going to touch that liquid. I also wasn’t sure when it was used last and how carefully it was cleaned, so I just imagined old chocolate bits swirling around. ---
**Author:** ![drastic\_quench](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e36b37/32.png) [@drastic\_quench](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drastic_quench)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2012, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-anyone-else-grossed-out-by-golden-corrals-chocolate-waterfall/613189/67 "2012-02-22T14:25:09Z")
> [@Motorgirl](#): > > Tsk tsk tsk the actual name of this horror is the “Chocolate Wonderfall” - as in “I wonder what kind of infection it will give me.” Yes! I can’t believe it took 36 posts before this was mentioned. The branding is arguably one of the most repulsive parts. ---
**Author:** ![Sister\_Vigilante](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9de0a6/32.png) [@Sister\_Vigilante](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sister_Vigilante)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2012, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-anyone-else-grossed-out-by-golden-corrals-chocolate-waterfall/613189/68 "2012-02-22T16:36:34Z")
Every time I see that commercial, I think of some kid sticking his dirty hand in it. I wouldn’t dare eat from it and I’m usually okay with a few germs here and there. ---
**Author:** ![sachertorte](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sachertorte/32/3727_2.png) [@sachertorte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sachertorte)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2012, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-anyone-else-grossed-out-by-golden-corrals-chocolate-waterfall/613189/69 "2012-02-22T16:59:54Z")
> [@Eve](#): > > Oddly enough, I had never heard of Golden Corral or their Hershey Squirting Fountain, till this thread–and last night I saw a commercial for it! It really does look disturbing, and I have a feeling it is not the _highest_-quality chocolate, either. My friend rented one for his wedding or something. I read the instructions. Horrifying indeed. Even if you use good quality chocolate you have to add oil. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2012, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-anyone-else-grossed-out-by-golden-corrals-chocolate-waterfall/613189/70 "2012-02-22T17:18:07Z")
> [@Slithy\_Tove](#): > > So I guess putting your penis in it is out of the question? After closing time, all bets are off. ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2012, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-anyone-else-grossed-out-by-golden-corrals-chocolate-waterfall/613189/71 "2012-02-22T17:34:17Z")
> [@WarmNPrickly](#): > > I’m not a big fan of large child friendly buffets for this reason. Blegh! > > Of course, good kids and good parents all have less than stellar moments. Sometimes they wear you down, and sometimes they are just worn down themselves. I’m just saying, dont assume from one encounter that it’s all bad news. I have seen them plenty more than once. They’re my niece and nephew after all, and they’re being raised like little heathens. Sigh. ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2012, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-anyone-else-grossed-out-by-golden-corrals-chocolate-waterfall/613189/72 "2012-02-22T17:58:45Z")
> [@typoink](#): > > The only buffets I’ve ever not hated were Indian. Something about Indian food lends itself well to buffet (I’d assume it’s a combination of poorly descriptive menus and the fact that “buffet” Indian and “menu” Indian seem to usually be the same food). the other thing I like is they’re “safe” if you’re not familiar with the dishes; you get the opportunity to try little bits of various things. ---
**Author:** ![BaneSidhe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c5a1d2/32.png) [@BaneSidhe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BaneSidhe)\ **Post date:** [February 23, 2012, 4:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-anyone-else-grossed-out-by-golden-corrals-chocolate-waterfall/613189/73 "2012-02-23T04:57:18Z")
I can’t watch that commercial without getting queasy. Between the ‘eww’ factor and the memory of the last time I went to GC and got horribly ill, I don’t think I’ll be stepping foot in the local GC again. Or ANY place that has a buffet for that matter. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [February 23, 2012, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-anyone-else-grossed-out-by-golden-corrals-chocolate-waterfall/613189/74 "2012-02-23T16:34:03Z")
> [@Pai325](#): > > I have never been considered a germs phone or neat-freak just FYI, you have now :). Of course, I’ve been considered a total slob, so take it with a grain of autoclaved salt. ---
**Author:** ![Mikemike2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mikemike2/32/305_2.png) [@Mikemike2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mikemike2)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2012, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-anyone-else-grossed-out-by-golden-corrals-chocolate-waterfall/613189/75 "2012-03-14T20:08:21Z")
> [@sachertorte](#): > > My friend rented one for his wedding or something. I read the instructions. Horrifying indeed. Even if you use good quality chocolate you have to add oil. My friends have a chocolate waterfall they have used a total of twice I believe. You do not just add oil, the blend has to be about half chocolate, half oil to stay thin enough for the machine. Once I saw that I was off of chocolate fountains, regardless of sticky fingers. ---
**Author:** ![brittekland](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/aeb1de/32.png) [@brittekland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brittekland)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2012, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-anyone-else-grossed-out-by-golden-corrals-chocolate-waterfall/613189/76 "2012-03-14T20:35:12Z")
I went to Golden Coral twice, once in NC and once here in IL. NC one was slightly better (fresher and warmer food) but I will never go back… their food is… basically cheap casino buffet restaurant stuff and tastes like they are all made out of same stuff. As for the sneezes, to gross out restaurant goers, it can happen at any stage of food preparation. Would all chefs/food preparers discard the food after it was sneezed on? I’ve seen some extremely chaotic busy kitchens trying to catch up on orders pouring in. What about dripping sweat? ---
**Author:** ![thump3r](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ce7236/32.png) [@thump3r](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thump3r)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2012, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-anyone-else-grossed-out-by-golden-corrals-chocolate-waterfall/613189/77 "2012-12-10T00:52:10Z")
Okay so I’m in line at the Golden Corral. I’m checking out that chocolate waterfall and was thinking about trying it out. So I got my dinner, had to eat in a crowded room with a bunch of little unruly kids running around and bumping into our chairs and table. A few of them even tried to get into our food lol. Well after we got done eating our dinner I hit the desert line; figured if I just spent almost 30 bucks to get two people in then still had to pay for drinks, I might as well get my money’s worth. :smack: As I walked up to the chocolate waterfall, some nasty fat dude stuck two fingers into chocolate, sucked on them in the most repulsive manor - Here’s the nasty part… Without even so much as wiping the visible slobber and saliva from his soaked fingers, he takes the two same fingers and sticks them right back in for another dip!!! Not only did I see it but several of the employees seen it as well… and NOTHING was done about it, they continued on as if it was a normal thing! Needless to say, I dropped my plate that was full of deserts and made it pretty obvious that I was disgusted by what happened. I got my money back and that was the last time I’ve ever went to a Golden Corral. ---
**Author:** ![ducati](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/cc9497/32.png) [@ducati](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ducati)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2012, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-anyone-else-grossed-out-by-golden-corrals-chocolate-waterfall/613189/78 "2012-12-10T03:22:29Z")
> [@thump3r](#): > > Without even so much as wiping the visible slobber and saliva from his soaked fingers, he takes the two same fingers and sticks them right back in for another dip!!! Not only did I see it but several of the employees seen it as well.. and NOTHING was done about it, they continued on as if it was a normal thing! I’ve always maintained that a convenient, simultaneous CO2 leak at all the Golden Corrals and Ryan’s across the country on a Friday or Saturday night could raise our nation’s collective IQ 80 points overnight. Sure, it will be difficult finding a plumber or mechanic for a while, but we’ll get by! ---
**Author:** ![bengangmo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/50afbb/32.png) [@bengangmo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bengangmo)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2012, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-anyone-else-grossed-out-by-golden-corrals-chocolate-waterfall/613189/79 "2012-12-10T04:44:30Z")
> [@appleciders](#): > > Only if you leave a _really_ nice tip. I’m sure there’s a joke there about leaving the tip, but I’m really not very sure what it is… ---
**Author:** ![Giggle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/4af34b/32.png) [@Giggle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Giggle)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2015, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-anyone-else-grossed-out-by-golden-corrals-chocolate-waterfall/613189/80 "2015-08-24T20:23:36Z")
It is gross. I have written specifically about its grossness. The little stinky booger fingers dipping into it is only the tip of the iceberg. The chocolate waterfall is essentially like hanging your bed sheets out to dry in a men’s room. It is an air filter that traps farts, sneezes, the special stinky mold odor that a hundred consumers have written about the Golden Corral. Just Google “Golden Corral Smell” and tell me if I’m in error. The chocolate in the Chocolate Waterfall is about as clean and pure as the motor oil in your oil filter. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-anyone-else-grossed-out-by-golden-corrals-chocolate-waterfall/613189.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-anyone-else-grossed-out-by-golden-corrals-chocolate-waterfall/613189.md?page=5)