Fun Facts About the Longhorn Steakhouse
Todays modern exterior design of the famous steakhouse Photo: Longhorn Steakhouse
AUTHOR: ARTSY CHOW ROAMER
longhorn steakhouse
UNTOLD TRUTHS BEHIND THE CULINARY GIANT
You heard the whispers about the land down around the Walmart; a Longhorn Steakhouse was coming to Jasper soon. It was years ago and we just waited and waited and then something went under construction up the road in front of the new Publix and cheers went up when that recognized exterior became apparent. It was finally here. You might think I’m kidding but we were two of the first customers the week it opened and it was packed with folks waiting outside to get in.
Flo’s famous tender filet is still being served today Photo: Longhorn Steakhouse
a little history
That’s kind of how it was back in the day when the first location opened in 1981 on Peachtree Street in a black building that used to house an adult bookstore. It was across the way from Harrison’s Bar, a famous local watering hole where they would line up to get in on a Friday night before they crossed the street to eat at their favorite steak joint. I say joint because that was the vibe with a little urban cowboy thrown in for interest and musical taste.
The menu was simple and written on a chalk board. You could have just about any kind of steak you wanted with a salad and a side. The grill was open to the room if you got a seat at the bar and you could watch them cook it for you. Loaded bowls of peanuts in the shell were everywhere and you just threw the shells on the floor. No really. Booths had black and white checkered vinyl tablecloths and the lighting was very low. The walls sported that varnished plywood look and there were cowboy references of all kinds as well as some nifty neon signs advertising beer while the honky-tonk music played on.
It didn’t take off at first like you might expect. Most people don’t know that the founder, George McKerrow, had a partner who vanished with the opening funds and he had to borrow money from his father to finish it. Things were slow until the great snow storm hit that we still refer to as snow jam ‘82. The weather guys got it wrong. It hit early and hard. People were stranded on Peachtree and Longhorn put a sign up that offered drinks for $1 as long as it snowed and success was finally born along with a little folklore.
the sale
George McKerrow Jr. came from a background in hospitality with stints at many different restaurants including his own supper club in West Virginia. He had an idea for a casual steakhouse with a real Texas feel and Urban Cowboy theme based on the popularity of the movie itself. Borrowing the money from his father turned out to be a very good thing as he partnered with his son for over 25 years and helped grow the restaurant into a national chain with over 15 locations and expansion into other states under the RARE Hospitality company label.
By the year 2000 McKerrow decided to retire from RARE and by 2007 the decision was made to sell Longhorn to Darden Restaurants Inc. which also owned Olive Garden and Capital Grill for a cool reported price of 1.4 billion. In 2002, McKerrow teamed up with Atlanta media mogul Ted Turner to open the bison restaurants that would become Ted’s Montanta Grill built upon a model of sustainability.
Founder and owner George McKerrow Jr. Photo: R. Diamond/Getty Images
modern design
Today’s Longhorn is a long way from the original concept. The vibe is still cowboy but in a more chic kind of way. The stone and brick exterior with black trim feels handsome and modern while the leather booths, wall decor and art all feel upscale casual with a saddle aesthetic. It feels warm and comfortable and even when packed it some how manages to seem quiet. At least you can have conversation on date night without having to yell as in most restaurants being designed today.
You can still sit at the bar and yes there are TV screens but with no sound turned on. The paging system works great with seats a plenty inside and out if waiting. If you want to stay at the bar and eat they are happy to bring you a menu and get your order in. There is a specific spot for the to-go people to put in their orders and wait.
While Darden may have kicked up the overall look a notch, the one thing they didn’t change was the quality concept of the food as dependably delicious steaks with sides. Did they expand the menu? Absolutely by offering more side choices, burgers, chicken and even seafood.
I have to admit that I haven’t tried nearly as many things on the menu and I may not be the only one like that. Every fan has their favorites and they stick to them. I have noticed that if the servers know you, they know what you want and how you want it cooked. The grill masters are legend to the point that on holidays they have a hotline for tips for those of us silly enough to think we can do it ourselves at home.
How do you want that steak done? Photo: Longhorn Steakhouse
cocktails bread & Salad
The drinks menu is expansive with beer, wine and cocktails of a signature nature. They are known for their margaritas with five selections like the patron with dragon fruit, the texas, the perfect, strawberry and mango. You can still get a Longhorn Old Fashioned, a Moscow Mule, Texas Tea or Jack and Coke. There are quite a few white and red wine choices starting at $8 and 9 a glass. Beer drinkers are happy with the list of bottled and draft on offer.
You will also be happy to see that warm bread with fresh butter on the signature board to go with your drinks. They always ask if you want it and in a lot of places it is because they charge for it but not at Longhorn. They still bring you that nice big bowl of your desired salad with your favorite dressing which tastes like they make it themselves along with the super croutons.
Beef Pig and burgers
But let’s get down to the real reason people come. It’s all about the beef. Whatever cut you want is available and ready to grill. Flo’s filet has been on the menu since the beginning and is still the hands down pleaser for the smallest tender portion. Then there is the Outlaw Ribeye and Longhorn Porterhouse for original choices that are great for sharing. Even a sirloin which might be meh for some people was recently an excellent choice for me.
Did I say they know their way around a rack of ribs if that’s your thing. They know how to do them low and slow and grill finish for the drop off the bone goodness you want. Now you can also get a burger their way and what a burger it is. I don’t care how good you are at the grill in your backyard, you are never going to produce something this juicy and good. This is what McKerrow promised from the beginning which was the best in beef every single day.
bird & fish
So you say you aren’t a red meat eater? The original probably said this ain’t the place for you. Not so much for Darden’s vision of the restaurant. They want all meat eaters including the bird, lamb and seafood folk. Parmesan crusted chicken is one of their best sellers with a creamy sauce over the top. Lemon garlic chicken comes in a close second and is always tender and juicy-never dry or tough.
The grilled lamb and pork chops are massive portions and we have found you will need that little black box to take home your leftovers. I don’t do seafood at a steakhouse but my friend always does and goes with the salmon which she says she could never do as well herself. Grilled rock shrimp with rice is also a great option.
desserts & kids
I can’t remember if the original spot had desserts or even a kids menu honestly but the new concept certainly does. Don’t miss classics like strawberry shortcake and molten lava chocolate cake. Kids will be happy to see chicken tenders, a super cheeseburger sized just right and classic Kraft mac and cheese with a side. Giddy-up!
Molten lava cake is a hit Photo: Longhorn Steakhouse
You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu
FINAL THOUGHTS
I’m still a big fan of the best little steakhouse in town. It is rare that a founder sells to another company that manages to keep the quality as good or better than it was originally, maintain it through exponential growth while modernizing in a way that doesn’t offend your customers (looking at you here Cracker Barrel). It is still one of the best places to go for a date night that is also good value and easy on the wallet. So saddle up and head out and don’t be surprised if you have to wait for a good table because it’s worth it!
If you enjoyed what you read, you might also enjoy other posts under Edible Fare. There you will find restaurant reviews, recipes, foodie tips and best spots to eat in a variety of cities. I also put emphasis on food experiences in my travel posts under Explore the World. Until next time…
Cheers!
Artsy Chow Roamer
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