4 Big Changes You’ll See At North Carolina Steakhouses This Summer
Love steak? These are 5 big changes you’ll see at North Carolina steakhouses this summer. Steakhouses, like many other restaurants during the pandemic, took a big hit to their business….
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GettyLove steak? These are 5 big changes you'll see at North Carolina steakhouses this summer. Steakhouses, like many other restaurants during the pandemic, took a big hit to their business. But this past year customers have returned to their old ways of dining out and steakhouses are booming again. Despite the prosperity of many chains, there are changes coming this year to keep up with current dining trends. That means fine-tuning things to keep business going strong, especially where high inflation has impacted the business.
Some of the better-known chains looking to make changes include Texas Roadhouse, Ruth's Chris, Outback, and others. Here’s what you can expect to see in steakhouse changes for the rest of 2023 in NC according to EatThis,NotThat!.
- Less is more – Outback is set to remodel over 100 locations this year as part of a multi-year effort to downsize some locations with their “Next Gen” redesign project. Outback President Brett Patterson said, “The smaller size allows us to bring restaurants to areas where larger units are not possible.” One of the first to open is the Next Gen Outback here in Charlotte. The new designs have the most current technology as well as curbside and takeout pickup areas.
- Tech upgrades – restaurants all across the US are using the latest technology to speed up service and improve the customer experience and Texas Roadhouse has announced a pay-at-the-table system called Roadhouse Pay. They also have rolled out the “Digital Kitchen” at locations in Texas and Minnesota that get rid of paper ticket orders and features video screens at every prep location in the kitchen. Jerry Morgan, CEO of Texas Roadhouse said “This will be a big year for us when it comes to opening new stores with a Digital Kitchen and even converting some existing stores.” Ruth's Chris Steakhouse has introduced a forecasting program to increase efficiency in scheduling and preparation and has seen a 10% improvement in hours per entrée
- More expansion – Texas Roadhouse currently has 700 locations. It has a goal of 900 in the future with 25-30 new units expected in 2023. Outback plans to open 75-100 of the Next Gen restaurants in the next few years. Fogo de Chão has 58 locations and plans to open 10 more this year. LongHorn Steakhouse plans to open new locations in the “mid-teens.”
- What is old is new again - Sizzler Steakhouse opened its first location in 1958. At one time it had over 700 locations across the US. That number is down to 70 at the current time. They have rolled out a new restaurant design that features digital displays, tile flooring and recycled wood paneling. There's even a fireplace near the front counter as well as retaining their famous all-you-can-eat salad bar. Robert Clark, Sizzler USA’s chief growth officer says the salad bar is the chain’s centerpiece. The redesign will have more open space above the bar, new surfaces, and glass on sneeze guards. The first Sizzler to unveil the redesign opened earlier this year in Corona, California. Their goal is to have every location undergo remodeling by Spring of 2024.
Check out the full article here.
Here Are The 5 Best Steakhouses In North Carolina
I try and stick to chicken and fish most of the time. Every now and then, I have got to have a steak. Sadly, in the small town I live in there is not a steakhouse. So I did a little digging and here are the 5 best steakhouses in North Carolina.
I was so relieved to find that many of the best steak houses in North Carolina are close. Very close. Regardless of how you like them, nothing quite satisfies like a delicious piece of meat in the cut of your choice. I am a ribeye girl but occasionally order the filet. Chain steakhouses just don't quite satisfy sometimes. We do grill at home. A little trip to the butcher department of your favorite grocery store, about an hour to sous vide then put that baby on the grill.
What if you don't have the time to prepare your own steak and you just want to go into your favorite steakhouse? Order what you like, add on a delicious side, and don't forget a refreshing cocktail. A nice night out sounds just about right. The "Best Things In North Carolina" website has done the research for us and found the five best steakhouses in North Carolina.
Sullivan's Steakhouse, Charlotte, North Carolina
Best Things in North Carolina Says: “Savor the night at Sullivan’s” between the full food and drink menu that will leave you with a full stomach and satisfied experience. Celebrating an evening with your significant other, dining with a friend or attending a business dinner, Sullivan’s is great for any need. Eat to your heart’s content then smoke a cigar on the patio. It will likely be busy so make a reservation! I have been there. Sullivan's never disappoints.
Beef N' Bottle Steakhouse, Charlotte, North Carolina
Here is what Best Things In North Carolina has to say; Beef N’ Bottle Steakhouse, located in Charlotte, is an award-winning location to have a steak. Famous for their steaks since 1958, Beef N’ Bottle has been voted by USA Today’s 10 Best as one of the 10 best locations in all of Charlotte for steaks. Snag a reservation and stop in to dig into a juicy steak that has pleased so many. It has been a long time since I have been there. I am going back soon.
The Wood Shed, Stanley, North Carolina
I just added this one in because I can tell you first hand this is a great place to get a steak. Located in Gaston County it is local local local. The steaks are amazing. Try the shrimp cocktail and of course their signature tomato and onion sandwiches. Try the Woodshed in Stanley for a great experience.
Brasilia Churrasco Steakhouse, Asheville, North Carolina
I can't wait to try it! Here is what Best Things In North Carolina had to say: Brasilia Churrasco Steakhouse of Asheville, North Carolina is home to a full salad bar, a full bar, walk-in wine cellar, and an all-you-can-eat menu. Just to give you a sample of your delectable options, on the weekends for lunch, choose between 14 grilled meat options: beef ribs, beef tenderloin, flank steak, pork lion, and more. For dinner, choose between 17 meat options: beef tenderloin, chicken wrapped in bacon, filet mignon, flank steak, garlic steak, ribeye and more. Come hungry because they keep the food coming!
The Capital Grille, Raleigh, North Carolina
The Best Things In North Carolina had this to say about this steakhouse:Are you prepared to be “wined, dined and dazzled”? At the Capital Grille of Raleigh, come in for impeccable service and a menu to fulfil a variety of food or drink cravings you may have. Stopping in for lunch? The lunch menu offers appetizers, soups, salads, burgers, and sandwiches. Dining in for dinner? The dinner menu offers a variety of delicious appetizers, soups, salads, steaks, and menu items to share. The impressive wine menu gives you access to more than 350 wines.
