LongHorn Steakhouse

LongHorn Steakhouse is an American casual dining restaurant chain that is owned and operated by Darden Restaurants, Inc., headquartered in Orlando, Florida. As of Feb 22, 2013, LongHorn Steakhouse operated over 370 restaurants in 35 states.

History

LongHorn Steakhouse was founded in 1981 by George McKerrow, Jr. and his father. McKerrow was a former manager at Steak and Ale. The first location, originally called LongHorn Steaks Restaurant & Saloon, opened on Peachtree Street in Atlanta, Georgia. It was a former antique store then a porn peep show place. The walls were still painted black and some of the booths were divided by recycled black partitions. He filled it with steer heads and western paraphernalia. The Longhorn featured top quality steaks grilled in a butter sauce.

It was across from a very popular restaurant, Harrison's on Peachtree. Harrison's was the favorite hang out of Atlanta Journal and Constitution columnist Ron Hudspeth and Lewis Grizzard. Hudspeth regularly featured quotes from "Pete the barkeep" at Harrison's. Harrison's had a very limited bar menu. So regulars ventured over to the Longhorn for a quality steak after a night of drinking. However, in January 1982, a sudden snow storm that became known as SnowJam 82, trapped the area's commuter population within the city limits and McKerrow offered $1 drinks and menu specials to the stranded motorists. Hudspeth featured it in his column. A legend was born. This helped turn the struggling restaurant around.