Legendary Restaurant Brands opened first new location of the beloved steakhouse brand in Burnsville, Minnesota July 8
Residents of the Twin Cities and surrounding areas have been champing at the bit to experience the original and iconic steakhouse, Steak and Ale, since news of its long-awaited return was announced last year. Their patience was finally rewarded on Monday, July 8, when the storied brand officially opened in Burnsville, complete with its famous giant salad bar, table-side Caesar salad and all-time classics like the Kensington Club, Hawaiian Chicken, Oh Baby Back Ribs and signature 20 oz “Norman Cut” Herb Roasted Prime Rib.
Located at 14201 Nicollet Avenue South in Burnsville, Minn., the new location sits right where the Minnesota River crosses Interstate 35W. Inside the Wyndham Nicollet Inn, the 5,000-square-foot space features a patio with hotel access as well as its own outside entrance. The restaurant can accommodate up to 225 guests and also handles food and beverage operations for the hotel – including room service, breakfast, lunch, dinner, late night, catering and delivery. It even serves as a host kitchen for Bennigan’s, which is also owned by Legendary Restaurant Brands.
News of the brand’s resurrection is exciting for its fans all across the nation, especially the 50,000-plus members of the “Steak and Ale’s Comeback” Facebook group.
“I truly feel honored, humbled and privileged to be a part of Steak and Ale’s comeback story,” said Legendary Restaurant Brands Chairman & CEO Paul Mangiamele. “My wife Gwen and I purchased the rights to the concept several years ago with the dream of bringing it back for the legions of people who, like us, are nostalgic for its return. Of course, we wanted to take our time to get it right – and I think everyone will be extremely pleased with the end result. The restaurant is absolutely gorgeous, and the menu is just as amazing as we all remember.”
Opening-day celebrations began with a well-attended ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. with Mayor Elizabeth Kautz and members of the Burnsville Chamber of Commerce in attendance. The restaurant officially opened to the public at 11 a.m., just in time for lunch.
Day-to-day operations will be managed by franchise partner Roy Arnold, CEO of Kansas-based Endeavor Properties. Arnold’s 15-store franchise agreement in the Midwest includes exclusive rights for expansion of Steak and Ale, Bennigan’s and Bennigan’s On The Fly in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.
“From the moment we announced the launch, my phone has been blowing up and my inbox has been overflowing,” said Arnold. “The media, S&A alumni and steak lovers alike have been patiently waiting for any news about our reopening and I am thrilled to be able to deliver on their excitement.”
Founded in 1966 by legendary restaurateur Norman Brinker, Steak and Ale was the original casual dining steakhouse. At its peak, the brand counted more than 110 locations worldwide. Now redefined as a 21st-century polished-casual concept, the new Steak and Ale will once again set the standard for affordable, high-value, family-friendly steakhouses.
The Burnsville menu will feature all of Steak and Ale’s traditional favorites, along with several contemporary and regional offerings. The speakeasy classic cocktail menu, along with a wide array of beer, wine, libations and even tableside Irish Coffee will be offered.
For more information about Legendary Restaurant Brands, visit LegendaryRestaurantBrands.com.
Legendary Restaurant Brands owns the iconic Bennigan’s and Steak and Ale brands – the pioneers of casual dining. Bennigan’s is a high-energy neighborhood full-service restaurant redefining and leading casual dining again. With chef-driven food, innovative drinks, and warm, friendly Irish hospitality, this Legendary brand delivers memorable and experiential dining experiences to every guest. It offers it’s franchise partners a business model capable of compelling returns on investment. The polished, fast-casual brand Bennigan’s On The Fly was designed for non-traditional venues, including hotels, or as a delivery-only virtual model operated from an existing commercial kitchen. Steak and Ale is truly the ‘American Original’ that has made its triumphant return and is already generating keen global interest. This new generation of Steak and Ale has been redefined as a 21st-century polished-casual concept that now sets the standard for affordable, high perceived value, family-friendly steakhouses.
To join the Legendary franchise family, visit LegendaryRestaurantBrands.com or call 800.804.5049.
