Talkin Texas

Welcome to Talkin' Texas, the official blog of Texas Steakhouse and Saloon! Here you'll find all the real Texas news that's fit to print, including restaurant info and updates, plus notices of upcoming events and special promotions. Check back often as we'll be putting up new posts regularly.

A Christmas Message from Terry

December 22nd, 2011

Dear Friends,

It’s hard to believe Christmas is here again, but it seems to come sooner every year. Still, as we enjoy this special season and wind down another year, we’re given a great opportunity to look back on the past while looking forward to the year ahead. With that, I’m happy to say that Texas Steakhouse had a great 2011, and we couldn’t have done it without you.

Throughout 2011, the Texas team spent a lot of time looking for ways create value and enhance your overall guest experience. We introduced several delicious new dishes like the Texas Chili Burger, Chicken Tender Salad and Texas Chuck Roast. We also launched the Texas Steakhouse mobile app and Digital Spurs program, which allows guests to enjoy all of the perks of Gold Spurs’ membership right from their smartphone.

Texas Steakhouse Christmas

2011 also proved a great year for Texas Steakhouse’s efforts to support America’s men and women in uniform, as we surpassed $35,000 in total donations for the Wounded Warrior Project. And our first-ever Letters to the Troops campaign exceeded our expectations, collecting more than 2,850 cards, emails and messages of support for our heroes at home and abroad.

There’s so much more I could mention, but I’ll just close by saying that, thanks to you, 2011 has been one of the best yet for Texas Steakhouse. On behalf of our entire Texas family, I want to offer my heartfelt gratitude for your continued support and wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year. We look forward to serving you in 2012!

Sincerely,

Terry Smith. President

Texas Steakhouse

Roanoke Rapids Gives Back

December 15th, 2011

Our Roanoke Rapids, NC store has partnered with Hannah’s Place, a local non-profit organization, to brighten the holidays for families who have been through extreme hardships. Hannah’s Place provides several forms of assistance to men, women, and children in Roanoke Rapids who have been affected by domestic violence and/or sexual abuse. They assist families facing financial hardships, provide local shelter and run a thrift store that assists families of domestic violence with necessities (clothes, toys, bedding, etc.).

Roanoke Rapids Texas Steakhouse Gives Back

To assist Hannah’s Place, our Roanoke Rapids’ Texas Steakhouse is selling $1.00 Holiday donation cards. The money raised will then be used to purchase toys for the children of Hannah’s Place. On Saturday, December 17th, the families will visit Texas Steakhouse to unwrap their toys and enjoy some delicious baked goods.

Our goal is to raise $1,000 to support this wonderful organization. We also hope that the fundraiser will raise awareness of domestic violence and spotlight organizations like Hannah’s Place. So if you live in our around our Roanoke Rapids location, please stop in before December 17th and donate one dollar to support this important cause.

Roanoke Rapids Texas Steakhouse Gives Back

Read more about the collection in this story from RRSPIN, Roanoke Rapids news.

With your help, we sent the troops a Texas-sized “Thank You”

December 13th, 2011

We just finished sorting and shipping your letters to the troops, and we must say that we have been completely blown away by your support for the military. From a 5-year-old asking his daddy to “come home soon” to a retired naval officer encouraging service men and women to be strong during the holidays, it has been a pleasure to collect your well-wishes.

With your help we collected nearly 2,500 letters to ship to the troops through the A Million Thanks program. It has been incredible for everyone here at Texas Steakhouse &Saloon to get to work on this project. Thank you so much.

Here are a few images from along the way and a few of our favorites letters:

TexasSteakhouseLettersToTroops

Dear Soldier,
This week I am training for my black belt and my mind is whirling around what I have to do on the physical part of my test. But it doesn’t compare to the physical things you all do on a daily basis. I realized that this morning when I sat down to rest, you guys don’t get that chance. I admire every one of you and pray for you where ever you all end up. It’s an amazing thing you have given me and my family, the ability to train and do what every extra curricular activity we so chose. Thank you for all you have done and will do in the future.
God Bless,
Christina Rogers Phillips

Thank you so much for the sacrifices you are making to ensure that America remains a free and protected country. I thank God for my freedom and know that it is not to be taken for granted. You and your families are so generous in giving to serve the greatest country of all. We have our problems and things sometimes are too focused on the negatives, but I try to step back daily and realize that my freedom is being ensured and watched over by America’s finest.
Thank you for the job you do. May god bless and protect you and your families.
Karen Jordan

LettersInBoxes

LetterCollection

Help Texas Send a Million Thanks By Christmas!

November 10th, 2011

This holiday season, Texas Steakhouse is collecting your letters of appreciation and support for our military to send overseas in time for Christmas. To share your letter, you can post your message to our Facebook wall, email it to TXletters@gmail.com or submit it to your local Texas Steakhouse by December 1st. We’ll distribute your letters with the help of “A Million Thanks”, an organization dedicated to showing appreciation to U.S. military members through letters, emails, cards and prayers.

Ways for you send your thanks:

1. Post your message of encouragement to our Texas Steakhouse & Saloon Facebook wall by December 5th.

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2. Email us your letter to TXletters@gmail.com by December 5th.

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We’ll print out your Facebook messages and emails and make sure they are delivered for distribution to our troops.

3. Deliver a written letter or card to your nearest Texas Steakhouse. All cards and letters must be delivered to our restaurants by December 1st in order for them to be delivered in time.

Texas letters

Click to enlarge letters

Thank you for your help, we look forward to sharing your words of support and encouragement with the service men and women who dedicate their lives to serving us!

The New Sangria is Refreshing!

October 20th, 2011

I was in the mood to try something different the other night and we were eating at Texas Steakhouse in Danville. The manager happened to be chatting with us when we first came in and he asked if we had tried the new Sangria? So, after we were seated my husband ordered a beer and I ordered the Red version, since I was going to have a steak that night. Red-Sangria Well, I never expected to enjoy something as much as I did as your new Red Sangria. It was so refreshing! It had a little fruit in it, something that made it fizzy and some yummy red wine. Wasn’t too sweet. And it came in a cute little carafe, filled to the top, that meant I actually got more than a typical glass of red wine. I am writing in to let you know how much I enjoyed it and I am glad that Bob, the manager, made the suggestion.

Jamey C.
Danville, VA

Thank You for the Wall of Heroes

October 7th, 2011

Dear Texas,

I come from three generations of military service. My grandfather fought in World War II, my father served in Vietnam and my younger brother is currently on his third tour in Afghanistan.

Whenever my family visits Texas Steakhouse, we always take a moment to look at the Wall of Heroes. We think about the people in the photos, their families and their stories.

Wall of Heroes blog image

About four months ago, I added a photo of my little brother to the Wall of Heroes at our local Texas Steakhouse. It was a small gesture, but a proud moment for me. When I told him, he laughed and said he couldn’t wait to see it.

It’s nice to have a place where our community can show pride for loved ones in the military. While I was talking to the hostess, she mentioned that you even have a Wall of Heroes on the Texas Steakhouse Facebook page.

I think it’s wonderful that you go to such measures to ensure that the bravery and sacrifice of our troops doesn’t go unnoticed. I’d like to thank everyone at Texas Steakhouse for the Wall of Heroes and let you know that your loyal support for military members and families doesn’t go unnoticed either.

Sincerely,

Janet M.

Smithfield, NC

The Wounded Warrior Project: Honoring & Empowering Our Heroes

September 30th, 2011

In 2009, Texas Steakhouse began donating one dollar of every Grandma’s Shortcake purchase to the Wounded Warrior Project — an organization committed to honoring and empowering servicemen and women who’ve suffered battle-related injuries since September 11, 2001.

With your help, we’ve now raised more than $33,000.

Jonathan Sullivan, Executive Vice President of Development for WWP, recently sent a letter commending our efforts. We would like to share it with all of you:

WWP_TSSLetter

We would like to thank Jonathan and the entire staff at WWP for the kind letter. We would also like to thank our guests who continue to make these donations possible. Most of all, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to the brave men and women of America’s Armed Forces. It is because of their courage and sacrifice that we enjoy the freedom, liberty and security we have today.

To learn more about the Wounded Warrior Project and all of the ways they help America’s injured veterans, please visit WoundedWarriorProject.org. Thanks again and remember, next time you’re in Texas, save room for Grandma’s Shortcake.

We Supercharged 2 for $20 – with Super Cheezy Chicken!

September 16th, 2011

Dear Real Texans,

My name is John Madren, I work for Texas Steakhouse, and I’m one of the biggest steak lovers you’ll ever meet. If I could, I’d eat steak for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and since joining the team at Texas, I admit I might’ve done so once or twice. (It’s one of the perks.)

My wife, on the other hand, sees things a little differently. Sure, she loves a good steak as much as anybody else, but she also likes to change things up now and then. Thankfully for couples like us, Texas Steakhouse just changed up the 2 for $20 deal by adding Super Cheezy Chicken.

Now, you can choose either two six-ounce mesquite-grilled Ribeyes or two eight-ounce Super Cheezy Chicken entrees. Or, if you’re like my wife and me, you can pick one of each. You’ll also get four big Side Kicks and a half-order of our famous Blossom Petals, all for just twenty bucks.

At Texas Steakhouse, we’re constantly looking for ways to give our guests more choices, more value and more flavor. I invite you to stop by tonight to try the newly supercharged $2 for $20. Whether you’re a steak fanatic like me or you like a little variety, it’s the perfect date-night deal.

See ya in Texas!

John Madren, District Manager

Texas Steakhouse &Saloon

Meet George Crane: Texas Steakhouse’s Speed Demon

September 9th, 2011

George Crane has a need for speed. As Senior Director of Operations at Texas Steakhouse, it is George’s duty to find ways to improve the overall guest experience, and he’s made increasing speed of service his top priority.

“Nothing spoils a good meal like slow service,” said George. “The food could be great, the atmosphere could be immaculate and the server could be friendly. But if you find yourself waiting too long for your food, for refills, for your check – it leaves a very bad impression, and it should never happen.”

With George leading the way, Texas Steakhouse has streamlined food prep procedures and server practices to maximize speed and efficiency, placing a special emphasis on the lunch crowd.

“Most folks get an hour for lunch,” said George, “and by the time they drive here, that’s ten minutes gone.”

“Once a guest arrives at Texas Steakhouse, our goal is to seat them, take their order, prepare their dish and serve them – all while leaving enough time to enjoy their meal and make it back to work on time – without compromising food quality.”

It appears to be paying off. George has gotten numerous compliments from guests who’ve noticed the faster service.

“Speed of service is a subject I’m very passionate about because it’s so important to the overall guest experience,” added George. “Our speed of service initiatives have made a big impact, and the guest response has been outstanding. I am really proud of how well our team is performing.”

Of course, for a speed demon like George, looking for ways to increase speed of service never ends. If you don’t believe it, just send him an email. At the bottom of his reply, you’ll find his now famous signature line:

“Sent while working on speed of service opportunities for Texas Steakhouse.”

speedofservice

A Salute to the Heroes of 9/11

September 9th, 2011

Dear Friends,

This weekend, as our nation observes the tenth anniversary of the September 11th attacks, it offers a time for reflection. It’s a time to remember the innocent victims who perished that morning, the first responders who courageously gave their lives to save others, and the heroes who have since given the ultimate sacrifice in the ongoing fight to protect our freedom.

It’s hard to believe that an entire decade has passed since the attacks on the Pentagon and the World Trade Center, especially when the horrific images of that day still remain so fresh in our memories. But while we’ll never forget the tragedy committed against our nation, September 11th has come to mean something far different: It’s come to symbolize American bravery, resilience and our unshakable will to live as a free nation.

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As you spend time with your family looking back on the events of September 11th, I encourage you to keep in mind the welfare of those brave men and women who are still on the battlefield, fighting to prevent another such attack. Everyday they put themselves in harm’s way not for personal gain or glory, but for their immense love of country, liberty and family.

On behalf of our Texas Steakhouse family, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to all who’ve served and continue to serve our great nation. They are true heroes, and without their courage and sacrifice, we wouldn’t enjoy the freedom and security we have today. Thanks again, and God Bless America.

Sincerely,

Terry Smith, President

Texas Steakhouse & Saloon