The Ever Famous All-You-Can-Eat Bonanza Steakhouse
Eric “Hoss” Cartwright was a beloved character on the popular television show Bonanza. Bonanza aired for 14 consecutive seasons on NBC from 1959-1973.
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Anybody who was around in the 1960s saw at least one episode of the show Bonanza. Bonanza was synonymous with that era! The series featured a western family in Nevada by the name of Cartwright. The episodes took place on the Cartwright ranch and followed the family as they navigated the ups and downs of life in the west.
Hoss
Dan Blocker was the actor who played the ever-popular Eric “Hoss” Cartwright, one of the sons who helped to run the ranch.
In 1963 Dan Blocker decided to play off of the show’s popularity, and he opened a western-style steakhouse by the same name. The first Bonanza Steakhouse was opened in Westport, Ct. under the Bonanza Sirloin Pit.
A few years later, in 1966, Sam Blocker sold that restaurant and a few more he had opened to Sam Wyly and his brother, Charles. The Wyly brothers renamed the chain Bonanza Steakhouse.
During the late 1960s, two men named Dan Lasater and Norm Wiese got into the game. They saw how much the chain had taken off and, in particular, how popular the idea of the steakhouse restaurant had become.
Expansion
For this reason, Lasater and Weise decided to come together and open a chain of steakhouse restaurants modeled after Bonanza, which they called Ponderosa.
Lasater and Weise were none too happy about the theft of the original idea that was their steakhouse. Throughout the remainder of the 1960s and 70s, the two Steakhouses found themselves in fierce competition.
In 1989 Bonanza had grown to 600 locations worldwide, and Ponderosa had grown to over 700. In 1997, Dan Lasater and Norm Weise came to their senses and merged under Metromedia Family Steakhouses or Homestyle Dining, L.L.C., and together the two corporations had 1315 locations.
The Appeal of Bonanza
Bonanza offered homestyle entrees such as chicken, fish, steak, and of course, the famous all-you-can-eat buffet. The buffet included a fully stocked salad bar and a wide variety of side dishes and desserts.
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The owners ensured that their restaurants made people feel welcome and comfortable. They stressed an atmosphere of casual dining and advertised the slogan, “Come as you are!”
One of the goals of the Bonanza corporation was to save its customers money. They wanted them to feel like they could have an enjoyable evening with their families without worrying about breaking the bank! In the 1960s, Bonanza Steakhouses were known for charging .99 cents to 1.99 for a steak dinner. A family of 5 could eat for less than $6.00!
And what’s more, the steakhouse chain had a NO TIPPING policy with its customers! They wanted their customers to feel free from pressure to lay out any extra money above and beyond the initial check.
Decline of The Steakhouse Restaurant
At the start of the 21st century, there was a slow but steady decline of the steakhouse restaurant industry. One reason for this was the rising cost of beef. The high beef prices made it virtually impossible for such establishments to offer meal deals at such economical prices,
Furthermore, as the millennial generation came onto the scene, they began opting for a healthier and calorie-conscious lifestyle. It became clear to steakhouse owners that millennials were not likely to eat big slabs of steak and sides of mashed potatoes slathered in rich, heavy gravy.
Finally, it also became clear that this new generation was beginning to lean toward quick, convenient eating establishments such as Moe’s and Chipoltle, Due to busy schedules, they were less likely to opt for family-style eating and lengthy sit-down meals.
Little Known Facts About Bonanza Steakhouse Restaurants
The name Ponderosa was also a take on the 1960s Bonanza television show. The Cartwright family lived on the Ponderosa ranch.
Dan Blocker died in 1972 at 43 and didn’t live to see the growth of the Bonanza Steakhouse chain.
Bonanza was one of the first restaurant chains to introduce all-you-can-eat buffet-style dining.
Bonanza Steakhouse – Still Around
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Franchise Opportunity
It’s still possible to own a Bonanza restaurant. To inquiry about franchise opportunities, you can click the steak below:
However, despite these interesting tidbits and a successful run, Bonanza Steakhouse took a hit in the late 90s and early 2000s. The restaurant chain struggled to keep up with changing dining trends and faced stiff competition from other family-style restaurants. It didn’t help that many of their locations were situated in shopping malls, which saw declining foot traffic and sales.
In 2008, the parent company filed for bankruptcy and closed over 100 locations. But all is not lost for fans of the franchise. Today, Bonanza Steakhouse and its sister brand, Ponderosa Steakhouse, still have locations across the United States and in other countries. They’ve adapted to the times, offering online ordering and delivery services alongside their classic menu items.
So, while Bonanza Steakhouse may not be as prominent in pop culture as it once was, it’s still around for fans of casual dining and classic American fare. And who knows? With their recent focus on digital services and convenient dining options, perhaps we’ll see Bonanza make a comeback in the near future.
Coming Back?
Despite facing challenges that led to bankruptcy and closure of over 100 locations, the Bonanza Steakhouse franchise has continued to operate and adapt to the changing times. With a focus on online ordering and delivery services, the restaurant still offers its classic American fare to fans of casual dining. Although it may not be as prominent as it once was, it’s comforting to know that Bonanza Steakhouse is still around and has even expanded to other countries. Who knows what the future holds for this iconic brand? Maybe we’ll see a resurgence in popularity and a return to its former glory days. Until then, we can still enjoy their delicious food and reminisce about the good times.
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