For over fifty years, Sizzler steak houses have offered a wallet-friendly choice for families wanting a good meal.

Founded in 1958, it is a U.S.-based restaurant chain located in Mission Viejo, California.

Today, it remains one of the most recognizable names on the West Coast for salads, seafood, and steaks.

History of Sizzler

Sizzler Family Steak House was founded in 1958 by Helen and Del Johnson in Culver City, CA.

At its peak popularity, the chain operated over 270 locations across America, with most restaurants in western states like California, Oregon, Arizona, Washington, Idaho, and so on.

From the late 1970s to the early ‘80s, the restaurant promoted steak dinners and combination meals with an optional salad bar.

The restaurant’s mission was to provide customers with the feel of a full-service restaurant but feature prices just a little higher than fast food.

To reduce costs, many Sizzlers utilized in-house butchers to grind beef and cut steaks.

This business model proved effective until the mid-1980s when new competitors entered the market.

Notably, Bonanza Steakhouse and Ponderosa Steakhouse emerged, aiming to capture a share of Sizzler’s market.

Sizzler introduced various promotions, including an all-you-can-eat fried shrimp deal, which led to the expansion of their salad bar into the “Buffet Court,” causing patrons to adopt the buffet as their primary meal.

The restaurant responded by lowering the quality of some menu areas and introducing free grilled cheese bread rolls before dinner.

The only problem was that the rolls were meant to line the stomach and curb appetites, and customers quickly noticed the trick, thus, tarnishing their reputation.

Chapter 11 Bankruptcy & A Sale

In 1996, Sizzler filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy due to the “costly leases on unprofitable restaurants.” This process forced them to close more than 130 locations before reemerging from bankruptcy the following year.

During the late ‘90s, Sizzler was placed under new management that increased the prices and upgraded the quality of food.

As you might imagine, the changes were not well-received, and by 2001, the chain shut down an additional 21 locations.

By 2002, Sizzler was undergoing a significant image transformation. This effort introduced a new restaurant concept featuring a brighter, more open dining room design.

Alongside these upgrades, the menu was revamped to refocus on Sizzler’s roots: seafood, steaks, and a salad bar.

While the all-you-can-eat buffet was phased out in most locations, it was retained in some.

In 2005, Sizzler was purchased by Pacific Equity Partners, an investment firm based in Australia.

Sizzler USA announced in June 2011 that a U.S. management group would buy the remaining locations in America while Pacific Equity Partners would retain the international ones.

Once the deal was finalized, Sizzler moved its headquarters from Culver City to Mission Viejo, where it remains today.

Sizzler Today

Sizzler USA filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in 2020 due to the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic, which forced them to close dining rooms and struggle with rent in California areas hit hard by COVID-19 restrictions.

Despite this, there are still 88 locations open where diners can enjoy a meal, including a steak and salad, with family or friends.

About the Founders

Helen and Del Johnson are the founders of Sizzler, a popular restaurant chain they started in California in 1958.

After meeting in a factory in the late 1950s and marrying in 1960, they opened Sizzler to provide delicious, affordable meals.

Their first location quickly became successful, allowing them to expand to over 200 sites globally.

Today, the Johnsons remain involved in the business, serving as an inspiring example of a successful partnership and the rewards of hard work and dedication.

Sizzler – Still Around

Today, there are still some Sizzler restaurants in operation. You can find them by clicking on the map below

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While Sizzler may never reach the height of its popularity in the 80s and 90s, it still holds a special place in the hearts of many Americans who grew up dining at Sizzler with their families.

Despite its ups and downs, Sizzler is still a pop culture icon and a symbol of a simpler time.

If you’re feeling nostalgic, visit a Sizzler nearby and enjoy a piece of history with your meal. You might even see the iconic neon sign associated with the Sizzler name.