Cattleman’s Steakhouse earns a spot in the National Steakhouse Hall of Fame
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Supper time came early on a Friday night in Stockyard City and Cattleman’s Restaurant was already full and humming.
Prime steaks were coming off the grill as fast as they could cook, and heading to tables full of hungry customers who’ve been filing in here since 1910 when a small dining room first opened.
But upstairs, something extra was brewing for a short list of longtime owners to really celebrate.
Bob Sambol, a steakhouse owner in his own right, and founder of the Steakhouse Hall of Fame, finally made it official by presenting current Cattleman’s owners with a shiny plaque and a hearty handshake.
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This OKC mainstay eatery became the 7th inductee into his exclusive club.
“Steakhouses never go out of style,” he told a small gathering. “I always like to say, ‘when something good happens you don’t invite them out for chicken.’ You say, ‘let’s go have a steak, and celebrate.'”
Call it regional bias, but Sambol hadn’t really considered Cattleman’s as Hall of Fame material until food service provider Ben E. Keith and company President Mike Sweet nominated Dick Stubbs and Director of Operations David Egan.
“Cattleman’s has such a great history, 100 plus years in this market,” argues Sweet.
Sambol booked a trip north from Dallas and knew as soon as he walked through the doors.
He recalls, “I realized and felt, and talked to some people who were waiting for dinner. I said, ‘this is it.'”
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Longevity was one factor he considered. Loyalty to customers and employees was another.
“We have many generations that continue to eat here,” says Egan.
Cattleman’s owner Stubbs and his wife Tina were still savoring the warm feel of their new trophy Friday night while deciding where to display it.
His first idea, “I think we’ll put it right on the host stand as you walk in the door.”
Cattleman’s restaurant has only had a handful of owners in the past century plus, including Rancher Gene Wade who, famously, won the place in a card game.
Stubbs and Egan took over in 1990 and kept the place going by relying on great traditions and great steak — truly Hall of Fame material.
For more information about Cattleman’s Steakhouse, click here. And for more information on Bob Sambol’s Steakhouse Hall of Fame, click here.
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