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Hernando Today

Juicy Steaks And Line Dancing

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By TONY HOLT

Hernando Today

Published: January 21, 2009

BROOKSVILLE - The hype swirling over new Texas Roadhouse was palpable long before the first fillet sizzled on the grill.

An hour before the "Now Hiring" signs were posted, there was a line stretching across the parking lot behind the restaurant. General Manager Tom Payton had a feeling there would be some interest, but he never imagined the daily herds of people as he and his staff interviewed candidates.

"I've never seen anything like it," he said as he shook his head. "On the first day, there was a four-hour wait. There were already 30 people in line by 9 a.m. We started at 10 a.m. and we didn't even have a sign out."

The unemployment rate in Hernando County had surged past 10 percent. There was desperation among the more than 5,000 applicants. Payton made sure he chose the ones who not only were enthusiastic about working at the area's newest chain restaurant, but those who had the people skills to match.

Having tasty steaks and ribs is one advantage. Payton, however, wanted employees who know how to interact and entertain.

The employees do more than take orders, sling drinks and serve food. They help make the steakhouse a family experience. That includes dropping everything at the top of the hour and line dancing.

The dancing is what drew Ashley Furlong, 19, to the restaurant. She was hired as a server in spite of no previous restaurant experience.
Payton didn't dwell too much on experience during the interviews. He wanted people who could sell and make the customers feel at home.
Furlong also works part-time as a Weeki Wachee mermaid and is a dancer at the Show Palace Dinner Theater in Hudson.

"It's a lot of fun," she said. "Everything is upbeat here. The people are great and the food is wonderful."
Furlong mentioned the "fall-off-the-bone ribs" - as did Payton, bartender Andrea Brinkman and regional manager Phil Tall. The ribs - like the hand-cut steaks - are a major attraction.

"This is a place where you can bring your mother and your kids ... The whole family is welcome," Brinkman said. "There's dancing. There are peanuts. Once you come here, you are going to want to come back. It just feels like home."
Texas Roadhouse employees trained last week and prepared meals for VIP guests during the weekend. Monday was the grand opening.

"Our number one (trait) is our commitment to food quality," said Tall, who supervises all of the chain's restaurants in Florida. "Everything is made from scratch. Customers can choose their own steaks."

The steaks are on display under a glass case just a few feet from where the hostess takes names during the dinner rush. New York strips, Texas T-bones, sirloins and filet medallions are among the choices. They can be cooked rare, medium rare, medium, medium well and well done.

The appetizers include cheese fries, tater skins, Texas red chili and the famous cactus blossom.

The ribs are available in a third of a slab, half slab or full slab. Combination platters, sandwiches, salads, kids' meals and burgers also are sold there.
Texas Roadhouse also is famous for its Margaritas and ice-cold beer selections.
Payton gave a tour of the restaurant, which included an open area that includes a flat-screen television and jerseys from all the local high school teams. It is consistent with the restaurant's desire to be a "community place," he said.

There are also murals painted on the walls that include all things related to Hernando and its history - from tangerines to mermaids.

Also included is Andy the Armadillo - the restaurant's mascot. A blown-up, 30-foot version of Andy is located along Cortez Boulevard.

The average price per check is barely more than $13.20. With the sputtering economy and restaurants closing across the region, it seems the timing was less than ideal for a new steakhouse.
Payton is confident of its success because it is a viable option for those families looking for inexpensive places to dine.

"We're the best type of restaurant for this economy," he said. "We're very fair with our prices."

Biz at a glance:

Name of biz - Texas Roadhouse
What it is - Restaurant that serves steaks, ribs, etc.

Where it is - 12935 Cortez Blvd.

Hours of operation - 4 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 4 to 11 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday

For call ahead seating - 352-596-2225

Reporter Tony Holt can be reached at 352-544-5283 or wholt@hernandotoday.com.

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