The Big Texan Steak Ranch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Big Texan Steak Ranch |
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Front view of the Big Texan Steak Ranch
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| Restaurant information | |
| Established | 1960 |
| Food type | Steakhouse |
| Dress code | Casual |
| Street address | 7701 Interstate 40 Access Rd |
| City | Amarillo, Texas |
| Country | United States |
The Big Texan Steak Ranch is a famous steakhouse and motel in Amarillo, Texas, United States. It first opened in 1960 on the old U.S. Route 66. In 1970, it moved to its current spot on Interstate 40. After a fire in 1976, the restaurant was rebuilt even bigger in 1977.
The building is painted a bright yellow with blue trim. A large bull statue outside advertises their "free" 72-ounce steak challenge.
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The 72-Ounce Steak Challenge
The Big Texan is most famous for its giant 72 ounce (which is 4.5 pounds or 2.04 kg) steak. This huge steak is free if you can eat the entire meal in one hour or less. The meal includes the steak, a bread roll with butter, a baked potato, a shrimp cocktail, and a salad. If you don't finish it, the meal costs $72.
People who successfully complete the challenge have their names added to a special list at the restaurant. So far, over 9,800 people have won this challenge out of about 68,000 who have tried.
How the Challenge Started
The challenge began in 1960. The restaurant's founder, Bob Lee, held a contest to see which cowboy could eat the most steaks in an hour. The prize was $5. One cowboy ate four and a half 1-pound steaks, plus all the sides. Bob Lee was so impressed that he declared: "Whoever eats that much again in my restaurant, he gets it for free."
If you want to try the 72-ounce steak challenge, you pay for the meal first. If you succeed, your money is given back to you. The steak is cooked just how you like it. The challenge happens at a special table on a raised platform in the main dining room.
Records and Famous Eaters
Many people have tried to beat the clock. The record for the fastest time to finish the entire meal was held by competitive eating champion Joey Chestnut. He finished it in 8 minutes and 52 seconds in 2008.
However, in 2014, a competitive eater named Molly Schuyler broke his record. She finished the meal in just 4 minutes and 58 seconds! She even ate a second meal in 14 minutes and 57 seconds. In 2015, Molly broke her own record, finishing the first meal in 4 minutes and 18 seconds.
The restaurant also has a live stream so you can watch people try the challenge. Their website also has a Hall of Fame listing all the winners.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the challenge was paused for a while. The restaurant still offered delivery and curbside pickup.
The Big Texan in Movies and TV
The Big Texan Steak Ranch has appeared in several movies and TV shows:
- In the movie Waking Up in Reno, the Texas King meal is shown.
- It was featured on the Travel Channel's Man v. Food, where host Adam Richman completed the challenge.
- It also appeared in Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations.
- The restaurant's famous Cadillac limos, which have longhorn hood ornaments, inspired the character Tex Dinoco in the 2006 animated film Cars.
- In an episode of King of the Hill called "And They Call It Bobby Love", a similar restaurant called the "Panhandler Steakhouse" was a parody of The Big Texan.
Big Texan Gift Shop
Inside the restaurant's lobby, you'll find one of the biggest Texas gift shops. The shop has a live rattlesnake display. You can buy many different items, including things related to Route 66, John Wayne, Big Texan T-shirts, and brewery merchandise. You can also shop online at the gift shop website.
Big Texan Motel
Next to the restaurant is the Big Texan Motel, which has 54 rooms. The motel looks like an old West town street and has Texas-themed decorations. It even has a swimming pool shaped like the state of Texas! In 2004, a stable for horses was added behind the motel.
Handcrafted Beer
The Big Texan Brewery started making its own handcrafted beers in 2011. Draft Magazine even named The Big Texan one of the top 10 places to have a beer in America. Some of their beers include Honey Blonde Ale, Palo Duro Ale, Texas Red Amber Ale, and Pecan Porter.
Big Texan RV Ranch
The Big Texan also has an RV park where guests can stay in their recreational vehicles.
Top Steakhouse in Texas
In 2013, viewers of Bob Phillips's TV show Texas Country Reporter voted the Big Texan the "No. 1 Steakhouse in Texas."
