DALLAS — The comeback plan to open a Steak and Ale restaurant in North Texas is no longer in the works -- for now.
Last year, the DFW-based restaurant chain Steak and Ale announced it would open its first location in Grand Prairie some time in 2024. But now those plans have been temporarily nixed, officials told WFAA Tuesday.
"Regardless of the strong headwinds, naysayers, and regulatory assaults on small business everywhere, we continue to persevere and plan to, once again, open our iconic brands in the greater DFW area when those winds begin to shift in our favor," restaurant officials said in a statement.
Steak and Ale was a casual dining chain known for its steaks, unlimited salad bar, beer, wine and Tudor-style decor.
The once-popular restaurant chain soared to some 200 locations at the height of its success in the 1980s. Following a long decline, it ceased operations in 2008 when its then-parent company filed for bankruptcy. The chain was founded by Norman Brinker, the same restauranteur who founded Chili's.
"We deeply appreciate the groundswell of support as well as the genuine and heartfelt affection most folks have for Bennigan’s, Bennigan’s On The Fly and Steak and Ale. The developers and franchise groups that we are working with continue to present building plans and layouts that we hope will be approved without further delay," restaurant officials said in a statement.
