City scores another restaurant on Berkeley
By Matt Caulder
Published in News on January 17, 2014 1:46 PM
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News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
Scotty Couch of Kelley Construction tosses a piece of air duct into a scrap pile as the inside of the former Ryan's on North Berkeley Boulevard is gutted for renovations to make way for a Texas Roadhouse, which is scheduled to open in May.
Three years after Ryan's Family Steak House closed its doors, work began this week on a new steakhouse in the old location on Berkeley Boulevard.
Texas Roadhouse, a Kentucky-based restaurant chain, is slated to open May 26 following a full interior remodel on the location, general contractor Dean Smith said.
Smith builds Texas Roadhouses all over the country for Kelley Construction.
"We're doing a complete indoor demo," Smith said. "We are going to fix up the inside like a Texas Roadhouse and clear off the front to look like a Texas Roadhouse entrance. We're going to go down to the metal walls and start again."
Smith said Texas Roadhouse is a step above many other steakhouses available today.
"It's better food and better service," Smith said.
Once a location opens, Smith stays on for a couple weeks to make sure everything is running smoothly, he said.
And yes, he eats for free during that time.
"I'm being partial, but I love it," Smith said.
Texas Roadhouse will be open for dinner during the week and lunch and dinner on weekends.
The chain has more than 400 locations in 48 states, including Alaska.
On average, each location seats more than 280 customers.
Steaks account for almost half of its menu, but the restaurant also serves burgers, sandwiches, pork, chicken and seafood as well as vegetarian offerings.