Star City 6 – Bennett Chamness
Originating in Grand Island, Texas T-Bone Steakhouse (texastbonesteakhouse.com) expanded into Lincoln in 2015 with its newest location at 70th & O Street. Bennett Chamness is the owner of the Texas T-Bone Steakhouse franchise.
Tell us a little about your business. – Texas T-Bone Steakhouse is a restaurant concept we developed 25 years ago now because we to provide people in our community with the best value for their money on quality steaks. Our motto is “Everything is Big Except Our Prices!” and that’s exactly how we run our business.
How did you get started in the restaurant industry? – I came to Kearney, NE in 1974 to work for a childhood friend as an assistant manager at a steakhouse chain after I got out of the service. Holding that position until 1980, I learned a great deal about the restaurant industry and more specifically, what I thought would make for a great steakhouse.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Challenges definitely come with the territory in the restaurant industry, from general operations such as keeping the bar high for food/drink quality and excellent customer service to staffing and training as well as navigating growth and expansion. I’m proud to say over the last 41 years my work ethic has allowed me to stay on top of all these things. To this day there are still plenty of challenges that present themselves, but it’s what I do and what I enjoy.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – I worked for the same individual for 33 years towards achieving the goal of creating a successful restaurant chain. That hard work allowed him to retire the way he wanted to retire.
Tell us a little about your family. – I was blessed to be able to marry the love of my life; her name is Peggy and we’ve been married now for 41 years. She successfully raised our 3 sons, who have all turned out to be amazing young men. I am a happy “Gramps” now too.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – One of them would be when my first son was born. Once I entered into parenthood I realized I had to change directions to be more responsible, as well as being a smart businessman to provide for my family.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Visit my grandkids or ride my Harley Davidson.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Work hard and be an honest man.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – My handyman abilities.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – A farmer.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – I am involved with anything that helps and supports military veterans and law enforcement.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – The Bible.
What is your favorite movie? – Forrest Gump.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Funny enough, it’s Red Lobster. Because I am in the steakhouse business, I like to change it up and I love trying out new seafood dishes.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Ronald Reagan.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Call (402) 904-4666, email texastbonsteakhouselincoln@gmail.com, visit texastbonesteakhouse.com, or stop by the restaurant and say hello!