They would also need the right people and systems in place in order to grow the concept back to its original glory, at a pace that matches the pent-up market demand. Meet Paul Mangiamele, the bold soul who is resurrecting Steak and Ale—the Norman Brinker-founded restaurant that first opened in and became known for introducing the salad bar.
Mangiamele has more than 30 years in the hotel, restaurant, franchising, and retail industries, in both private and public organizations. Widely considered the early model for casual dining, Steak and Ale was founded on the premise of providing great steaks at affordable pricing and attentive, friendly service in an intimate yet comfortable environment.
Inspired by the warmth of an English inn, the concept took off and grew to nearly locations by the s. Steak and Ale shuttered the remaining 58 at the time of the bankruptcy filing.
So that was key. But the other key to it was to put your own money up. The Mangiameles formed Legendary Restaurant Brands LLC, with a mission to revolutionize casual dining by reintroducing beloved, legacy restaurant brands that people are nostalgic for, but give those concepts an upscale makeover and grow at a sustainable pace.
Every dollar I ever earned I worked my butt off for. Same with my wife. Now operating out of Dallas, the chain came out on the other side of ownership changes and restructuring and is already reaching new heights. The Mangiameles were even extras in the movie, sitting in a booth behind Tan and Roberts during one scene.
