Do you also miss the savory memories of Murry’s Steaks? There was a time in America when this family-owned steakhouse wasn’t merely a restaurant but a cherished destination for meat lovers. Folks from all works of life gather to enjoy delicious steak under its welcoming roof.
Some of us who had the privilege of experiencing its unique offerings would likely still be wondering why this amazing brand decided to leave the stage. But why did Murry’s Steaks go out of business? Is it because of financial issues, or was it a strategic move to come back better?
Let’s take a moment together to see some of the recent events that happened behind the scenes of Murry’s Steak before the brand decided to wave the white flag.
A Closer Look at What Murry’s Steak Is
Before going deeper into the post, let’s first take a moment to see what the company is about. This will be especially useful for those who didn’t have the opportunity to know so much about the company when it was still around.
Murry’s Steaks was created by the iconic entrepreneur Alfred G. Mendelson in 1948. Right from the first day the brand opened its doors, it was obvious that Murry’s Steak would not just be a mere business but a brand that would resonate with an outstanding legacy in the food industry.
Alfred’s ingenious idea of hand-forming steaks in a modest grocery store laid a robust foundation for the company. Not too long after it was created, Murry’s Steaks rose to become one of the leading players in the industry when it comes to portion-controlled meat, seafood, and poultry for almost four decades.
However, despite its rich history and notable presence across various markets, including retail and wholesale, the company eventually folded and was absorbed by another company.
Is Murry’s Steak Still in Business?
Unfortunately, Murry’s Steak is no longer in business. The business folded up despite the impactful legacy and once-dominant presence it had in the Washington area.
Murry’s Steaks not only catered to retail consumers but also served a myriad of wholesale customers – from hotels and schools to military commissaries. However, events happened to the brand just as it did for some other brands at the time. Murry’s Steaks couldn’t weather the storm, and so had to throw in the towel and bow out of the market.
When the company was around, it enjoyed huge popularity among Americans and grew fast in all aspects as a business. In fact, before Murry’s Steak eventually decided to shutter its doors, the company had about 114 retail stores scattered across the country. Why did Murry’s Steaks go out of business, you ask? Let’s talk about that in the section below.
Why did Murry’s Steaks Go Out of Business?
One important thing we would like you to understand here is that Murry’s Steaks did not simply vanish away to join the list of failed businesses. It was, in fact, acquired by Rymer Co., a Chicago-based restaurant and food-service supplier, in a seemingly strategic move.
Ira Mendelson, Murry’s son and then company president, stated that the reason the company had to make the move was so it could diversify the financial portfolio of the family and align with a public company.
However, whether Mandelson was able to achieve these goals after the acquisition is what we wouldn’t want to talk about here in this post. But right now, we know that the reason Murry’s Steak decided to go out of business and be acquired by another is to improve the presence and financial footprint of the company.
How Popular was Murry’s Steak
Back in the day, you can bet Murry’s Steak is indeed a very popular brand around then. Before it was acquired, the company boasted of about 114 store locations. While that might not reverberate as a large-scale operation today, back in the day, Murry’s was a formidable player in the industry with that number of stores.
Plans of expansions and additional establishments, like their downtown Washington restaurant named New York, were also clear indicators that the business was indeed thriving back in the day. Had the chain still been operational today, it would arguably be rubbing shoulders with notable brands in the sector.
Who Bought Murry’s Steaks?
As we have said briefly already, Rymer Co. was the company that bought Murry’s Steaks. The company recognized the potential in Murry’s and acquired it for a substantial $60 million in the 1980s.
The synergy seemed reasonable, with Rymer’s expertise in portion-controlled food processing seemingly harmonizing with Murry’s business model, it looked like it was the beginning of a great company coming up.
Will the Brand be Coming Back to the Market?
In 1985, signs pointed toward an ambitious expansion, with Rymer aiming to inaugurate 30 additional stores within a year, even breaching into the vibrant New York market. Nonetheless, as the years progressed, the narrative surrounding the company diminished, leaving us with no information regarding Murry’s Steaks’ fate or any plans for a resurgence.
So, will Murry be coming back to the market soon? We cannot tell what the fate is. But right now, we doubt if we will be seeing the brand resurface in the market any time soon.
Murry’s Steaks Out of Business: Other Steakhouses to Try
While the memories of meals at Murry’s will forever linger, meat lovers might seek solace in exploring other esteemed steakhouses across the country. So, let’s quickly talk about a few steakhouses in America you can trust for the best experience even when Murry’s Steaks is no longer around.
#1: Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Often hailed as a spot for sizzling perfection, Ruth’s Chris is synonymous with top-tier, butter-topped steaks served in an elegant and welcoming atmosphere. With a commitment to serving USDA prime steaks, you can expect a premium dining experience here. In fact, Ruth’s Chris offers its steaks with a touch of formality that distinguishes it from the more homely vibe of Murry’s.
#2: The Capital Grille
This steakhouse extends an invitation to a world where dry-aged steaks are paired beautifully with selections from an award-winning wine list. Known for its culinary expertise and rich, luxurious ambiance, The Capital Grille seeks to offer an upscale dining experience to its visitors. The steakhouse is especially noted for its attention to detail in meat aging, ensuring a tender, flavorful steak that’s distinctly theirs.
#3: Texas Roadhouse
Embracing a vibrant, casual, and family-friendly atmosphere, Texas Roadhouse offers a stark contrast to the steakhouses we have mentioned before. Here, you can always enjoy hand-cut steaks in a lively, boisterous setting. The country music that is always playing in the background is another plus for Texas Roadhouse. That is one thing Murry’s Steaks did not have.
#4: LongHorn Steakhouse
This chain has carved a niche for itself with bold flavors and a penchant for grilling to perfection. LongHorn is recognized for its robust seasoning and a vast menu that caters to various preferences. Whatever it is you want, you can bet this steakhouse has something that tickles their palate.
Not as formal as Ruth’s Chris or The Capital Grille, but not as casual as Texas Roadhouse. LongHorn strikes a balance by offering a warm, inviting atmosphere where steak is celebrated in various enjoyable forms.
Related Articles You Might Like:
