Dude's Steakhouse to be Featured on 'America's Best Restaurants'

Kelsey Arrington

Sidney Sun-Telegraph

What can only be described as an icon in the community, Dude's Steakhouse and Brandin' Iron Bar & Lounge located at 2126 Illinois Street has the same quality taste and ingredients served to generations of locals for the past 72 years. In formal recognition of their outstanding reputation, 'America's Best Restaurants' will be traveling to Sidney to feature them on May 8th with an open invitation to the public.

A true family affair, Dude's is now owned and operated by its fourth generation. "It's not a job or a career, it's a way of life. We breathe, think, and eat Dude's. We grew up in Dude's," said co-owner Joey Gorman. He and his sister Jenni commented about the establishment and its impact on their lives. "Our mom met her husband here. He started as a dishwasher when he was only 14 years old. As we said, it's just our way of life."

The Gorman's acknowledge the generational gem that has been passed down to them, "We knew we had a good thing when we were young when everyone was remarking on the food; we knew Grandpa was really onto something," they explain. True to tradition, the siblings who have operated the restaurant since 1999, have maintained the principles taught to them by the original Dude: keep top-quality ingredients on the table, and they'll keep coming back for more.

As part of his initial game plan, Dude purchased the rights to his sauce recipes soon after opening from the Denver Culinary Institute and they have laid untouched; it's hard to perfect what is already perfect. In fact. the same signature sauces first introduced to Dude's consumers in the 60s have continued to please returning customers today. With Dude's legendary mushroom au jus, blue cheese and Thousand Island dressings, cocktail sauce, and crème de menthe sundaes still being made from scratch the same way, it's hard to find an unhappy tastebud.

In a sort of revolutionary idea to the concept of steakhouses, Dude believed in putting quality before all else, "Dude always told us – don't use steak sauces, people want to taste that high-quality Nebraska beef. He wanted to find something to properly accent that flavor and pull it out, his signature au jus does just that," Gorman had to say in regards to the process behind Dude's classic flavor profile, "the mushrooms are just a double plus."

The impact Dude's has had on the community ripples into its personal lives as well. Gorman's wife Sarah helps to manage the franchise and keep its heartbeat alive and she too has fond memories associated with the historic establishment. Growing up, Sarah and her family spent many special occasions sampling Dude's scrumptious fare and especially enjoying the "cup of mushrooms," as they called it. Now working alongside her husband, the tables have truly turned, "I enjoy the customers, I'm proud of the legacy of the restaurant and the food we serve. Hearing 'that's the best steak I've ever had' makes you feel like we're doing something right," she had to say in regards to the reputation Dude's upholds, "We still have customers from five, 10, even 15 years ago and that is rewarding. We know we're a luxury item and we're thankful for the continued support."

During the seven decades of Dude's, many happy bellies have come and gone, but the same can not be said about its employees. Boasting a small but mighty crew, Dude's has had the same chef serving up its gourmet breakfasts and entrees since 1983. That is in no way to discredit the other staff, some of whom have spent anywhere from 40 to 50 years serving Dude's tables. "We couldn't have made the last 72 years happen if it weren't for our amazing employees - all the husbands and wives that have married into this business and selflessly devoted themselves," Gorman mentions them with deep emotion in his voice. "I've always been proud of my family and the reputation they've created and maintained," Gorman remarks, "We're proud of who we are and what we've come from."

That pride shines through, with the past 25 years falling into the hands of Dude's grandchildren, and they've had rather big shoes to fill. "In '98 we lost the original Dude, and we wondered about our success. But we kept our heads down and have managed to keep the reputation he cemented alive." Gorman notes, "Whenever we have a question we ask ourselves 'what would Grandpa, Grandma or Mom do?' and the question seems to somehow answer itself."

A "by chance" inquiry through Facebook messenger led to the opportunity Dude's now has before them, a special live taping by America's Best Restaurants on May 8th. A chance to also be featured on the segment, Dude's is encouraging locals to help them celebrate by attending the special 5:00 p.m. event on Wednesday, May 8th. Entrees of either their famous prime rib or Parmesan halibut will be on the menu with side dishes to be announced the day of.

As this is an exciting time for Dude's, much is to be planned ahead of time, and reservations will not be accepted for the evening. "We've been humbled by how many people have called, and we encourage everyone to come early and to get a spot in line outside of the door," Gorman stated.

The Dude's feature will be available to watch not only from the side of your table but from ABR's YouTube page as well, http://www.youtube.com/@AmericasBestRestaurants

If you would like more information, you may call Dude's Steakhouse at 308-254-9080 or visit with them directly during normal operating hours.

Author Bio

Kelsey Arrington, Staff Reporter

Cheyenne County native, local business owner.