History of Steak N Shake

Introduction

One of the oldest restaurant chains in the United States, The Steak n Shake Company operates more than 500 Steak n Shake restaurants throughout 17 midwestern and southeastern states. Of the 500 restaurants in operation, approximately 50 are franchised, with the remainder company-owned. The Indianapolis, Indiana-based chain is best known for its burgers (which are referred to as 'steakburgers') and milkshakes, but also serves a range of other sandwiches, salads, soups, and side dishes. The restaurants, which are open around the clock, cater to a midrange, casual dining market, with the average meal costing approximately $5.60. They offer full-service dining areas, counter service, and drive-through options. This paper will cover the history of Steak N Shake brand and company, including the success and growth of the corporation.

Main Body

The Beginning

This business began in the early 1930’s when a shell gas station owner by the name of Gus Belt was threatened that his gas station would be shut down. He then decided to secure a $300 loan to turn his gas station into a restaurant. The gas station became a one stop shop, with a restaurant attached to a gas station. In 1934 Belt renamed the new eatery Steak N Shake. The name refered to the restaurants hallmark sandwich, the steakburger. The burger was made with real cuts of T-bone, strip steak, and sirloin, ground up, formed into patties and grilled. Belt lived on a farm, and raised cattle, so he used his own best cuts of beef from only the best of his livestock. The shakes were prepared from ice cream that the Belts prepared themselves. Geniune Chili was one of the first signature sides that was added. Like many other restaurants, during the 50’s Steak n Shakes restaurant’s were all drive in properties.

Business Techniques

Steak n Shake serves a discrete role in the family dining fragment in the restaurant industry though it was initially a gas station. The core menu of the restaurant is...