The "Beefsteak Charlie's" restaurant chain was started in early 1976 by restaurateur Larry Ellman, whose "Steak & Brew" chain (part of the Longchamps organization) had filed for Chapter 11 reorganization in the fall of 1975.[9] Steak & Brew, Inc., was renamed Beefsteak Charlies, Inc.,[10] and many Steak & Brew locations were converted into Beefsteak Charlie's.[11][12] As the chain first filed for a trademark on the "Beefsteak Charlie's" name in March of 1976, and no prior trademark existed, it appears there was no direct connection to the namesake restaurant which inspired the chain.[13]
Beefsteak Charlie's marketing concept emphasized an all-you-can-eat shrimp and salad bar, as well as unlimited beer, wine, or sangria.[14][9][15] Early 1980s advertising featured an actor in early 20th century dress playing the role of Beefsteak Charlie, later joined by his nephew "Beefsteak Chuck."[16] Two of the chain's famous indulgent slogans were "I'll feed you like there's no tomorrow" and "You're gonna get spoiled."[17]
As of 1984, the chain had over 60 locations,[18] located mostly along the East Coast. Corporate owner "Beefsteak Charlies, Inc." changed its name in 1985 to "Lifestyle Restaurants, Inc."[19] In August 1987, the chain was acquired by Bombay Palace Restaurants,[20][14] via a merger with Lifestyle Restaurants[21] for a reported $8.4 million in stock.[22] At the time of the 1987 merger, it was reported that the chain had 48 locations, but had closed 20 locations and lost $20 million since 1984.[14] When Bombay filed for bankruptcy two years later, the chain was reported to have only 35 outlets.[21]
At least a few locations of the chain hung on into the 1990s and early 2000s. In 1992, the chain was advertising only two remaining locations in Manhattan--at 51st Street and Broadway (originally the famous Lindy's location), and at 45th Street and Eighth Avenue (though other outlets may still have been open).[23] In 2000, franchise restaurant operator Riese Organization converted its 45th Street location into "Joe Franklin's Memory Lane Restaurant".[24][25] A Manhattan location on Eighth Avenue at the Howard Johnson's Plaza hotel appears to have closed shortly after September 11, 2001.[26]
At least as of March 2003, one "Beefsteak Charlie's" was advertised as being open in Elmsford, New York[27], though it is unclear if the restaurant had any connection to the prior chain, as the chain's trademarks had expired, and a new registration was filed for in 2001.[13] In 2009, reports surfaced of a new Beefsteak Charlie's opening in the Westfield Sunrise Mall in Nassau County, New York.[28]
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