Bullheads Steakhouse reopens near Lostant

Since 1971, Bullheads Steakhouse, located just south of Lostant, has been a popular choice among local diners. After being closed for approximately a year, a new owner has taken the reins, reopening the eatery and retaining the original charm.

Tammy Walking, of nearby Kangley, has years of restaurant experience and had always wanted a restaurant of her own. She also resisted advice from others to open one in town.

"I've always liked this place," Walking said.

"It's kind of weird, but there's just something about it that pulls you into it, and it doesn't matter what room you're in. It's kind of a throwback and sort of feels like the Fifties in here," she said of the eclectic decor and building layout.

Expanded four times since its original opening in 1971, Bullheads Steakhouse features multiple rooms, wood beams and paneling, arched entries, strings of warmly colored lights, a long bar, and a variety of styles and themes, including Spanish flamenco and Marilyn Monroe.

This unusual combination results in a cozy, casual and intimate location for guests to enjoy their meals.

"Our new menu is close to the original with steaks, ribs and chicken, but we've added some new items, including a salad bar and the freshly baked bread we make every morning," Walking said.

She described how when she opened on Dec. 18, without any advertising, she was surprised at how quickly people arrived.

"All we did was turn on the lights, and I was soon told there was a line that stretched around the building," she said.

Walking said she's been grateful for the warm welcome she's received and is looking forward to including some of her own styling touches.

"I want to turn the center room into a veterans room. I think it's important they see that and that we support them. I'm also thinking of changing the Marilyn Monroe room into either NASCAR or old tractors, but I haven't decided yet," she said.

She said the building was in great shape and didn't need much work to reopen.

"But we did have two fryers go down on our first night, so I would like to thank all of our customers who were so understanding," she said.

Bullheads Steakhouse is truly a family run restaurant as well, with Walking's mother, Debbie Myers, on staff, as well as her children, Zach, 14; Alexis 12; and Joyce, 11.

"I've liked meeting all the new people and it's unique here," Joyce said of her work.

"Everyone's been here every day and helping with everything. I couldn't do this without them," Walking said.

She added how she's enjoyed seeing the smiles on her customer's faces and described the satisfaction of finally owning her own restaurant.

"It was time to do it for me. If I was going to be putting in all those hours and effort, I wanted it to be for me and I love it," she said.

The family connection is another reason Walking chose to follow her dream.

"I want to keep this going until I can pass it down to my children and keep the family tradition alive," she said, looking forward to years of welcoming the familiar faces and encouraging her new guests.

Bullheads Steakhouse is located along Route 251, just south of Lostant, near the intersection with Route 18. For more information, call 815-368-9382.

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