It’s been a year that required patience and creativity for the week two restaurant winners. From keeping up with young and energetic membership to opening the doors in the midst of a pandemic, the establishments were grateful for the big tip to support their staff.

Champions Run of Omaha, Neb., and South Street Grille of Ashland, Ohio, each received $2,500 from the Certified Angus Beef ® brand as a part of the #RestaurantChallenge campaign working to support the struggling industry across the country.

Champions Run | Omaha, Nebraska

An off-the-cuff idea for a $5 drive-thru burger night evolved into four neighborhood events for the Omaha-based membership at Champions Run after restrictions made dining in a challenge.

“We had to get creative when the shutdowns started. People wanted to get out of their houses and we wanted to keep cooking for them,” says Chef John Benton of Champions Run.

When the staff couldn’t see the end of the line after the first night, they decided to host more events throughout the summer, adding safe activities. Live music, scavenger hunts and juicy burgers invited families get out of the house safely.

Creative solutions to keep the kitchen busy didn’t stop there. The team branded a fresh butcher shop, created take-home meal kits and featured new menus every week for a month, including a steakhouse week.

As restrictions lighten up and the team prepares to open the golf course for the 2021 season, the staff are grateful for a supportive membership.

“Our members are like friends and family, and to have them back in our dining room means the world to us,” says Ben Lorenzen, creative director at Champions Run.

The fresh ideas earned the team a $2,500 tip through #RestaurantChallenge, thanks to a social media nomination.

South Street Grille | Ashland, Ohio

Delays and setbacks were frequent for Sean and Carly Little as they brought their dream of opening a modern dining spot in their hometown to life. The couple bought the building, started remodeling in November 2019 and opened the restaurant’s doors in December 2020.

“It seemed every hiccup that could have prevented us from opening our doors happened,” says South Street Grille owner Sean Little. “But there was never a fear of not opening our doors, just when.”

Just off the main street in Ashland, the three-story building hosts guests in the lower-level bar and main-level dining room spaces, and will include a large outdoor patio with a live music stage early this summer. Burgers and steaks fill the menu, lunch specials give guests quick options midday and smoked prime rib draws folks in on Friday and Saturday nights.

Sean says the community’s response to the newly opened doors has been nothing short of overwhelming.

With almost 60 people on staff, the family-oriented team was grateful for the $2,500 tip nomination.

 

Restaurants across America will continue to be chosen as part of the #RestaurantChallenge campaign based on nominations from patrons sharing their experiences on Facebook and Instagram. Visit Challenge.CertifiedAngusBeef.com to learn more about how you can nominate your favorite restaurant to win a big tip from the Certified Angus Beef ® brand.