Weldon Mayor Hugh Credle cut the steak, proclaimed it was good, and declared LongHorn Steakhouse ready to open.
The town’s new restaurant opened its doors at 3 p.m. today, dispensing with the normal ribbon-cutting in favor of a "steak-cutting."
Before Credle did the honors, LongHorn Managing Partner Jesse Williams presented a check to the Roanoke Valley United Way. “We started off with a guaranteed $3,500 that we wanted to give to help the community positively,” Williams said. “We had an event we called Friends and Family over the weekend, which gave the team the opportunity to show off what they’ve been up to. Any alcohol proceeds from that will also be donated to the United Way.”
Williams has been pleased with the response the restaurant, located off Julian R. Allsbrook Highway, has received from the community. “It’s been all positive and all open arms. I’ve never seen a reception like this before in a town. It’s been super exciting to get the feedback we’ve been getting.”
In his remarks before the ceremony, he added, “We’re happy to see all the love we’re getting from the community. It’s so appreciated. We’re passionate about bringing this concept to you.”
Weldon Town Manager Montre Freeman said he was excited to see the restaurant open. “It’s a signature chain restaurant, so along with Waffle House, we’re expanding our footprint. We love that it’s fresh, never frozen. That speaks for itself.”
Credle said he believes the restaurant is a fantastic addition to Weldon. “We’ve been playing with increasing our base economically and socially, and I think this is one of the big steps toward it. We’ve got the hotel over there, and now with the LongHorn open—and the taste of the food is just phenomenal—I think it’s going to be fantastic.”
The mayor noted he likes the location, which is right off I-95. “People are going to be coming off the exit and seeing it, so I think it’s going to be great for the community.”
Credle added that other businesses are expected to locate in the area. “There’s possibly going to be another hotel in this area. It’s going to be great.”
