VALDOSTA — Longhorn Steakhouse celebrated its 20th anniversary in Valdosta with lasso cutting Wednesday.

A lasso cutting is similar to a ribbon cutting, but it complements the restaurant’s ranch-house theme.

The rancher’s house theme is supposed to be a welcoming environment, Longhorn managing partner Corey Warren said.

“We want to invite you in,” he said.

As a part of the theme, Longhorn had bounce houses and gave out free hamburgers and hot dogs while supplies lasted.

While a restaurant giving out free food may seem counter-intuitive, Warren said it is a part of the culture fostered for the last 20 years by Longhorn.

“The biggest thing is giving back,” he said. “You shouldn’t have to pay to celebrate with us.”

During the past 20 years, Longhorn in Valdosta has strived to interact with the community by offering discounts to the local colleges’ staff and faculty, offering discounts to airmen and women, working with the Lowndes High School culinary program and donates food that cannot be used to the local food bank: Second Harvest, Warren said.

The longevity “signifies our place in the community,” he said. “We are here to stay and (residents) can depend on us to be here.”

Warren wanted to make sure his team members were recognized for helping the company reach the goal.

“I want to praise my team,” he said. “They do a great job of taking care of people.”

Warren doesn’t expect the restaurant to leave any time soon.

 

Jason Smith is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. He can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1256.