News on Wednesday that Taylor Sheridan and two partners had purchased Cattlemen’s Steakhouse and were giving it a multimillion-dollar makeover left us scratching our heads.
Didn’t we already know this?
Through the miracle of digital archiving, I went back to look.
I’m not going crazy. (Ignorance is bliss.) Here it is. Officials with Cattlemen’s told us in August 2023 that the creator of the “Yellowstone” empire and two partners, Dan Schyer and David Glasser — CEO of 101 Studios Co., the company charged with producing several Sheridan-pinned shows — had bought the Stockyards steakhouse, whose front door is on North Main Street.
What they did on Wednesday was make it Facebook official.
“Fort Worth is a vital city to both our state and our nation,” said Sheridan in a press release. “It is where the West begins and where the cattle business was born. It is deserving of a gathering place for those who both shaped this city’s past and guide its future — where friendships can be fostered and formed, and the very best of this city can be celebrated.”
The most recent owners, Marti Taylor and Larry Heppe, will remain as part-owners. The establishment was opened in 1947 by founders Jesse and Mozelle Roach, who had a great story.
There was, however, some news that came out of this on Wednesday.
The restaurant will introduce the Cattlemen’s Club, a private members-only club. I will have to continue clubbing at my well-known haunts.
Cattlemen’s will offer a limited number of memberships for $3,000, plus a one-time initiation fee of $1,000. Corporate memberships will also be available at $9,000 annually. Those will include up to four memberships. Additional memberships run up to $2,000 each.
Membership perks include priority reservations at the restaurant, VIP access to live performances, a boardroom for meetings and events, as well as invitations to special events.
As part of the multimillion-dollar renovation we wrote about in 2023, the new owners are adding new dining, bar, and event spaces, along with an outdoor patio and stage for live music. In total, the restaurant will include more than 20,000 square feet of new space.
The Cattlemen’s Club is being designed in part by Grapevine-based firm Duncan Design Group.
“The goal was to create a space that feels both grounded and elevated,” said Tyler Duncan, principal. “We drew inspiration from the raw beauty of Western aesthetic, pairing natural textures with bespoke craftsmanship to create an atmosphere that is warm, intimate, and undeniably luxurious.”
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The restaurant also gave us some pictures to share.
Cattlemen’s has been open through the transition, which has included a stripping and new facade. It is already serving beef from Sheridan’s renowned Four Sixes Ranch, once the domain of legendary rancher Burk Burnett. We also strongly urge management to bring back the calf-fry pizza. It warrants one of those "OMGs." (I beg of you.)
Jesse Roach, the co-founder, was a man who wore many hats, including that of Texas state Legislator.
Roach, a native of Mount Pleasant, graduated from pharmacy school in Little Rock and opened a pharmacy in Austin. After studying law and passing the state bar exam, he opened a practice in Commerce and Greenville. While there he represented Hunt County for two terms in the Texas House of Representatives.
He moved back to Austin in 1942, opening a Carrier’s and General Insurance Agency that catered to truckers. In 1945, he moved to Fort Worth to open another agency.
In 1947, Jesse and Mozelle, his wife, opened a restaurant in the new home of their insurance operation. Cattlemen’s gained national recognition, eventually growing to five locations in Fort Worth, Arlington, and Dallas, including the Farmer’s Daughter on University Drive.
Jesse Roach served on the Fort Worth City Council from 1955-59.