Deliverers Steak-Out success on $3.50 gas

By Stephanie Kassab Daily Progress staff writer
Published: August 31, 2008

When Cheryl Jackson asked her husband, John, what he would like for Christmas two years ago, John responded that owning his own business was at the top of his wish list. Now, not only is the couple’s dream coming true, but they’re delivering it to others.

The restaurant, Steak-Out, specializes in delivering a variety of charbroiled dishes from rib eye steaks to burgers to sirloin tips.

“It’s kind of like an Outback on wheels,” Jackson said.

The Jacksons first tried Steak-Out when they were visiting Cheryl’s parents in Huntsville, Ala. Jackson said the concept appealed to her and her husband so much that they just had to bring it to Virginia.

“We thought it was a great concept,” Jackson said.

With the price of a gallon of gas around $3.50, there is no better time to open a delivery restaurant, Jackson said.

“Delivery improves with higher gas prices,” she said. “It’s saving our customers from having to spend the money on gas.”

As a mother of three, Jackson understands the meaning of the word “busy.” The last thought she has on her mind, she said, is what to cook for dinner. But Steak-Out relieves the stress of having to plan a meal, she said.

“You can call on your cell phone and by the time you pull in, Steak-Out can be in your driveway,” Jackson said.

According to Steak-Out’s menu, a 16-ounce T-bone costs $18.99, while a 6-ounce sirloin is $12.99. Chopped steak is 10.99 for 10 ounces. All come with a salad, roll and choice of baked potato or mashed potatoes. Steak-Out’s menu also offers sandwiches, chef’s salads, mixed grills and kids’ meals.

To compensate drivers, most restaurants in the chain, including the local operation, charge a $2 delivery fee.

With the opening of Steak-Out in Albemarle County, the franchise will have 50 restaurants in 16 states.

Like Jackson, Steak-Out’s director of marketing, Allison Hatfield, believes more people are opting to stay home with the cost of fuel and prefer to have the food brought to them.

“Instead of spending a gallon of gas they can actually have the food delivered,” Hatfield said.

Not all delivery drivers receive reimbursements for their routes. Sam’s Kitchen on Emmet Street, for example, does not compensate its drivers for the price of gas, so they must rely on tips.

“It does hurt a little bit,” owner Sam Jean said. “[But] it would be too much for us. A lot of people don’t understand and they don’t tip those drivers.”

In addition to specializing in delivery, Steak-Out has other benefits, Jackson said. The food, she said, is fresh and healthy, unlike some other delivery options. The restaurant offers no fried dishes.

“If you try it once, you’re going to love it,” Jackson said. “It comes to the door hot and ready to eat.”

Steak-Out opened Tuesday on Gardens Boulevard.