Family reopens local Steak-Out

PANAMA CITY, FL — Beach living and family are so important to the Bridges family they moved from Huntsville, Ala., and reopened Steak-Out, a family-friendly delivery and dine-in restaurant, in Panama City.
   
“We felt we were part of Panama City even before we got here,” said Tim Bridges, operating partner. “We’re all beach people. We love the ocean and the gulf.”
   
Bridges opened Steak-Out on 23rd Street with his daughter, Tiffany, and son, Travis, in July. The family partnered with Curtis Webster, who owns the real estate where the original store closed about six months ago. The grill-only restaurant offers a variety of hot meals, such as steak, shrimp or chicken, delivered to the door in about 30 to 40 minutes.
   
“We have a secret sauce,” Tiffany Bridges said.
   
Steak-Out offers quality, fresh food, starting at $6.29 for a grilled chicken filet sandwich, Tim Bridges said. Six grilled shrimp start at $3.99. The Bridges’ store covers Panama City, from Hathaway Bridge to Transmitter Road. Tim Bridges said he would like to open more franchises eventually.
   
Steak-Out isn’t another fast-food or pizza delivery service, he said.
   
“With Steak-Out, it’s a little unique; it’s more for a person looking for a complete meal,” he said. “It’s a hot meal delivered to your door. We cook everything to order. Everything is fresh.”
   
Steak-Out started in Huntsville about 23 years ago and has branched out into more than 30 franchises, Tim Bridges said. The Bridges loved eating at the restaurant.
   
“We’ve been eating Steak-Out since I was young,” Tiffany Bridges said.
   
The fact that the family always has been Steak-Out fans is one reason they were a good fit to run a franchise, said Peter Petrosian, Steak-Out chief operating officer. Tim Bridges knew the concept, is customer-oriented and has enough business savvy to open and run a restaurant during a recession.
   
“I think everyone is worried about the recession, but my belief is we offer something the public wants and expects to have,” Tim Bridges said. “Delivery in the restaurant industry is always going to be a big factor in everybody’s life.”
   
And it opens up an opportunity for a new challenge. The 55-year-old restaurateur wanted a change from his previous marketing career, and he loves to cook. He loves steak.
   
“I’m a sirloin person,” Tim Bridges said.