| 01/06/2008 |
| Davidson's Steak House reopens Alpena icon |
| By DONNA BRAYMER , Business Editor - donnab@commpub.com |
 Staff Photo/Donna Braymer
Some of the
Davidson Steakhouse staff pose for a picture. Jan Davidson left,
Sherry Eastres, Amber Wilhite and Rick Davidson. Not pictured is
Ashli Davidson.
Rick and Jan Davidson recently reopened an
Alpena icon. Rick explained, "My dad Gene Davidson, had the Snack
Shack Truck Stop from 1976 until 1984 and it was time for the family
to have a restaurant here again."
Since that time
the location has been several different businesses, and Davidson was
ready to change his vocation from construction work to owning a
restaurant.
He had grown up around the restaurant and they
were very happy. "It was definitely the hot spot in the late 70's
and early 80's. We were open 24 hours a day. Lots of people from
Harrison and Green Forest would come to Alpena to hang out."
Davidson said that now the restaurant has opened as a steak
house, the community has been very supportive. "We've been very well
received. We just happened upon the name accidentally."
He
found a good location for buying meat and his customers say they are
the best. He enjoys serving high quality meats that would normally
be a $15 meal somewhere else, but he can offer the steak for $6.
They have regular customers that come from Huntsville and
many newcomers from the area "hills and farms" that enjoy having a
steak house close by.
A full breakfast menu is served until
11 a.m. and offers everything from home made biscuits and gravy,
pancakes, omelets, to country ham.
"We offer a full menu and
wide variety. We are small and fast enough that if we don't have it,
we can usually make it."
Many favorites have been added to
the menu, because of a customer's request.
The Davidson's
"Prove You're A Man Burger" is a half pound burger with three strips
of bacon and pepper jack cheese.
Another aspect of the
business includes the cookie, gifts and candy bouquets that Jan has
done in her home for many years. "The Decorated Cookie" is now a
part of the gift shop, next door to the restaurant.
Jan has
offered decorated cookies, cookie trays and gift baskets for over
six years. She stays busy with personalized cookies for schools and
special occasions and offers a delivery service. The gift shop
offers ceramics, tea pots and Arkansas paraphernalia.
She
added, "We are a family run, homey place and can special order in
anything if somebody wants a unique gift. We are very flexible." The
web page for some gift ideas is www.picturetrail.com/jandy75.
Both Rick and Jan do some cooking from home, but Jan brags
that Rick is a great cook. He turns all the praise to others and
says he has a great staff and the ladies are a tremendous help.
Davidson's Steak House offers one or two specials each day.
"Nothing is frozen or out of a box. We fresh cut all the various
styles of taters, whether they are shredded or chunked. We aim to
please."
Shrimp and catfish have also been a big hit with
customers.
Jan said this year they've been getting post
cards and Christmas cards from customers as far away as Canada.
"Rick is a great host and very personable. It's fun to hear back
from our customers."
Jan (Scott) Davidson was from Harrison
when she met Rick and married in 1976. They have two grown children
and Ashli Davidson works with them in the restaurant.
Davidson's Steak House is open seven days a week. Winter
hours are 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. and until 9 on weekends. During the
spring they will open from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. The steak house is
located on Highway 62 in Alpena and the phone number is
870-437-5500.
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