Frisco Main St staple ‘Randy’s Steakhouse’ battles construction woes

FRISCO, Texas — For over three decades, Randy’s Steakhouse has been a Main Street staple. It is the longest-running restaurant in the city.

“Thirty-two years last Saturday,” Randy Burks says proudly.

But lately, it’s not the kind of history he wants to make.

“I’ve never bounced a check. In the last four weeks, I’ve been bouncing checks, and not one of my staff members has left me,” he says.

Business is down 60%. The reason: construction and some inflation. If you can’t see the problem, you can definitely hear it. He says when business was down 40% they could at least break even, but that’s not the case anymore.

“It’s the difference between making money and losing money,” he adds.

Ongoing construction, combined with rising costs, has left Randy’s—and other small businesses along Main Street—struggling. Randy tells WFAA that he and his wife set aside $100,000 when the construction first started to help them make payroll and other expenses. Randy says that money went quickly.

“I don’t want to let Randy’s go away. He’s old Frisco. He should be a part of new Frisco,” says John O’Brien, a customer who stepped in to help by inviting a friend over for dinner.

The City of Frisco’s City Manager, Wes Pierso,n sent the following statement:

“We know the project to redevelop Frisco’s Rail District into a more walkable, thriving destination is disruptive to our downtown businesses. The City of Frisco has worked to minimize the impact during construction with additional parking, directional signage, and dedicated staff to address concerns. We’ve also launched a $50 gift card program and partnered with the Frisco Chamber of Commerce on a receipt race to boost foot traffic. Additionally, some property improvements may be eligible for a Rail District Reinvestment Grant. We ask the community to continue to visit and support Frisco’s downtown businesses.”

Randy and his wife built their lives around the historic home that houses their restaurant. They were married there and their child was baptized there. The historic T.J. Campbell house was built in 1869 and was moved to its current Main Street location in 1903, says Randy.

Randy says he’s only a few years from retiring and has no intention of quitting everything he’s built. 

“It’s kinda rough,” he admits. “My wife does a good job of keeping me up,” Randy answered when asked if he’s getting enough sleep considering all that’s happening.

This past week has shown a slight improvement in business, but there are still nine to ten months of construction ahead.

“But will these guys make it? Who knows?” says O’Brien.

For now, Randy’s keeps the doors open—hoping loyal customers and a resilient community can carry them through.