Tumbleweed Southwest Grill

Infobox_Company
company_name = Tumbleweed Southwest Grill
company_
company_type = Private
slogan =
foundation = 1975 in New Albany, Indiana
founder =
location_city = Louisville, Kentucky
location_country = USA
key_people = Mathew Higgins President and CEO
industry = Restaurants
num_employees =
revenue = 61 Million (2006)
net_income = 60 Million (2006)
products = Steak, Chicken, and Seafood cooked in a South West Mesquite style
homepage = [http://www.tumbleweedrestaurants.com/ Tumbleweed Southwest Grill]

Tumbleweed Southwest Grill is a chain restaurant based in Louisville, Kentucky.

History

Tumbleweed Southwest Grill serves Southwest styled foods. The original restaurant opened in 1975 in New Albany, Indiana just across the Ohio River from Louisville. George R. Keller and wife Linda started the chain across the road from New Albany High School. Then later in 1978 Linda would utilize her parents Hillside Manor restaurant and bar to turn it into a Tumbleweed. This location in Louisville became the flagship for the restaurant chain.

Shortly after the restaurant expanded to locations across the river and now operates over 60 locations [http://www.tumbleweedrestaurants.com/index.cgi?id=21] restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, and Wisconsin [http://www.tumbleweedrestaurants.com/index.cgi?id=31] , including company-owned and franchise locations.

In 1995, the Kellers sold the business to sixty local area investors for 9.8 million dollars and an additional 1 million in a clause not to compete against the company's new owners. The Company then became a public traded company to help fuel it's expansion in the Midwest and over seas markets. John Butorac, Jr took over as president of the company, he was also the former vice president for Chi-Chi's. [http://books.google.com/books?id=pXbYITw4ZesC&pg=PA894&dq=Tumbleweed+Southwest+Grill&sig=vOhZNCTmWS-VtQvV_l08EoO9e3Y]

In 2002, Terrance Smith, CEO of the establishment was seeking ownership of the company with two other investors. [ [http://www.alacrastore.com/storecontent/bni/25266348 Business & Industry: Tumbleweed Southwest Grill. (Just In) - AlacraStore.com ] ] However on December 18, 2007 it was reported by local media in Louisville that Terrance Smith resigned as President and CEO after seven years. Mathew Higgins will become the new President and CEO of the company. [http://www.fox41.com/article/view/15495/?tf=wdrbarticleview.tpl] Tumbleweed is the parent company of the upscale southwestern concept known as Sedona Grill. After Terry Smith's departure Tumbleweed closed the doors to the upscale theme.

Cuisine

Tumbleweed serves an American-Mexican cuisine in a combination Tex-Mex and Southwest style. They specialize in a Chili con queso. [ [http://www.tumbleweedrestaurants.com/index.cgi?id=6 Tumbleweed Southwest Grill Menu] ] Tumbleweed's Menu includes Continental food encompassing such foods as Chicken and Steak. The other major style of cuisine is a Mexican themed menu, including Burritos, Chimichangas, and a variety of House Salads.

International

Tumbleweed has been expanding its market over seas with the following cities. [http://www.tumbleweedrestaurants.com/index.cgi?id=30]

References