Steak House Hall of Fame

Host Ron Small welcomes Kevin Settles to the Steak House Hall of Fame Podcast.  

Kevin is an entrepreneur, hospitality executive and pioneer of the craft distilling movement.  Best known as the Founder and Former Owner of Bardenay Restaurants & Distilleries, established in Boise, ID in 1999.  Bardenay made history as the nation's first restaurant distillery licensed by the federal government to produce hard liquor within a restaurant setting.  

Ron refers to Kevin as a "true renaissance man" and you'll hear why in this "spirited" interview.

Join Host Ron Small as he welcomes Andy Goodman, a niche marketing advertising expert who just happens to be a partner in Steak House Hall of Fame.  Andy and Ron have collaborated on numerous projects, but perhaps the most infamous was their "Assault on Discovery Channel" when the headquarters were in Silver Spring, Maryland.  Andy's prowess with internet marketing and promotion is evident in the success of Steak House Hall of Fame.

Join your Host Ron Small with dear friend and one fourth of the Steak House Hall of Fame "Prime Minister's" Colonel Greg Kitchens for a "spirited" discussion with Quentin Witherspoon, a fellow Marine with Greg and the namesake behind a most extraordinary (and now very hard to find) Witherspoon's Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey.  If you've ever thought about producing your own adult beverages for the consumer market, this is an episode for you.

Your Host Ron Small welcomes acclaimed Master Chef and Co-Founder of the world famous Sardine Factory on Cannery Row in Monterey, CA, Bert Cutino.  Since 1968 Bert and his dear friend and Business Partner Ted Balestreri continue to raise the bar of fine dining, which includes prime steaks, "like they're going out of style."  Between Bert and Ted, there's almost too much personality for one room.  Enjoy!

Host Ron Small welcomes Jack Jackson; Co-Founder of the legendary waterfront Steak House Burt & Jacks in Fort Lauderdale, along with his business partner and dear friend Hollywood icon Burt Reynolds.  For 18 years this palace of Steak and Lobster was THE destination until 9/11 forced it to close, literally overnight.  What a story and you'll hear this...and so much more from the man himself.

Join Host Ron Small as he welcomes a true "dynamic duo" in healthcare; Dr. Laura Lee Kinney and Nurse Practitioner Michelle Price of Saltmarsh Internal Medicine.   And though we talk about this extraordinary practice in some detail, we're sure to cover the "Holy Trinity;"  Prime Beef, Exquisite Liquor and Premium Cigars.  Are there health benefits?  Well, you'll just have to listen to find out.

Join Host Ron Small as he welcomes the "King of Cannery Row," Ted Balestreri.  From humble beginnings in Brooklyn, NY, to the transformation of some of the most spectacular coastline in Northern California, Ted and his partner Bert Cutino started with the iconic Sardine Factory Restaurant and in Ted's own words, "this was the ship that launched a thousand ships."  This is a master class in Hospitality with the man who is as beloved as he is successful.  Listen and learn!

Join Host Ron Small as he welcomes Ryan Silverman and Hudson Silverman, two Steak House aficianados from Houston who typically celebrate closing a big deal at one of three Houston favorites.  The Principals behind Versa Composite Realty, these two reinvented a business model in specialty real estate and you'll want to hear their story.

Join Host Ron Small as he welcomes Greg Wright to the Steak House Hall of Fame Podcast.  Greg is the CEO of Bison Wealth Management, an Advisory Firm based in Atlanta and with offices across the country.  

Greg's fascinating background, besides his unique love of Prime Steaks, Exquisite Single Malt Scotch and Premium Cigars had its roots at the University of North Georgia and includes a storied career as a Marine Officer and helicopter pilot, including the coveted position of pilot for Marine One; spending 4 years flying George W. Bush and Dick Cheney.

Greg's history and lov...

Join Host Ron Small as he welcomes Shawn Dennis to the Steak House Hall of Fame Podcast.  Shawn is a Division President for USLBM, a major force in the Building Materials industry with 450 locations and more than 14,000 associates.  And as with all our guests, the common denominator in this interview is Shawn's love of "The Holy Trinity;" Prime Steaks, Exquisite Adult Beverages and Premium Cigars.

Join Host Ron Small as he welcomes old friend and fellow Prime Minister Colonel Greg Kitchens to the Steak House Hall of Fame Podcast.  We hear from Greg about a great Steak House experience in Toronto and Ron takes us to the west coast to Monterey, CA and a visit to the Whaling Station Steak House, to produce the first episode of "Behind the Scenes of America's Greatest Steak Houses," and an introduction to Hospitality legend Ted Balestreri.  If you've ever eaten at the Sardine Factory, you've probably met Ted.

Join Host Ron Small as he welcomes noted CPA and accredited Estate Planner Bob Baldwin, who just happens to be an aficianado of "The Holy Trinity," Prime Steaks, Exquisite Single Malt Scotch and Premium Cigars. 

This show is pure "theater of the mind" and you'll be making reservations at a Steak House Hall of Fame Steak House before the podcast is over.  

Join Host Ron Small with fellow Prime Minister Colonel Greg Kitchens, along with Kurt Kitchens, our Guest Prime Minister.  In this episode Kurt takes us through his original experience at Bob's Steak & Chop House in Dallas and a recent meal at Bob's Steak & Chop House in Austin.  Did they make the cut?  We then travel to Washington, DC where Colonel Greg Kitchens walks us through a meal he shared with fellow Prime Minister Stuart Kaufman (who was out sick today) at The Prime Rib.  The original Prime Rib is in Baltimore, so is this DC version "induction-worthy?"  And finally I get t...

Join Host Ron Small as he welcomes Pat Francis, Owner of Pat's Steak House in Louisville, KY to the Steak House Hall of Fame Podcast.  This famed Steak House is as much a part of Louisville as the Kentucky Derby and you'll love what Pat has to say.  He is the genuine article and a visit to Louisville should include a tour of the Maker's Mark Distillery, followed by dinner at Pat's Steak House.  And when this Podcast whets your appetite for one of Pat's great Steaks, visit the Steak House Hall of Fame APP or the website; www.SteakHouseHallofFame.com...

Join Host Ron Small as he welcomes famed Restaurateur Bob Sambol, the Founder of Bob's Steak & Chop House and the Founder of the Steak House Hall of Fame as he adds "Public Speaker" to his list of talents.

Bob boasts an incredible resume in Hospitality and has worked (and learned from) the greats, including Arnie Morton, Dick Clark, Jack Jackson and Dale Wamstad, to name just a few.  It's no wonder audiences line up to hear his unbridled take on this glorious industry.

Join Host Ron Small as you buckle your seatbelts for a wild ride with Steak House Hall of Fame and our big panel discussion including Prime Ministers Jim Doherty, Stuart Kaufman, Colonel Greg Kitchens and yours truly.  Also joining us is special guest Ryan Berberian with his eye-opening introduction to the Steak House Hall of Fame APP (and this is unsolicited, I might add) and using our technology to find a great Steak House in Palm Springs, CA.  

Let me also point out there were several, shall we say, technology challenges, with our dear friend Stuart Kaufman appearing fro...

Join Host Ron Small as he welcomes back to the studio Stuart Kaufman and Colonel Greg Kitchens, collectively now known as The Prime Ministers.  With their mutual love of fine Steak Houses (who isn't?) these close friends travel to great Steak Houses across the country to deem if they are "induction-worthy" into the Steak House Hall of Fame.  And who knows, you just may be invited to join us as a guest Prime Minister when we visit your hometown.

In this episode we travel to the golf and beach mecca of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to dine at Th...

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Join Host Ron Small as he welcomes beloved Dallas Orthodontist Dr. Greg Greenberg of RX Smile to the Steak House Hall of Fame Podcast.  Dr. Greenberg is also a true single malt aficionado and on September 29, 2025 opened his home for a second US launch of Saltire Rare Malt (following Bob's Steak & Chop House) with the esteemed members of the Single Malt Whisky Society of Dallas.

Join Host Ron Small as he welcomes Pam Taylor, who along with husband Chuck are the Founders and Proprietors of Taylor's Steak House in Dumas, Arkansas.  A trip to Taylor's should be on your bucket list and when Pam tells you what to order in this interview, just do it.  You can thank me later.

Join Host Ron Small as we welcome Keith Rennie, Co-Founder of Saltire Rare Malt, the "Exclusive" single malt scotch of the Steak House Hall of Fame.  The Saltire story is unlike anything you've heard before and it will be obvious why Saltire is a perfect strategic partner.     

SLAINTE!

Host Ron Small welcomes Steve Whitmire and Derek Astorino of Brasstown Beef for a riveting discussion about why the Beef "shortage" may be by design.

Join Host Ron Small as he welcomes Graphic Designer John Chitwood, owner of Renaissart Design Studios to the Steak House Hall of Fame Podcast.  Not only is John the "go to" Designer for the Hall of Fame, but John and Ron have worked together for years on a myriad of projects.  It's great to work with talented friends who always bring their "A Game!

Join Host Ron Small as he welcomes John Beyer, the Post Production Supervisor for Steak House Hall of Fame.  ALL the video content you see on our APP and website includes John's unique vision and artistry, and nobody does it better.

Join Host Ron Small as he welcomes Steve Pettus, Managing Partner of Dickie Brennan and Company.  Steve's history with the Brennan Family goes back decades to Ella Brennan at the legendary Commander's Palace.  Fast forward and Steve is the first non-Brennan to become a Partner in this venerable family business.  His association with Dickie Brennan has transformed the restaurant landscape of New Orleans with Dickie Brennan's Steak House, Tableau and Pascal's Manale, to name just a few of the jewels in the crown.

Join Host Ron Small as he welcomes Steve Whitmire and Derek Astorino from Brasstown Beef in Brasstown, NC, where they boast "Real Beef, Raised Right, All Natural, NO Hormones, NO Antibiotics and Pasture Centered."

And Steve Whitmire takes us step-by-step exploding the myth of the current beef shortage.  This is riveting stuff and you don't want to miss it.

Join Host Ron Small as he welcomes Salim Asrawi, President and Co-Founder of Texas de Brazil, where he has directed operations, brand development and expansion since 1998.  This family-owned Brazilian Steak House started in Addison, Texas on October 13, 1998 and has expanded to nearly 70 restaurants as of the writing of this introduction in September of 2025.  

Joining us as a "mystery guest" is Steak House Hall of Fame Founder, Bob Sambol (also the Founder of Bob's Steak & Chop House in Dallas) who congratulates Salim for his recent induction into the Steak House Hall of Fame.

Join Host Ron Small as he welcomes David Egan, Director of Operations for Cattlemen's Steak House in Oklahoma City, OK.  This iconic establishment has served legions of Steak lovers since 1910 with a colorful history you'll have to hear to believe.  David is an engaging storyteller and make sure to ask for him when you visit the restaurant.  He is the consummate Restaurateur.

Join Host Ron Small as he welcomes dear friends and "Prime Ministers" Stuart Kaufman and Colonel Greg Kitchens in the studio, and Jim Doherty on the phone, as they enjoy reminiscing about a recent road trip to Atlanta to "test" Hal's - The Steak House and determine if it's "induction worthy." 

This is the first time The Steak House Hall of Fame has done such an experiment (and it won't be the last) and you will enjoy the obvious camaraderie, as well as the mouthwatering descriptions of the meal.  Will Hal's make the cut?  Listen and find out.

Host Ron Small interviews Ralph Lewis, third generation Founder and Proprietor of Okeechobee Steak House in West Palm Beach, Florida.  The oldest Steak House in Florida.  This venerable institution was started by Ralph's grandparents, doing something simply unfathomable by today's standards.  Carrot dangled!

Host Ron Small welcomes Kevin Phillips, Managing Partner of the Whaling Station Steak House in Monterey, California since 2014, when he purchased the restaurant from legendary Restaurateur,  Chef John Pisto.  

Very view west coast Steak Houses have made the cut to be inducted into the Steak House Hall of Fame.  Listen and learn why Whaling Station Steak House is a "cut above."

Join Host Ron Small as he chats with Barbeque Enthusiast and Cookbook Author, Bill West.  Bill runs the blog BarbequeTricks.com (or BBQTricks.com) and his YouTube channel (also Barbeque Tricks) boasts more than 40,000 subscribers and more than 10 million views.  Trust me, you'll want to barbeque TONIGHT!

Join Host Ron Small and his special guest David Egan, Director of Operations for the legendary Cattlemen's Steak House in historic Stock Yard City, Oklahoma.  Since 1910, this venerable establishment has served generations of customers and David has been at the helm for more than 35 years.  Yet another legendary Steak House inducted into the Steak House Hall of Fame for so many reasons.

Join Host Ron Small as he welcomes his dear friend, and self-proclaimed Steak House Aficionado Stuart Kaufman for some lively chat about Steak House etiquette, favorite Steak Houses...and one not-so-favorite.

Host Ron Small welcomes brothers Tommy Hall in our Charleston, SC studio and Billy Hall by phone from Nashville, TN to talk about one of the great Steak House success stories of our time, Halls Chop House.  Even "The Legend" Dale Wamstad, sole Founder of Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House told Tommy about the original King Street location after dining there..."THIS is a Steak House!"  You'll find out why with these two engaging restaurateurs who credit their parents Bill and Jeanne with giving them the foundation for great success.

The more I spread the word of the Steak House Hall of Fame, thanks to my brilliant business partner Bob Sambol, the more I realize just how many memories are made at great Steak Houses.  "Steak House Memories" is an ongoing adventure with dear friends joining me in the studio, or by phone with their special stories. This podcast features Greg Kitchens and Jordan Bryngelson. It's truly "theater of the mind," so be prepared to get hungry for a great steak and everything else on the menu.

Hans and Becky Offringa are known internationally as The Whisky Couple, a registered tradename of their media production company Conceptual Continuity. The Whisky Couple works as writers, translators, editors and photographers for the whisky industry at large. In addition they develop marketing concepts and material for the international whisky trade. They are both Keepers of the Quaich.  For more information, visit www.TheWhiskyCouple.com.

Join host Ron Small as he interviews famed New Orleans restaurateur Dickie Brennan, Founder and Proprietor of Dickie Brennan's Steak House.  This French Quarter institution opened in November of 1998 to tremendous accolades and continues to be singled out as one of the Top Steak Houses in the US.  Is it any wonder we inducted Dickie Brennan's Steak House into the Steak House Hall of Fame.

On this night after Christmas 2024 we recorded The Steak House Hall of Fame Podcast LIVE at TEXAS, the Wamstad Family Steak House in Richardson, TX and several great friends and longtime customers popped by for a few words.  It was a magical night with Stephen Cabrero, our Director of Photography on all our video content jumping in and pulling off a live Podcast event in grand fashion.

Stephen Cabrero is a Dallas,Texas-based Cinematographer who captures all the beautiful video for our Steak House Hall of Fame videos as you'll see on our APP and website.    

Stephen is no stranger to restaurants as his legendary father was behind two iconic names; "Carlos 'n Charlies" and "Senor Frogs."  

You can find out more about this talented professional at www.i2iprod.com