California Steakhouse Wins National Foodservice Beef Backer Award

Sacramento, Calif. (February 3, 2011) – The Hitching Post I & II was recognized as a 2010 National Beef Backer today at the Annual Cattle Industry Conference in Denver, Colo. The Foodservice Beef Backer Awards recognize independent and chain restaurants that set the highest standards in menuing and marketing beef. The Hitching Post I & II was awarded for its efforts in the “Independent Restaurant” category; other national winners included HomeStyle Dining LLC Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses (Plano, Texas) in the “Chain Restaurant” category and Red The Steakhouse (Miami, Fla.) as the “Innovator of the Year.”

Owner Frank Ostini was flattered to accept the National Foodservice Beef Backer Award for the “Independent Restaurant” category on behalf of his family’s restaurants, The Hitching Post I & II. “Our restaurants have been serving patrons high-quality beef for almost 60 years. Dedication to tradition and attention to preparation make our steaks truly exceptional. By using both old and new methods of beef preparation we have developed an exciting menu which is uniquely our own,” says Frank Ostini, owner and manager of The Hitching Post II.

Based in Casmalia and Buellton, Calif., The Hitching Post I & II delivers on its promise to give its guests expertly-cooked, delicious steaks. “We work with simple preparation methods indigenous to this part of California. Our basic seasoning and open-fire cooking method allows the steak to speak for itself,” Ostini explains. Their patrons appreciate the “magic” their preparation method produces. The Oakwood smoked flavor and caramelized crust bring customers back for more.

“We are honored to have one of our renowned California steakhouses acknowledged by the beef industry,” notes Ted Greidanus, chairman of the California Beef Council. “The Hitching Post family restaurants make steak a star on their menu and keeps customers interested in what they have to offer.”

Entries for the National Beef Backer Awards program originate at the state level. The Hitching Post I & II won top honors in the California Beef Backer Award contest, sponsored by the California Beef Council, before being judged winner in the national contest. For more information on the California Beef Backer Award, visit calbeef.org.