National Beef Backer Award winners in foodservice were announced by The Beef Checkoff Program during the Annual Cattle Industry Conference in San Antonio, Tex. The Beef Backer Award recognizes chain and independent restaurant operators who excel in menuing and marketing beef. This year’s national winner in the “Independent Restaurant” category is Uncle Ed’s Steakhouse.

Owners Ed and Anita Sabatka were thrilled to accept the National Beef Backer Award for the “Independent Restaurant” category on behalf of their restaurant, Uncle Ed’s Steakhouse. “Our entire menu is built on a foundation of layered flavors and balanced seasonings. Dedication to beef aging and attention to preparation make our steaks truly exceptional. Our high standards of quality ensure a mouthwatering, exciting and satisfying beef experience,” says Ed Sabatka, who is also the chef at Uncle Ed’s.

Uncle Ed’s delivers on its promise to give its guests expertly-cooked, delicious steaks. “The primary objective of beef promotions in our restaurant is to allow our guests to be exposed to and experience special steak presentations normally reserved for ‘finer’ restaurants,” Sabatka explains. Their patrons appreciate the special treatment and reward Uncle Ed’s with excellent results—and bigger sales. One such promotion led to a 51 percent increase in total steak sales over the same time period from the previous year. “There’s no doubt that beef is king on our menu and is the key sales driver.”

Chef Sabatka has become known as Grand Island’s resident beef expert, thanks in part to his radio show, “Cookin’ with Uncle Ed” live Friday mornings on KRGI 1430 in Grand Island. Chef Sabatka’s show covers topics like beef cuts and preparation, quality grades, aging, and the healthful advantages of beef nutrients. He has also been recently featured in a national restaurant publication “My Foodservice News” about his use of beef and its preparation. More information can also be found at http://www.uncleedssteakhouse.com

“Their culinary skills ignite consumer passion for our product, and their creativity keeps beef at the forefront of eating trends,” notes California cattleman Bill Jackson, Chairman of the Joint Foodservice Committee. “Today, we are pleased to honor these restaurants for their ongoing commitment to serve beef at its best—every meal, every day.”

Entries for the National Beef Backer Awards program originate at the state level. Uncle Ed’s Steakhouse won top honors in the Nebraska Beef Council’s Beef Backer contest before being judged winner in the national contest

See the Grand Island Independent's coverage of the award.