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The LongHorn Bar & Grill: “We Want to Wow Our Guests!”

FORT CALHOUN, NEBRASKA (October 18, 2023) Historic downtown Fort Calhoun is home to many tales, but none so enduring as the Longhorn Bar & Grill (101 S 14th St, Fort Calhoun, NE). Resident of an architectural legacy from the mid-1800s, the Longhorn is not just a restaurant; it’s a time capsule and a community cornerstone. Under the dynamic leadership of Andy Faucher and his wife, Linda, it’s morphing into a symbol of tradition married with forward-thinking evolution.

Andy Faucher, muses about the culinary delights the Longhorn offers. “We separate ourselves from a burger you can get anywhere by using a high-quality chuck roll and grinding our meat instead of opening a package of processed hamburger,” he states. This commitment to authentic, fresh ingredients is a deliberate choice, albeit labor-intensive and pricier. Yet, for Faucher, it’s this very dedication to quality that sets the Longhorn apart, promising patrons a “higher quality tasting burger.”

While the Longhorn respects its past, it isn’t shackled by it.

Faucher speaks of the delicate balance of preserving history while ensuring the establishment meets contemporary needs. “We preserved the look of the building but made improvements on the inside,” he notes. The transformation is evident everywhere – from the state-of-the-art sound system, the proliferation of TVs, to the revamped patio with its outdoor bar, new fencing, and inviting fire pits. These changes, Faucher believes, enhance the Longhorn experience, creating an atmosphere where patrons can “hang out with friends and family.”

The Longhorn’s legacy is intertwined with its previous owner, Jeanne Knight. Her decade-long stewardship built a reputation for quality. Faucher, aware of the shoes he had to fill, took a hands-on approach during the transition. “I worked alongside her for a month, learning how she prepared and cooked the meals,” he says, emphasizing the commitment to maintaining the Longhorn’s standards. This dedication ensured that the Longhorn’s culinary delights remained consistent, honoring its storied past.

We love the owners, great food, friendly atmosphere, and well staffed with friendly help.

Bob and Mary Andersen, Fort Calhoun, Nebraska

The challenges of the pandemic have reshaped industries, and the restaurant sector was no exception. Faucher, with his trademark optimism, sees a resurgence. “Even pre-pandemic, my employees have always washed hands, sanitized prep stations, and surfaces,” he emphasizes, underscoring the Longhorn’s unwavering commitment to cleanliness. The pandemic also brought about an uptick in to-go orders, necessitating operational adjustments. Faucher speaks of “increasing to-go supplies, ensuring phones get answered promptly, and double-checking orders,” painting a picture of a restaurant agile enough to adapt to changing dynamics.

For Faucher, the heart of the Longhorn is its people.

Staffing, he admits, has had its challenges, especially in the pandemic’s wake. Yet, he speaks with pride about the Longhorn’s team. “We have done a great job with staffing because our employees like working for the Longhorn,” he shares. The secret? “Linda and I treat them like family.” This familial approach extends beyond just the staff. Faucher wants patrons to feel the same warmth. “Our customers expect a friendly waitstaff – someone who cares that they are at the Longhorn. We greet our customers as they come into the Longhorn and as they are leaving,” he elaborates, painting a picture of a close-knit community hub.

Good food, good people, great Hangout.

Annette Bettin, Fort Calhoun, Nebraska

The Longhorn’s journey is far from over. Faucher, ever the visionary, has plans. He speaks excitedly about “moving the kitchen to a larger space,” hinting at the introduction of a pizza oven to cater to larger groups. Additionally, there are plans to enhance the Keno gaming system, underscoring the Longhorn’s commitment to providing a holistic entertainment experience.

Andy and Linda Faucher

Feedback is the lifeblood of any establishment, and Faucher welcomes it. “We welcome feedback, both positive and negative,” he states. This feedback-driven approach has led to menu revisions, with Faucher noting that some items were reintroduced based on patron suggestions.

The Longhorn Bar & Grill, under Andy Faucher’s leadership, is not just a restaurant; it’s an experience. A blend of history, community, culinary delights, and a vision for the future. As Faucher aptly puts it, “We want to WOW our guests so they keep coming back to visit our family over and over again.”

(This is a two-part article. Up next is an extensive food review. Look for that next week!)

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5 COMMENTS

  1. We really enjoy coming to the Longhorn to eat and enjoy talking to Andy! Plus 2 granddaughters are working there. We always have fun with family and their friends!

  2. I have worked thire 1 year but this summer it will be 2 years I am really excited becuse it has almost been a hole 2 years and the costumers are really nice including the staff they are a really nice crew it is supper fast to make friends I am supper glad that I have a job like this one I really love it.

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