The Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce hosted a jubilant “lasso cutting” ceremony on Monday, November 18, celebrating the much-anticipated grand opening of Longhorn Steakhouse in Douglas Square. As a key player in this thriving retail and dining development, Longhorn’s arrival represents years of collaborative efforts and a shared vision among local leadership and economic stakeholders.
The ceremony, led by Ben Floyd, Board Chair of the Chamber of Commerce, began with a warm welcome and words of excitement for this new partnership. Rueben Speight of Greater Destiny International Ministries blessed the occasion with a prayer for the success of the restaurant and the community it serves.
City of Douglas Mayor Tony Paulk electrified the large crowd with his signature energy, emphasizing teamwork with a shared goal of enhancing the quality of life for our citizens as the cornerstone of this accomplishment.
City Manager Charlie Davis reflected on the collective efforts behind Douglas Square, recognizing contributions from the Coffee County School Board, the Economic Development Authority, County Administrator Wesley Vickers, Benny Dockery of EagleMark Properties, attorney Sid Cottingham, Statewide Engineering, and the businesses that have invested in the development. “The entire Douglas Square project could not have happened with any one of those cards missing,” Davis remarked.
Jessica Ivey, Managing Partner of Longhorn Steakhouse, expressed her gratitude to the community for the warm welcome. “I am thrilled to be part of Douglas-Coffee County and to work alongside so many Coffee County natives on our team,” Ivey said.
Jonathan Bradford, Director of Operations for Darden’s regional market, shared his enthusiasm for Douglas as a prime location for Longhorn’s next chapter and highlighted the restaurant’s commitment to giving back. Proceeds from the restaurant’s Friends & Family Soft Opening event are being donated to The Community Foundation of Coffee County for hurricane relief efforts. Longhorn will also partner with The Coffee County Food Bank and Second Harvest to donate surplus food to those in need.
Mildred Faye Rivers, Manager of New Restaurant Openings for Longhorn Steakhouse, underscored the brand’s dedication to employee growth and community impact. “Not only are we going to serve great steaks, but we are also going to change lives,” Rivers said.
The ceremony concluded with Jessica Ivey cutting the iconic Longhorn Steakhouse lasso, signifying the official opening. The culinary team then presented a signature Outlaw Ribeye, which Mayor Paulk ceremoniously cut into, marking the start of a new era for Douglas-Coffee County dining.
Longhorn Steakhouse is now open and ready to serve the Douglas-Coffee County community, offering not just exceptional food but also meaningful partnerships that will enrich the area for years to come.