Landry's History

First Steps

From the time Landry's, Inc. President, Chairman and CEO Tilman J. Fertitta bought his first two restaurants to the present day, the company's story has been a tale of unmatched growth and rapid success. Today, the company is an international leader in the dining, hospitality, gaming and entertainment industries – the result of hard work, creative innovation and pure dedication.

Fertitta was a partner in the first Landry's Seafood Restaurant, which opened its doors in Katy, Texas, in 1980. A year later, he partnered to open the more upscale Willie G's Seafood & Steaks in nearby Houston. In 1986, Fertitta gained controlling interests of both restaurants and the Landry's, Inc. brand began to take off.

Fertitta envisioned a national chain of Gulf Coast seafood restaurants that welcomed patrons with a casual, authentic and entertaining atmosphere. He created an expansion plan and stuck with it. More than 30 years and 600+ locations later, Landry's, Inc. has moved far beyond the Houston area, operating restaurants and entertainment destinations in exciting world cities like New York, Chicago, Tokyo, London and Mexico City.

Building the Company

Landry's Seafood quickly expanded to Galveston, where its signature marquee, energetic atmosphere and great food made it an instant success. Soon, the chain was operating across Texas and around the nation. With great reviews and scores of customers, the company grew from two to 11 restaurants in just five years. In August 1993, Fertitta took the Company public. Fueled with investment capital and unmitigated drive, Landry's, Inc. acquired Joe's Crab Shack in 1994, entrenching the company's place as a national seafood player. In 1996, Landry's, Inc. added The Crab House Restaurants to its holdings. Founded in Miami in 1976 and featuring East Coast flair, The Crab House was a perfect complement to Landry's Inc.'s other seafood restaurants. People around the nation were beginning to take notice.

Entertaining Even Bigger Ideas

The Company expanded beyond the seafood market when it acquired Cadillac, a favorite Houston Mexican restaurant for more than 20 years. That same year, the company completed the development of its first major specialty project, the 35-acre Kemah Boardwalk. Located just south of Houston, on the edge of Galveston Bay, the Kemah Boardwalk attracts millions of visitors every year. Its attractions include multiple themed restaurants, retail shops, the boutique Boardwalk Inn, a 400-slip marina, a train, the Boardwalk FantaSea charter yacht, amusement rides and midway games. Landry's, Inc. ventured even further into the specialty realm in 2000, when it acquired the world's premier themed restaurant concept, Rainforest Cafe. With full-service restaurant concepts operated in Walt Disney theme parks worldwide, Rainforest Cafe offers customers a stimulating "Wild Place to Shop and Eat".

A Growing Recipe for Success

Growth accelerated in 2002, when Landry's, Inc. acquired Muer Seafood Restaurants, Chart House, and Saltgrass Steak House. Muer Seafood Restaurants, located in unique, high-profile and landmark locations across the nation, serve legendary steak and seafood. Chart House Restaurants, with locations coast to coast, are renowned for serving extraordinary steak and seafood from spectacularly-scenic locations. Chart House guests dine against panoramic backdrops like the Manhattan Skyline, the Pacific Coast and the Atlantic Ocean. Saltgrass Steak House locations continue to pop up across the nation, serving Chuckwagon-style fare, including succulent steaks and Gulf Coast seafood. Also acquired with Saltgrass was Babin's Seafood House, which added New Orleans flair to Landry's, Inc.'s varied seafood restaurant concepts.

Making a Splash

In 2003, the company opened the Downtown Aquarium — a high-profile 20-acre entertainment complex in Houston with an aquarium exhibit, a restaurant built around a 100,000 gallon, floor-to-ceiling centerpiece aquarium, a bar, banquet facilities, amusement rides and midway games. A train carries guests into a tunnel running through a 200,000 gallon shark tank. Aquarium Restaurants have also been opened in Nashville and on the Kemah Boardwalk. More Aquarium excitement also landed in Denver, where Landry's redeveloped the 12-acre Ocean Journey complex into Downtown Aquarium Denver. This world-class attraction houses more than 500 species of aquatic life in a three story, one-million-gallon facility.

Rooms with a View

In addition to exciting dining and entertainment hotspots around the globe, Landry's also operates multiple hospitality destinations in the Houston-area. From the upscale San Luis Resort to the boutique Boardwalk Inn, no comfort is spared at these unique hotels.

• Galveston
  The Company's master-planned redevelopment of Galveston's Seawall Boulevard — which includes the new 140,000 square-foot Galveston Island Convention Center at the San Luis Resort — is taking tourism to a new level on the Island. The luxurious, 32-acre San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center represents the finest accommodations on the Texas Gulf Coast and is a AAA Four Diamond recipient. The Cove at the San Luis Resort is regarded as one of the finest pool areas in Texas, adorned in soothing shades of white and coral, our chic coastal hideaway sets the scene for poolside lounging with luxurious sun loungers, daybeds, private cabanas, and a private plunge pool. The adjacent Hilton Resort Galveston Island and Holiday Inn Resort Galveston – On the Beach provide residential rooms and suites, perfect for families and business travelers. All three hotels at the San Luis Resort are just steps from the beaches of Galveston Island.  Within a secluded area of The San Luis Resort are The Villas, a set of five, high-end private suites complete with VIP amenities, personal hot tubs and a separate luxury pool.
• Houston
  Enjoy traditional charm and inspiring views at The Westin Houston Downtown in any of our 200 guest rooms and suites, featuring 14-feet ceilings with ceiling fans. Work at the modern desk or relax on the leather furniture. Get a blissful night's rest on your Westin Heavenly Bed®, power up with our Westin WORKOUT facility and eat well with our SuperFoods Rx dishes. Located across from Minute Maid Park, our hotel offers 6,000 square feet of market-leading meeting space as well as convenient access to the George R. Brown Convention Center. Next door, Vic & Anthony's Steakhouse offers guests upscale dining that is set to impress.
  
  The Post Oak at Uptown Houston is the city’s only AAA Five-Diamond Award® destination for elegant accommodations masterfully blended with extensive meeting space, prominent office space, designer fashion, fine dining and sophisticated amenities all in one tower - embracing every desire of savvy business and leisure travelers alike. Add in the unmatched culinary excellence of Mastro’s, the two-story Rolls Royce showroom and direct helicopter pad access, The Post Oak is sure to satisfy even the most discerning taste.
• Kemah
  The Boardwalk Inn, a beautiful 54-room boutique hotel developed and opened by Landry's, Inc. in 1998, makes the company's Kemah Boardwalk a multi-day experience.

A Bold Direction

After going public in 1993 with a valuation of $30 million, the company had grown to an astounding $1.7 billion by 2011. In 2010, already being the majority shareholder, CEO Tilman J. Fertitta purchased all outstanding shares of stock and gained sole control and ownership of the company again. Now privately held, Landry's, Inc. has again embarked on a journey with a new vision for the future, which includes that same focus on development and growth that has been present since the beginning.

Breaking New Ground

Landry's, Inc. made more big moves in 2010, adding a number of new restaurant properties to the family. These new and exciting restaurants ranged from a global brand based on one of the 90s' best movies to a seafood chain that is known for its intimacy, dedication and craft.

• The Oceanaire Seafood Room
  In 2010, Landry's, Inc. brought The Oceanaire, a nationally-acclaimed group of seafood establishments, into the fold. Renowned for unique, finely-prepared dishes, The Oceanaire is known first and foremost for flying in the freshest seafood from around the world daily. Their menu changes each day to reflect this, and their servers are practiced in educating diners about the best possible choices.
• Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
  When Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. became part of the Landry's, Inc. family, an international superstar joined the family. As the only restaurant chain based on a major motion picture, Bubba Gump is remarkable in its own right, apart even from their fun atmosphere and memorable food. Their locations span the entire globe, including popular tourist spots that attract families from far and wide.
• Claim Jumper
  What started as a simple restaurant in 1977 has turned into a powerful Western chain with wonderful locations all over the nation. Claim Jumper's rustic atmosphere makes guests feel right at home, offering diners hearty portions, comfortable food and a great selection of beverages. The varied menu sports everything from pizza to USDA Choice steaks.

Out with the Old, in with the Gold

Landry's, Inc. entered the gaming realm when it acquired the legendary Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino on Las Vegas' exciting Fremont Street in 2005. A recipient of the esteemed AAA Four Diamond award consecutively since 1977, the Golden Nugget is a Las Vegas legend. In 2009, the new $150 million Rush Tower added 500 new guest rooms and upscale boutiques. The acquisition of Golden Nugget Las Vegas in 2005 also brought another Las Vegas Casino into the fold in Laughlin, Nevada. Landry's, Inc. has since opened three additional Golden Nugget locations. In 2011, Golden Nugget Atlantic City opened at the Frank S. Farley Marina. In 2012, Landry's acquired the Isle Casino and Hotel in Biloxi – which became Golden Nugget Biloxi in summer 2013. The Golden Nugget most recently expanded to Louisiana with the opening of its Lake Charles location in 2015, yet another AAA Four-Diamond Award winner. In addition to acclaimed gaming, each Golden Nugget location is the home to multiple Landry's, Inc. restaurant concepts, including Morton's The Steakhouse, Vic & Anthony's Steakhouse, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Grotto Italian Restaurant and Chart House, among others.

When New Jersey legalized online gaming in 2013, Golden Nugget set a goal on becoming number one in the industry. By 2015, that goal was met when GoldenNuggetCasino.com became the fastest growing online casino in the market, winning the prestigious iGaming Business Magazine’s Operator of the Year Award and has since won 4 years in a row. In 2016, GoldenNuggetCasino.com was also the first in the United States to introduce a live-dealer option – a true game-changer in the industry.

Leaving a Signature

Through the years, Landry's, Inc. has acquired and developed a collection of high-end restaurants, including Vic & Anthony's Steakhouse, Brenner's Steakhouse, Grotto, La Griglia and more. This unique collection of high end restaurants continually wins awards for cuisine and overall experience. Every year, this "Signature Group" of restaurants collaborates for a series of specialty chef dinners in Houston.

The Growth Continues

• McCormick & Schmick's
  Landry's, Inc. continues to expand and add new concepts to the fold. Opened in the 1970s and acquired by Landry's, Inc. in 2011, McCormick & Schmick's has become one of the most recognized and respected seafood restaurants in the country. It's easy to see why – diners coast-to-coast have fallen in love with their fresh approach to dining. This fresh approach is evident throughout the entire McCormick & Schmick's experience, with menus reflecting the style of each Executive Chef, while also highlighting fresh and local seafood varieties at the peak of their seasons.
• Morton's The Steakhouse
  Morton's The Steakhouse joined the Landry's, Inc. family in 2011. For more than 30 years, Morton's has been on a mission to provide "The Best Steak… Anywhere." Focusing on quality, consistency and genuine hospitality, Morton's seeks to provide not only memorable cuisine, but a memorable experience as well. With fresh, succulent seafood and their famed USDA prime-aged steak, it's no surprise that Morton's has thrilled diners all over the world.
• Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
  In 2012, Landry's, Inc. expanded its entertainment division even further with the opening of the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, an innovative theme park built entirely over the water. Jutting 1,130 feet out into the Gulf of Mexico along Galveston Island's historic Seawall Boulevard, the Pleasure Pier is a must-visit Texas Gulf Coast destination, with exciting rides, addicting midway games, eclectic shopping and extraordinary dining options. The impressive Iron Shark, the coast's only steel roller coaster, takes thrill seekers on an unforgettable adventure, reaching speeds of more than 50 mph.
• Mastro's Restaurants
  In May 2013, Mastro's Restaurants – an eclectic collection of some of the nation's finest steak and seafood establishments – joined the Landry's, Inc. family. These extraordinary restaurants represent the gold standard for fine dining in the cities they call home.
• BR Guest Hospitality
  When Landry’s purchased BR Guest Hospitality in December 2016, it instantly became the largest independent restaurant operator in New York City. With 20 restaurants and bars across four states, from upscale steakhouses to the biggest standalone burger joint in the country, BR Guest Hospitality is widely recognized as one of America’s premier hospitality groups. The restaurants have been the backdrop of major motion pictures such as You’ve Got Mail and have played host to celebrities such as Jessica Simpson sipping margaritas at Park Avenue’s Dos Caminos.
• Joe's Crab Shack
  In August of 2017, Landry’s re-purchased Joe's Crab Shack and along with it, Brick House Tavern & Tap locations throughout the Unites States. Joe’s Crab Shack offers a variety of favorites from all parts of the sea and shore while Brick House Tavern and Tap offers a variety of pub fare and craft beer.
• Del Frisco's
  In September 2019, Landry's, Inc. expanded its prime steak portfolio with the addition of Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse and Del Frisco’s Grille. Capturing the rich tradition of the classic American steakhouse since 1981, Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse is one of the most celebrated restaurants in the country for its chef-driven cuisine, impeccable selection of wines, and exceptional hospitality. Del Frisco’s Grille, a more casual yet sophisticated sister of Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse, offers quality dining in a more relaxed and trendy atmosphere with handcraft cocktails and a modern menu.
• Restaurants Unlimited
  Restaurants Unlimited became a part of Landry's, Inc. in September 2019, adding a collection of restaurants unique to Seattle, California and Alaska, including Portland City Grill, Skates on the Bay, Horatio's and Simon & Seaforts, respectively, as well as multi-unit brands such as Stanford’s and Henry's Tavern. Since its first restaurant in 1969, Restaurants Unlimited has kept its promise of delivering “experiences that matter.”

Into the Future

With devoted leadership, a creative team and endless possibilities, the company has a clear direction for the future. Every day, new guests experience a Landry's, Inc. concept for the first time. With new locations and concepts opening every year, the Landry's, Inc. story is a story of growth and a bright future