Perry’s Grows from Houston Butcher Shop to Texas Steakhouse Chain

When Chris Perry was growing up in Houston in the 1980’s, the plan for him was to follow in the path laid out by his father Bob, who had once been the regional manager at Kroeger’s Meat Markets. But a Butcher Shop intervened and soon a second location in Friendswood. And the younger Perry had even more entrepreneurial ideas in mind. Chris was not thinking butcher shop but rather a full-fledged steakhouse. After a couple of years at Blinn Junior College, Chris started a Deli in 1988 called Perry’s Deli. This led to a second an eventually to the 25-year old Perry applying for an SBA loan in 1992 which led to the opening of the first Perry’s Steakhouse in Clearlake in 1993. The growth curve followed in which Perry learned the business and began to develop the concepts for a corporate culture based on customer service, atmosphere and fine food that would serve the growing company well in the years to come.

And grow it did! The Woodlands store opened in 2001 followed by the Sugarland store in 2004 (a particularly beautiful facility). Champions was next in 2005 and then Memorial City in 2006. And then Perry made an oblique move: something he had never done before. He left the Houston comfort zone and opened his next store in Austin in 2008.

There was debate among local food writers, me among them, who questioned whether downtown Austin could absorb yet another steakhouse. Well, after four years, it’s apparent that downtown Austin has not only absorbed Perry’s but welcomed the store with open arms and for good reason. The steaks and chops (particularly the 32oz pork chop) are flat-out good. The wine selection is exemplary and they have sensational house wines as well.

They also offer a private wine storage program.

In short, Perry’s has become a classy joint that is particularly well run and very tastefully appointed. And Perry, who lives in Austin, keeps a particularly watchful eye on his emporium at 7th and Colorado.

The Austin experience convinced Perry to move to Dallas in 2010 and to San Antonio in 2011. Each store displays the traits common to the Perry’s corporate culture and each one continues to grow in popularity. It’s understandable.

114 W. 7th St. Austin, TX 78701 (512) 474-6300

Mon–Thu: 4pm–10pm Fri: 11am–10pm Sat: 4pm–10pm Sun: 4pm-9pm

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