Ruhlman’s Steakhouse (Ashland)

[Brad]

Apparently Ruhlman’s Steakhouse in Ashland closed for a remodel/rebrand.

[nebugeater]

Has to be more of a rebrand than a remodel unless they missed the target completely.

[nebugeater]

On the Grow Omaha Facebook post, there was this reply that may be accurate

Breaker's Sports Bar and Grill as per the new liquor license that was in the Gazette a few weeks ago.

[nebugeater]

Looking back at The Ruhlman's Facebook page, the Grand Opening was July 31 2024

[Louie]

May not have had enough market for the steakhouse there.

[ChadJK]

Ruhlman's Steakhouse
603 US Highway 6
Ashland, NE 68003
(402) 234-7022
https://ruhlmansteakhouse.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ruhlmansfoodtruck/

From their Facebook post:

For the last four years, we at Ruhlman's Steakhouse have made countless memories and friends. What started as a spark of inspiration became a brick and mortar reality, filled with life and brimming with fellowship. We fell in love with Ashland, and longed to be a part of it through business additions that helped the community to grow and thrive. We are proud to have achieved our goals and learned so much along the way.

As so many adventures do, ours has begun to evolve and new opportunities for the steakhouse have formed. Starting on Monday, August 24th, Ruhlman's will be closed for renovations and rebranding. What will remain the same is the heart and passion behind the business, alongside the love of the community. We thank you for your patience as we navigate this exciting new chapter.

Love,
The Ruhlman Family

They've been in their current building for 2 years, but I heard they sold steaks out of the Ashland American Legion building for awhile and I think they had a food truck too.

I heard some murmurings about this. Supposedly, the employees showed up for their shifts, but the doors were locked. So, they weren't informed. Which is odd when the same owners are just rebranding as a different restaurant concept. Also, supposedly, once people started asking about gift cards and employee treatment in the comment section of their Facebook post they turned off comments. That's not good business.

[ChadJK]

May not have had enough market for the steakhouse there.

That was my thinking. They were trying to operate a classy steakhouse. Once the novelty wore off they weren't getting the customer headcount they needed.

If a small town is within easy driving distance of Omaha, the residents are more apt to drive into Omaha for a nice night out than stay local. If a couple is going to drop $100 on dinner, then I think they'd rather just drive into Omaha and make a night of it then eat at the place down the street.

Round the Bend Steakhouse and Parker's Smokehouse successfully operate in the area, but they're considerably more casual and a tad more affordable.

[Brad]

May not have had enough market for the steakhouse there.

That was my thinking. They were trying to operate a classy steakhouse. Once the novelty wore off they weren't getting the customer headcount they needed.

If a small town is within easy driving distance of Omaha, the residents are more apt to drive into Omaha for a nice night out than stay local. If a couple is going to drop $100 on dinner, then I think they'd rather just drive into Omaha and make a night of it then eat at the place down the street.

Round the Bend Steakhouse and Parker's Smokehouse successfully operate in the area, but they're considerably more casual and a tad more affordable.

I was wondering with Iron Horse, Lake Allure, Sandy Pointe, Big Sandy, Etc, if they thought there was more of a upscale market in Ashland. All those developments I listed and others have some high dollar homes in them.

[ChadJK]

I was wondering with Iron Horse, Lake Allure, Sandy Pointe, Big Sandy, Etc, if they thought there was more of a upscale market in Ashland. All those developments I listed and others have some high dollar homes in them.

There's definitely a lot of money in the Ashland/Gretna area.

[OverlookedFarm]

Last weekend, I sous vide some costco prime filets, lump seared finshed and it was the best steak I ever had. Better than Berns Tampa, better than Ruth Cris, Committee, better than Pivot, drover you name it.

All in per steak, it was less than $17.

I'm so over overpriced steak houses. If I want an experience, I'll book a pedicure or buy a concert ticket with my savings.

I appreciate the effort, and Ashland has money, but yeah, probably something more casual would be more in demand.

[BuildTaller]

I haven't been there in a few months (busy with summer) but it was always pretty busy when I was there. Food was great.

[nebugeater]

It has been about two months since Ruhlman's Steakhouse abruptly closed its doors, saying they were remodeling. As we know, there was mention ( not official) that they were converting to a sports theme.

Has anyone heard anything? I went through Ashland this weekend, and curiosity had me swing through the parking lot. Granted, it was the weekend, but I saw no signs of anything being done or changed from what I could see through the glass door.

[Birdwise]

Word is a brewery might be taking over the space (not mine).

[ChadJK]

I spoke with a lady who lives in Ashland last night. She said Ruhlman’s couldn't get funding. Though, I doubt she's wired into business lending, so I presume that's just the rumor floating around Ashland.

[BuildTaller]

I spoke with a lady who lives in Ashland last night. She said Ruhlman’s couldn't get funding. Though, I doubt she's wired into business lending, so I presume that's just the rumor floating around Ashland.

Are we saying Philip Ruhlman and Willy Theisen are broke or just that they are ending the business? Or is John Benton the owner?

Also there's a Ruhlman's Steakhouse food truck parked by Legends off the Irvington exit.

[nebugeater]

Word is a brewery might be taking over the space (not mine).

I have seen reports that a new liquor license application has been applied for for this address under the name Breaker's Sports Bar and Grill.
This looks like it my be a small chain / francise


I cannot see a brewery going in there to compete with Asland Brewing down the street.

[ChadJK]

Are we saying Philip Ruhlman and Willy Theisen are broke or just that they are ending the business? Or is John Benton the owner?

Broke and not wanting to sink your own money into another venture are two different things. Maybe they just couldn't find somebody else's money to spend. Maybe they're not partners anymore.

[43county]

Pretty sure it's the Kinkaider folks that are opening Breakers. Sports bar, not a brewery (though I would assume they would feature a lot of their beers).

[Birdwise]

Pretty sure it's the Kinkaider folks that are opening Breakers. Sports bar, not a brewery (though I would assume they would feature a lot of their beers).

That’s what I meant

[43county]

[/quote]

That’s what I meant
[/quote]

Yeah, all good. I was replying to someone above who was asking if they would be brewing there.

By the way, really enjoying the Zaska beers that Bill brings me samples of, and going down there a few times has been fun. Good stuff so far!

[nebugeater]

Well, you did say brewery, so that's something to consider.

Word is a brewery might be taking over the space (not mine).

Pretty sure it's the Kinkaider folks that are opening Breakers. Sports bar, not a brewery (though I would assume they would feature a lot of their beers).

That’s what I meant