By DENISE K. JAMES

There is nothing better than a night out at a fun restaurant, and residents of Hoover are loving the new Saltgrass Steak House for a dinner. With a menu featuring everything from steaks to seafood and housemade accompaniments, the restaurant offers food with downtown quality conveniently close to home. And according to Ken Pierce, the divisional vice president for Saltgrass, the good food is just the beginning.

Share a bit of Saltgrass’s history – how did this restaurant come to be part of the Landry Family?

The Saltgrass legend dates back to the 1800s when cattle roamed freely throughout Texas and were driven to the Texas gulf coast to graze on the rich coastal saltgrass. When they headed for market, they followed the legendary Saltgrass Trail. In 1952, this historic trail ride was revived to publicize the opening of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The ride has become an annual celebration, and the first Saltgrass Steak House still stands along this historic trail. Drawing inspiration from this time, the concept for Saltgrass Steak House was born. Saltgrass Steak House is now bringing a piece of Texas to newly-opened locations in Alabama, Florida, Mississippi and Oklahoma.

How long has the Hoover location been open?

The Saltgrass in Hoover opened its doors on Tuesday, Oct. 9, three weeks after the first Alabama location opened in Birmingham.

Why did you choose Hoover as a neighborhood for Saltgrass?

Following the success of the Birmingham location Saltgrass opened the restaurant in Hoover, as it’s a perfect fit for the community that appreciates delicious food and Southern hospitality.

Describe the Saltgrass menu concept.

The menu features an array of fresh seafood, chicken, burgers, sandwiches, salads and more, with favorites such as Chicken Fried Steak, BBQ Baby Back Ribs and Double-Bone Pork Chop with savory bacon jam. In addition, all soups and salad dressings are made in-house every day with fresh ingredients. Saltgrass is best known for its authentic Certified Angus Beef brand steaks.

Besides the food, what are some other reasons customers love coming to Saltgrass?

Customers enjoy the overall atmosphere and experience of dining at Saltgrass. Besides the menu, customer service is our top priority. Diners feel welcome as if they’re enjoying a meal among family and friends. Another reason diners love Saltgrass is the authentic feel of the décor. When you walk in, you are instantly transported to a warm Hill Country home with everything from longhorns on the walls to framed rattlesnake skins to cowboy paraphernalia.