Raleigh's Angus Barn Named All-American Icon by Nation's Restaurant News
Posted: 02-09-2010 : RALEIGH, N.C.

Raleigh, N.C. – What makes a restaurant an All-American Icon? According to Nation’s Restaurant News, the news leader of the foodservice industry, it’s an establishment that has survived and thrived in good times and bad, and has captured and held the attention of diners everywhere. In its Jan. 26 issue, Nation’s Restaurant News included Raleigh’s Angus Barn on its prestigious “NRN 50” list of All-American Icon restaurants.

Still going strong 50 years after its founding by Thad Eure Jr. and Charles Winston, the Angus Barn has survived a devastating fire, numerous fluctuations in the economy, and competition from other high-end dining establishments. The self-proclaimed “Beefeaters Haven” has thrived over the years by expanding its menu to include seafood and other dishes, adding a popular bar and lounge, maintaining an award-winning wine selection, offering special themed dinners, and more recently, opening a 500-seat year-round lakeside pavilion (www.thepavilionsattheangusbarn.com) for special events. The Angus Barn also opened two elegant dining rooms accommodating 30-plus guests each in its renowned wine cellar, along with a special teaching kitchen.

What hasn’t changed over the years is the exemplary customer service exhibited by the Angus Barn and its staff of 250 employees. “We’re known for the way we make people feel from the minute they drive onto the property,” said Van Eure, daughter of the late Thad Eure Jr. and current owner. “If they’re hungry, they can eat anywhere. But they come here for the experience, whether it’s a birthday, anniversary or marriage proposal.”

Indeed, the Angus Barn has “become synonymous with hospitality and service excellence” according to Nation’s Restaurant News. That’s one of the primary reasons why the establishment made the NRN 50. The Angus Barn is the only North Carolina restaurant on the list, and joins such noted dining institutions as Commander’s Palace in New Orleans, St. Elmo Steak House in Indianapolis and The Four Seasons in New York City.

In the same article, Paul Stone, president and chief executive of the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association, attributes the Angus Barn’s long-term success to three things: commitment, family and service. “All the team members of the Angus Barn treat each customer like a king or queen,” said Stone, “and that never goes out of style.”

To find out more about the Angus Barn, visit www.angusbarn.com.

About the Angus Barn
Founded in 1960, the Angus Barn is a distinguished fine-dining establishment in Raleigh, N.C., owned and managed by Van Eure. Featured in Southern Living magazine and on the CBS program “48 Hours” for its cuisine and exemplary service, the Angus Barn has won numerous awards, including the Ivy Award, DiRöNa (Distinguished Restaurants of North America) Award, Wine Spectator Grand Award and Fine Dining Hall of Fame Award. In 2006, Angus Barn’s Executive Chef Walter Royal, a Restaurant Guild International Five Star Chef of the Year, triumphed over a celebrity Iron Chef on the Food Network’s “Iron Chef America” television show. For more information, visit www.angusbarn.com.

Contact: Jill Highsmith, 919-787-3535, jill@angusbarn.com