2015 Economic Impact Awards 1-5 Years in Operation Finalist: Jimm's Steakhouse & Pub

In short order, Jimm’s Steakhouse & Pub has become a staple in the Springfield-area restaurant industry.

It’s not uncommon to see businesspeople meeting over lunch or dinner, enjoying the menu comprising largely meat and potatoes and a hefty salad bar.

“I think it just naturally happened,” says Jimm Swafford, managing partner, of property that previously house Steak and Ale. “It’s an icon in Springfield. The building has been here 40 years in 2018. People just love patronizing an independent restaurant that they’ve known for many years.”

For Jimm’s, a solid reputation only matters if it lasts. Swafford says staff  training emphasizes customers respect, and the company uses advertising and social media to maintain its brand.

“We work hard at TripAdvisor, responding to all the reviews, answering them whether they be positive or negative,” he says.

Owned by Errett Sechler, Jimm’s Steakhouse currently is the third-ranked restaurant out of 526 in Springfield. On TripAdvisor, Jimm’s Steakhouse has a 4.5 out of 5, with the majority of reviews, 64.4 percent, indicating the restaurant is “Excellent,” the top review score available.

Swafford says the restaurant’s roughly 10,000 monthly customers respond favorably to the value of the restaurant’s meat and produce.

“Only seven out of 100 cattle qualify for the certified angus beef product,” he says, noting an average night out for two would be around $50. “We don’t use bagged lettuce at all. No matter what the cost of lettuce is, we keep fresh lettuce and it’s chopped each morning.”

To meet demand, Jimm’s Steakhouse last year purchased over 62,000 pounds of beef, 20,000 pounds of which was prime rib.

“Beef is what we do well,” Swafford says.

For its efforts, 2014 revenue exceeded $2.7 million, representing a roughly 42 percent increase compared to $1.9 million in 2010, its first full year of operation.

Swafford says Jimm’s takes opportunities to give back.

In radio advertising spots via Mid-West Family Broadcasting, Swafford makes a point to give shout-outs to other restaurants – though he admits he doesn’t promote other steakhouses.

Also, each November, Jimm’s Steakhouse holds a full prime rib dinner with dessert in partnership with Ramada Plaza Hotel & Oasis Convention Center and area McDonald’s restaurants. Through the community event, roughly 350 adults and 50 children are given a wholesome meal, he says.

Swafford also assists homeless youth drop-in shelter Rare Breed, which he started promoting in earnest around three years ago. The week before Christmas, Jimm’s Steakhouse invites up to 30 Rare Breed youth to the restaurant, where they are treated to as much food as they can eat. During December and the Mother’s and Father’s day seasons, Jimm’s also gives a percentage of gift card sales to the Rare Breed and The Kitchen Inc. Donations to the Rare Breed have risen above $5,000 in the last three years.

“A lot of people had no idea what it was,” Swafford says. “I wanted to educate the public that these homeless youth were out there and didn’t have a place to go at night.”