| Type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Restaurants |
| Founded | 1975 in New Albany, Indiana |
| Headquarters | Louisville, Kentucky, USA |
| Key people | Mathew Higgins President and CEO |
| Products | Steak, chicken, and seafood cooked in a Southwest Mesquite style |
| Revenue | $61 million (2006) |
| Net income | $60 million (2006) |
| Website | Tumbleweed Southwest Grill |
Tumbleweed Southwest Grill is a chain restaurant based in Louisville, Kentucky, having originated in New Albany, Indiana.
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Tumbleweed Southwest Grill serves Southwest-style foods. The original restaurant opened in 1975 in New Albany, Indiana, just across the Ohio River from Louisville. George R. Keller and wife Linda started the chain across the road from New Albany High School. Then later in 1978 Linda would utilize her parents’ Hillside Manor restaurant and bar to turn it into a Tumbleweed. This location in Louisville became the flagship for the restaurant chain.
Shortly after, the restaurant expanded to locations across the river and now operates over 60 locations[1] restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, and Wisconsin,[2] including company-owned and franchise locations.
In 1995, the Kellers sold the business to sixty local area investors for US$9.8 million and an additional US$1 million in a clause not to compete against the company's new owners. The company then became a publicly traded company to help fuel its expansion in the Midwest and overseas markets. John Butorac, Jr., took over as president of the company, he was also the former vice president for Chi-Chi's.[3]
In 2002, Terrance Smith, CEO of the establishment, was seeking ownership of the company with two other investors.[4] However on December 18, 2007, it was reported by local media in Louisville that Terrance Smith resigned as President and CEO after seven years. Mathew Higgins may have become the new President and CEO of the company.[5] Tumbleweed is the parent company of the upscale southwestern concept known as Sedona Grill. After Terry Smith's departure, Tumbleweed closed the doors to the upscale theme.
Tumbleweed serves an American-Mexican cuisine in a combination Tex-Mex and Southwest style. They specialize in a chili con queso.[6] Tumbleweed's menu includes Continental food, encompassing such foods as chicken and steak. The other major style of cuisine is a Mexican-themed menu, including burritos, chimichangas, and a variety of house salads. All locations in Wisconsin were scheduled to close 29 November 2008.
Tumbleweed has been expanding its market overseas with the following places.[7]