This winter, Smith & Wollensky, the iconic dining brand, celebrates 45 years as America’s Steakhouse. Famously described by The New York Times as “a steakhouse to end all arguments”, Smith & Wollensky is celebrating its anniversary with a variety of commemorative activations including an exciting collaboration with legendary bourbon distillers, Maker’s Mark, in addition to custom steak knives created by master craftsman Adam Simha from MKS Designs. The time-honored brand also has plans for new locations slated to debut within the next year including expanding its presence in greater Boston and new locations in Washington D.C. and internationally.

Burlington is the first location that will be home to the newest Smith & Wollensky, expanding the company’s presence in its hometown of Boston, Massachusetts. The restaurant will have dining rooms on two levels, a large horseshoe bar, an upper-level indoor-outdoor bar, expansive private event spaces and outdoor patio dining. More details about the design and grand opening will be announced in the new year, along with plans for Smith & Wollenksy’s long-awaited return to the nation’s capital, Washington, DC. and across the globe. 

“It’s an incredible achievement to be celebrating 45 amazing years as “America’s Steakhouse.” says Kim Lapine, CMO of PPX Hospitality Brands. “Despite recent challenges for our industry, our brand has consistently provided guests with the highest quality steak and hospitality our guests have come to expect. Our continued growth and perseverance is a clear indication of that. We’re proud of our team and their commitment to delivering the best steakhouse dining experience possible, and we’re excited to introduce these new brand evolutions and announce new location developments as we enter the next chapter in our story.”

With a heavy pour of excitement, Smith & Wollenskhy has partnered with Maker’s Mark for the restaurant’s 45th anniversary, debuting Maker’s Mark Private Select Barrel. Earlier this year, members of the Smith & Wollensky team including Chief Culinary Officer, Chef Matt King and National Beverage Director, Christian Gianaris traveled to Maker’s Mark distillery in Loretto Kentucky to work directly with master distillers, creating a custom, unique expression of the wood-finished bourbon. The team worked collaboratively to develop a flavor profile that compliments the restaurant’s menu of premium steaks and chops, in addition to shellfish and seafood. 

“We are thrilled to be able to partner with such a legendary brand like Maker’s Mark at such an exciting time for our brand. Their American story, anchored by family and character, align perfectly with our brand values. Maker’s commitment to the painstaking process necessary for quality bourbon reminds me of the similar steps we take with our premium steaks. This partnership was a natural collaboration as Maker’s Mark is year-after-year one of our most popular spirits, in addition to being the perfect bourbon to pair with our USDA Prime and American Wagyu beef,” says Gianaris. “Whether neat, on the rocks or in a cocktail, we are passionate about this Private Selection and can’t wait for our guests to taste and experience it.”

Beginning as fully matured Maker’s Mark® at cask strength, the Private Selection is created by adding 10 custom wood finishing staves, hand-selected by the Smith & Wollensky team, to each barrel. It’s then aged in a limestone cellar to extract a unique, flavorful taste profile. The finishing staves were a unique combination of various profiles chosen with S&W’s cuisine and experience in-mind. Smith & Wollensky’s private selection of Maker’s Mark can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks or as part of a unique tasting flight experience; Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Maker’s Mark 46, and Private Selection – Smith & Wollensky 45th Anniversary Edition. 

“Smith & Wollensky is synonymous with delivering the highest quality flavor and hospitality experience in everything they do, and we strive to do the same at Maker’s Mark,” says Greta Harper, Heritage Manager for the Maker’s Mark Distillery. “It has been a privilege to partner with their culinary & beverage teams to dream up and craft a one-of-a-kind Maker’s Mark Private Selection Bourbon to honor their 45th anniversary as America’s Steakhouse. Bourbon and Beef – we can’t think of a better pairing!” 

Smith & Wollensky will also debut a custom steak knife in collaboration with Boston-based craftsman Adam Simha of MKS Designs. Created to compliment the steak-eating experience, the knife features quality materials and a bespoke shape and design. The designers worked alongside the restaurant’s Chief Culinary Officer, Chef Matt King to create a specialized steak knife like no other. These heirloom-quality knives will also soon be available in gift sets for the steak lover on your holiday list. 

The original Smith & Wollensky location opened in 1977 in New York City and has since become an institution known for its American hospitality and high-quality USDA Prime steaks, butchered and dry-aged on premise. The restaurant brand is proud to be the only national steakhouse brand devoted to dry-aging and hand-carving USDA Prime steaks in house. Together with the brand’s committed partners, America’s Steakhouse has also sourced a selection of American Wagyu cuts to complement their USDA Prime steaks this year, elevating the classic steakhouse experience to new luxurious heights.