McKendrick’s Steak House, an independently owned, classic American steakhouse in Atlanta, will celebrate its 20-year anniversary in November.

Owners Doug and Claudia McKendrick have enjoyed success thanks to a time-tested formula that includes more than just their USDA Prime Aged Beef, fresh seafood flown in daily, and extensive wine and spirits list.

The Park Place Shopping Center restaurant has a team that ranges in tenure from 15 to 20 years, and continues to specialize in high-end service.

Claudia McKendrick recalls working with original and present Executive Chef Thomas Minchella on the restaurant’s opening menu in 1995.

“We have stayed current over the years by maintaining a classic menu while taking note of food trends, changing up the presentation and providing fresh, seasonal options,” Claudia McKendrick says. “Attention to detail and service is paramount, but other than that the interior and china have remained the same.”

Much of the team remains unchanged as well. Managers Carol Conway and Rick Marianacci have been with McKendrick’s Steak House for over 18 years. Manager Marc Rossano has been a team member for nine, and a handful of servers have held their roles for 15 or more years.

Doug McKendrick has witnessed the Dunwoody area transform since his first concept, élan, went up in the space that now houses McKendrick’s, in 1979. élan was a nightclub that had a successful nine-year run before they opened Mi Spia (open for 13 years), Park Place Cafe and finally, McKendrick’s Steak House.

“Serve only the best and take good care of your people,” Doug McKendrick says of their success.