JEFF FIELDER / Nspire Today!
If you’re looking for one of the most popular family-friendly restaurants in the WyoBraska region, then you’ll want to check out Backaracks Steakhouse & Grill.
This establishment has been offering delicious food and great service in a fun atmosphere since 2012.
“We’re very proud to be able to celebrate 13 years in business, especially considering the challenges that local businesses face sometimes,” said Tammy Cooley, who co-owns the restaurant with Rachel Simonton. “To be a local business that’s been successful for as long as we have is a huge accomplishment.”
Backaracks, which currently has a whopping 44 employees, stands out for a number of reasons, including its award-winning food. Over the years, Backaracks has been chosen as the “Best Barbecue” establishment in the region, and they’ve also been honored for having the “Best Ribs” and “Best Family Environment.” Several employees have been recognized, too, for their superb service.
Customers often rave about not only the quality of Backaracks’ food but also the variety on the menu. Popular picks include wings, salads, pastas, sandwiches, appetizers, and, of course, steaks, burgers and even prime rib on Fridays and Saturdays.
“We’re in beef country, so we want to provide good, quality beef,” said Cooley, who noted that Backaracks has been part of the Beef Program the last three years.
As far as the atmosphere at Backaracks, it’s hard to beat, especially because of the large number of TVs that are spaced around the restaurant, giving every customer a chance to watch whatever big game is going on.
“It’s a really fun environment to watch sports events,” said Cooley, who noted that Backaracks has a seating capacity of about 250 people, making it one of the larger restaurants in the region.
While Backaracks has always been a hot spot for watching games, it’s hardly just a “sports bar.”
“Originally, I think we were known as a sports bar, but now I think we’re known more as a family-friendly steakhouse,” Cooley said.
Another fun feature of Backaracks is that it offers karaoke every Wednesday and every third Friday. Customers can also play keno and skill games.
The restaurant also offers a private area that’s perfect for birthday parties, wedding receptions, baby showers, class reunions, Christmas parties, graduation parties, business meetings, and other gatherings up to about 70 people. There’s no fee to reserve the room, either, as long as groups order food and/or drinks.
Backaracks also does catering for both small and large events.
Something else that makes Backaracks stand out is that it frequently gives back to the community in various ways.
“I think one of the things I’m most proud of is we support events in the community, and we donate to a lot of different organizations,” Cooley said. “We love giving back to our community.”
Perhaps the biggest way they’ve done that is by hosting the annual Save-a-Rack, a fundraiser for Festival of Hope. Since 2012, the event has raised an eye-popping $671,650.
“We’re honored that we get to be part of not only helping cancer patients but also being able to help the families and friends who are affected by cancer,” Cooley said. “I’m amazed at how much has been raised over the years. That shows just how generous our community is.”
Backaracks has also sponsored local sports teams and recreational teams, and they’ve been a big part of the Scotts Bluff County Fair, running a beer garden there. They’re also part of the Welcome Wagon.
Cooley said she and Simonton are grateful for everyone who’s played a role in the success and growth of Backaracks. That includes Bob Scripter and Tom Watson, who started the restaurant in 2012. Eventually, Terry Lyle became a co-owner with Scripter, and later Simonton took over Scripter’s ownership role. A couple years ago, Cooley took over Lyle’s ownership role to become co-owners with Simonton.
Although Cooley and Simonton haven’t always been owners of Backaracks, they’ve worked there for about as long as it’s been open in some capacity.
“Rachel worked here from day one as a bartender, and I started working here early on, too, so we’ve both been here pretty much since the beginning,” Cooley said.
Looking at the future, Cooley said she and Simonton have plans to expand Backaracks, especially since they recently bought the large building and property directly to the south of Backaracks. They plan to turn the space into a large banquet area for things like Christmas parties and wedding receptions. They also want to construct a nice outdoor patio area and add outdoor activities such as corn hole, sand volleyball, and horse shoes.
“We want to be known as the place to go in the region for great food, great service and fun entertainment,” Cooley said. “It’s a great place right now for families and friends to hang out and enjoy great food and drinks, but we’re excited to make it even better in the near future.”
Cooley said she and Simonton appreciate all of their customers’ support.
“We’re so thankful for them. Without them, we wouldn’t have been able to make it to 13 years in business,” Cooley said.
They also praised their staff, whom they treat like family.
“They’re very important to us,” Cooley said. “We wouldn’t be able to do what we do if it weren’t for them.”
Backaracks Steakhouse & Grill
Business phone number: 308-633-2712
Business address: 1402 E 20th St, Scottsbluff, NE 69361
Business hours: Monday thru Saturday 11 a.m. – 1 a.m.; Sundays: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Website address: backaracks.net
Social media sites: Facebook, Instagram
