dining out
Marshall Steakhouse
Text by Aubrey Ann Monger | Photos courtesy of Marshall Steakhouse
In the heart of Holly Springs, MS, lies one of the largest steakhouses in the state. Randall Swaney, Memphis native and avid steakhouse enthusiast, set out to offer a unique experience he felt the Mid South was lacking. Simply put: he serves high-quality food with a fine-dining experience in a comfortable and fun atmosphere.
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ust a quick 30-45 minute drive from the heart of Memphis, the woodsy interior of Marshall Steakhouse is reminiscent of architecture from the Western United States. “People in the South seem to really love it because it is so inviting and warm!” says Swaney. The mezzanine is held up by 200-year-old cedar trees, complementing the 300-year-old white oak slabs that serve as tables. Swaney himself removed the oak trunks from a vast forest off of Byhalia Road in Collierville and cut the lumber for every table, staircase and support post inside the restaurant. But perhaps the most striking detail of the interior is the 6,000-pound hand-carved grizzly bear statue that towers over the far wall of the hall. Follow the grizzly upstairs, where Swaney is in the middle of completing a private dining “cabin” that will hold about 40 people. “I can see it being a big hit for rehearsal dinners because the doors can be shut for privacy during toasts and speeches,” he explains. The steakhouse can accommodate more than 300 people at one time in the main hall and outdoor dining area, where guests can grill their own meat and order fresh sides from the kitchen. Don’t expect the large crowds to deter from the quality of the cuisine, though. Swaney attributes the eatery’s success to his staff, who have over 40 years of combined restaurant experience from prestigious spots around the U.S. 90 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • November 2018