Big Texan gets its kicks with new Dinosaur - Amarillo, Texas. - News Article Locations on Waymarking.com

Bob Lee opened the Big Texan in 1960. It stood along Route 66 in Amarillo. In 1962 a cowboy came in so hungry that he said he could "eat a whole cow." Bob decided to see if that was true. He quit after 72 ounces. So that's how the legend started.

The Big Texan Steak Ranch’s latest roadside attraction will be known as the Big Tex Rex. A sign explaining the history of the Big Texan Steak Ranch stands at Dino's feet.

From the Amarillo Globe News:
"Crews have begun seating a massive dinosaur on a new foundation in front of the restaurant and hotel at 7701 E. Interstate 40.
When completed, Big Tex Rex will sport a western hat and kerchief, Lee said. He already wears cowboy boots.
A badge to be placed at his feet will encourage tourists to “Get your kicks on Route 66,” Lee said.
The dinosaur once stood outside a Planet Hollywood location in Dallas. Lee hopes to encourage Big Texan visitors to make photos — and memories — of the new Route 66 dinosaur." Text Source: (visit link)

A TEXAS LEGEND BEGINS:
" R. J. “Bob” Lee, a Mid westerner, whose family roots went back to the four-star Savoy Grill in Kansas City, grew up on stories and movies about cowboys, Indians, horses and Texas cattle ranches. The Texas mystique drew him like a lodestone. When he made his way to the Texas Panhandle and to Amarillo with his wife Mary Ann and their growing family, it didn’t take long for him to embrace the Lone Star State and to claim its persona as his own. His only disappointment was that he couldn’t find a first-class Texas-style steakhouse in an area of the country best known for cowboys and cattle.
In true Texas spirit, Bob decided to create a place that would satisfy the world’s hunger for good steaks and the ambiance of the Old West. He had no idea in those early days that he was destined to become a part of the Texas legends and lore that he loved." Text Source: (visit link)

Photos from the Big Texan Website: (visit link)

Address: 7701 I-40 E., Amarillo, TX

Type of publication: Newspaper When was the article reported?: 12/12/2012 Publication: Amarillo Global News Article Url: [Web Link] Is Registration Required?: no How widespread was the article reported?: regional News Category: Arts/Culture

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