When news broke that Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan had purchased the iconic Cattlemen’s Steak House in the Fort Worth Stockyards, it immediately sent waves of excitement, curiosity, and nostalgia through both fans of his television empire and Texans who cherish their culinary landmarks. Sheridan has long been known as a writer and producer who deeply respects the grit, romance, and authenticity of Western heritage. By stepping into the restaurant industry with such a bold move, he has made a statement that goes far beyond business—this is about cultural preservation, community investment, and weaving his own story into the broader Texas legacy.
The Cattlemen’s Steak House, established in 1947, has been a cornerstone of the Stockyards district for generations. For decades, it has drawn visitors with its sizzling steaks, rustic atmosphere, and unshakable Texas identity. To walk into Cattlemen’s is to feel the presence of history, to hear echoes of cattle drives and oil boom deals sealed over hearty meals, and to smell the smoke of charred beef seasoned with tradition. For Sheridan, whose own Four Sixes Ranch supplies cattle and embodies the ranching life, purchasing this restaurant is not just about ownership—it is about stewardship of a Texas icon.
Reports indicate that Sheridan, along with partners David Glasser and Dan Schryer, invested millions to secure the steakhouse and then committed an additional $2.7 million to its renovation. The scale of the investment reflects both respect for its past and ambition for its future. Instead of transforming it into something unrecognizable, the renovations are designed to honor its roots while expanding its appeal for new generations. The plan includes maintaining the classic steakhouse menu while introducing elevated design touches and new spaces, including a private members-only club that adds a layer of exclusivity.
The Cattlemen’s Club, situated beneath the main restaurant, is already generating buzz as one of the most exclusive dining experiences in Fort Worth. With space for 130 guests, the club offers not only fine dining but also curated events, wine tastings, and private gatherings. Membership fees reflect its prestige: $3,000 per year for individuals, plus a $1,000 initiation fee, with corporate memberships climbing as high as $9,000 annually. This club is designed to serve those who want a refined, intimate experience while still being connected to the cowboy spirit of Fort Worth.
The design vision, guided by Tyler Duncan, blends rugged authenticity with modern elegance. Hickory woods, leather seating, copper countertops, and warm lighting evoke the feel of a timeless Western lodge, while still appealing to contemporary tastes. Beyond the restaurant and club, the property now includes a sprawling 20,000-square-foot patio, complete with a stage for live music, a stone fire pit, and a giant screen for events. It is a space that invites both locals and tourists to gather, celebrate, and experience the cultural heartbeat of Texas.
For Sheridan, this venture aligns seamlessly with his broader creative and personal mission. Through Yellowstone, 1883, 1923, and other projects, he has dramatized the struggles of landowners, ranchers, and families bound by tradition and tested by modern pressures. His purchase of Cattlemen’s shows that his passion for Western culture does not stop at the camera lens. Instead, it extends into real-world investments that reinforce the very way of life his shows portray. He has repeatedly emphasized that Fort Worth, known as the place “where the West begins,” is central to the American ranching identity. By investing in the Stockyards, he is reinforcing that legacy while ensuring its continued vitality in a rapidly changing world.
The symbolism of this move cannot be overstated. Restaurants are often more than just places to eat—they are cultural institutions that anchor communities. For Fort Worth, Cattlemen’s has been such a place for nearly 80 years. Sheridan’s purchase ensures that it will not only survive but thrive in the 21st century. It represents continuity in the face of change, showing that modernization does not have to mean erasure of tradition.
Financially, the move also makes sense. The Stockyards have become a booming tourist destination, attracting millions annually who want to experience Texas history and culture. By elevating Cattlemen’s while maintaining its authenticity, Sheridan and his partners are positioning it as both a tourist magnet and a local treasure. With his name attached, it also draws attention from Yellowstone fans who may travel to Texas just to dine where Sheridan has left his mark.
Sheridan’s Four Sixes Ranch already provides beef to the steakhouse, adding another layer of authenticity to the experience. Guests can literally taste beef raised on the same land that inspired so much of Sheridan’s storytelling. This farm-to-table connection strengthens the bond between food, land, and culture, something Sheridan has always emphasized in his narratives. It is not about gimmicks but about grounding the experience in reality, in the soil and cattle
