Steak and Shake

As I followed the Scouting Combine through the experiences of the NFL Network characters, I heard frequent mention of a diner-style restaurant named Steak and Shake. To quote the fabulous Liz Lemon, "I want to go to there."

Steak and Shake was founded by Gus Belt in Normal, Illinois in 1934. To his restaurant, he brought the Steakburger, a trademark name for his burger made from the grinding of round, sirloin and T-bone steaks. Since ground meat was a sketchy process to some in '34, Belt coined the slogan "In sight, it must be right". He would grind the meat for his delicious creation in sight of the public. The slogan is still in use today but refers more to the open grill line. After the success of the original, Belt purchased a chain of, the perfectly named, Goal Post restaurants throughout central Illinois. The hand-dipped, real milk shakes are a perfect compliment to the Steakburger.

Steak and Shake sounds like a keeper. During a certain week in February, it sounds like a great place to meet the football world. Hey, there's Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau sitting in the corner, must be waiting for Mike Tomlin and Marvin Lewis because they are headed right for him. This place is a football junkie's delight. I hear the food is pretty good too. NFL Network's Rich Eisen is always talking about this place, from the people that are there to the food on the table. Speaking of the food, rumor has it that Steve Mariucci is a treat to watch eat, a machine. I have actually heard mention of this throughout the year. People are always bringing him leftovers. "You done with that?" can frequently be heard wherever food is served. He is always eating. Most of the patrons of Steak and Shake see the shake as a dessert as well as a compliment to the meal. Mariucci finishes his appetizers, Steakburger and shake and asks about dessert. Others think he's nuts. He gets a sundae. It was said that he inhaled the sundae "faster than Chris Johnson runs a 40. That is approximately 4.2 seconds.

Yes, Steak and Shake is a treat. 500 units throughout the Midwestern and Southern United States.