In 1960, the Big Texan Steak Ranch opened its doors alongside old Route 66 in Amarillo, Texas.  On evening a hungry cowboy ventured in bragging that he was so hungry that he could "eat the whole, darned cow."  Big Texan founder, R.J. "Bob" Lee started cooking him steaks.  When the cowpoke finally hollered "calf rope," he had consumed 4 1/2 pounds of tasty Texas beef.  Bob vowed from that day forward the dinner would be served "FREE" to anyone who could consume it in one hour.

The FREE 72oz. STEAK dinner is still flourishing at the Big Texan.  More than 40,000 people have attempted to consume the Free 72oz. Steak dinner since 1960.  About 7,000 have succeeded.  People from all over the world continue to visit us to take the challenge and claim the bragging rights.