Most folks in Arkansas know about Colton’s Steak House & Grill, but fewer know how the homegrown Arkansas chain got its start. The Colton’s story began in 1996 in Conway after founder Robert Fain bought a local Bonanza.
Fain owned several Bonanzas, which some might remember for their Western stylings and generous buffets. While only a handful of Bonanzas exist today, none of which are in the Natural State, the chain was a hit among both children and adults for its casual setting, affordable prices and scrumptious meals.
However, for one reason or another, the Conway location just seemed to be struggling.
“We had bought a Bonanza there, and we remodeled it, and we did some things a little different than the normal Bonanza at the time, and again, it just didn’t seem to be working,” said Suzanne Glisson, vice president of operations at Colton’s, “so we decided we’ve got to come up with something totally different. We’ve already bought this building; we’ve got to do something.”…