Ranchman’s by Marty B has reopened its doors following a nearly six-year hiatus. Located at 110 W. Bailsy St., the restaurant is about six miles west of I-35W. It has undergone extensive renovations, including a large Western-themed saloon, a patio that can accommodate up to 500 guests, and a music stage.
Originally established in 1903 and reopening after its mid-1940s debut, the restaurant was acquired by Marty Bryan, a local restaurateur known for owning several dining venues, including Marty B’s in Bartonville. The oak-paneled dining room, unchanged since its 1951 remodel, features memorabilia from the Oscar-nominated film “Bonnie & Clyde.”
The reopening attracted a significant number of patrons, with guests queuing shortly after the establishment opened at 3 p.m. on a recent weekend. While the menu has been expanded, it still includes signature items like griddled steaks and large chicken-fried steaks, along with new additions such as hand-packed burgers and pies based on recipes from Bryan’s mother. Bryan noted that the restaurant will continue to focus on traditional cooking methods.
Bryan had not previously visited Ranchman’s before its closure, but he was encouraged to purchase it after receiving numerous inquiries from his customers. The previous owner, Dave Ross, retired and sold the restaurant after taking over from co-founder Grace “Pete” Jackson in 1992. Ranchman’s was a well-known spot for the late Texas author Larry McMurtry, who found inspiration for his novel “Lonesome Dove” during a visit there. Future plans for the restaurant, including a Marty B’s Ice Cream, remain unclear.
