Thoughts on the Dakota Steakhouse

The Dakota Steakhouse, after years of hospitality and a menu from wild game to steaks to seafood and rumored to be on the rock of financial issues, closed with little warning to its employees and the public-at-large.

Over the years, The Dakota was the pinnacle of the places to eat in Berkshire County due to its menu, salad bar, décor and its ability to welcome guests with additional parking to a friendly smile and hello.

While fine dining has waned over the years, The Dakota kept pace with the seasons.

One of their gift card promotions was to buy $50 and get an added $10 bonus. Thus, the purchaser was able to give a $50 gift and retain the bonus for him/herself.

Financial insolvency doomed the corporation that had been rumored to close at various times of the years.

Their philosophy: “We have built our company on high expectations. You can expect a friendly, comfortable atmosphere and attentive, courteous service at all of our establishments.

Our philosophies are ingrained—a straightforward, simple and honest approach; a desire to bond with our guests—combined with hearty and consistently high quality American Cuisine…and all of this at great value.”

The building housing the Sirloin Saloon in Manchester, Vt., which closed abruptly just before Christmas in 2011, was sold to Ben Hauben, the owner of Vanderbilt Equities Corp., for $700,000, according to The Bennington Banner.

The saloon was part of the corporation that owns the Dakota.

Also, Hauben at one point was going to develop the Hashim property located across from Lenox Commons but failed to get town permits.

(See The View for more of a historical perspective on the Dakota.)

Posted by George C. Jordan III on May 2, 2013. Filed under Editorials,Opinion. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry