---
title: "Steak and Ale® Makes Triumphant Return to South Carolina With Franchise Development in Anderson"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/21cff78a-28c1-4689-8737-dad86cb946a3
source: "Franchising.com"
original_url: https://www.franchising.com/news/20260616_steak_and_ale_makes_triumphant_return_to_south_carolina_with_franchise_deve.html
category: "Restaurants"
industry: "Restaurants"
topics: ["Development & multi-unit"]
published: 2026-06-16T12:00:00.000Z
modified: 2026-10-31T14:43:22.992Z
image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1555396273-367ea4eb4db5?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop
---

# Steak and Ale® Makes Triumphant Return to South Carolina With Franchise Development in Anderson

**TL;DR:** Steak and Ale is returning to South Carolina with a new franchise location in Anderson, owned and operated by husband-and-wife team John and Dixie Benca. The brand, founded in 1966, is expanding across the South after a years-long absence, with the Anderson location being the next step in its growth.

*originally published in Franchising.com on 2026-06-16. [Read the original](https://www.franchising.com/news/20260616_steak_and_ale_makes_triumphant_return_to_south_carolina_with_franchise_deve.html).*

## Story

The restaurant will be owned and operated by husband-and-wife franchisees John and Dixie Benca, who first met while working at a Steak and Ale near the University of Georgia. The standards, discipline and guest-first approach they embraced as team members stayed with them as they built a successful restaurant business of their own in Anderson. Now, they are bringing Steak and Ale to the community they call home, returning to the concept that helped shape both their careers and relationship.

The Bencas have operated restaurants in Anderson for decades and believe the concept's combination of quality food, welcoming service and approachable atmosphere will resonate with local diners.

“Steak and Ale played a bigger role in our lives than either of us realized at the time,” said John and Dixie Benca. “We met there, learned what great hospitality looked like and carried those lessons into every business we've built since. Having the opportunity to bring Steak and Ale to Anderson is incredibly rewarding after being part of its story so many years ago.”

Founded in 1966, Steak and Ale became one of the most recognizable names in casual dining, known for its quality steaks, unlimited salad bar and distinctive English inn-inspired atmosphere.

After a years-long absence, Steak and Ale returned in 2024 with the opening of a new restaurant in Burnsville, Minnesota. The Anderson location represents the next step in the brand's expansion as it introduces the American Original to longtime fans and new audiences across the South.

“Six decades in, the enthusiasm for this brand is stronger than ever,” said Paul Mangiamele, chairman and CEO of Legendary Restaurant Brands. “As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we continue to see tremendous interest from entrepreneurs who recognize Steak and Ale's enduring appeal and distinctive place in restaurant history. John and Dixie's operational expertise, passion for serving guests and personal connection to the brand make them exceptional partners. Together, we're building on a legacy that continues to resonate while positioning Steak and Ale for continued growth.”

## Entities

- Franchising.com (publication)
- QSR (sector)
- franchise development (topic)
- restaurant expansion (topic)
- casual dining (topic)
- brand revival (topic)
- Paul Mangiamele (person)
- Legendary Restaurant Brands (company)
- Steak and Ale (company)
- Anderson (location)
- John Benca (person)
- Dixie Benca (person)

---
Originally reported by Franchising.com (https://www.franchising.com/news/20260616_steak_and_ale_makes_triumphant_return_to_south_carolina_with_franchise_deve.html). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/21cff78a-28c1-4689-8737-dad86cb946a3).