Bonanza Steakhouse - Lebanon, VA

[@davewhite113]

We used to have two of them here in Macon, Ga. My sisters worked there and they would bring home any left over baked potatoes. I remember eating those late at night before I went to bed.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Thank you for sharing your memory of Bonanza. That is awesome, that you had 2 there in Macon. Thank you for watching!

[@mrsbintennessee1159]

My husband was the night manager at Lum's in Gatlinburg when we were young. We raised our family on Ryan's, miss them! Sirloin dinner was $5.29, free dessert bar 😋

[@NCMemoryMakers]

I remember Lums very well. Thank you for sharing that.

[@Jwdude123]

Trump 2024

[@1josh98]

We eat at that bonanza all the time. Always great food and great service.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Yes, we really enjoyed both the food and the service. Thanks for watching!

[@emily60156]

I worked at the Bonanza in Ocean City , MD in the summer of 1985. I have many fond memories of Bonanza and the friends I made there.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Wow, that's awesome that you worked in one. I have many fond memories of eating there as a child, in various spots. They are mostly gone now, sadly. Thanks for watching, and thanks for sharing.

[@BigBroWatcher]

I use to love Bonanza, I only live about an hour away from Lebanon Va. across the TN state line, didn't realize they still had a Bonanza. Hubby and I might have to take a drive soon and check it out. Thanks for sharing.

[@countryboyscooter3402]

come on up. We are lucky to still have it here!

[@NCMemoryMakers]

You are very welcome. Definitely worth the trip.

[@sharonspivey781]

Wow!! What a back step in time!! I remember Bonanza and Lum's in Gatlinburg!! I remember Ponderosa, also!! Loved the old commercial touch!! So happy you could meet up with your friends (fellow you tubers) and enjoy the Bonanza Steak House and the review was excellent. Thanks for sharing!!

[@NCMemoryMakers]

@sharonspivey781 Thank you so much for watching! I was wondering how many people would remember the Bonanza and Lums there in Gatlinburg, right up past the Space Needle. I ate it both of those as a child, but Bonanza more times. I think I ate at Lums once.

[@philliproupe8967]

Loved bonanza ❤ I am so jealous ❤ 2 of my favorite KZbinrs together ❤

[@vafunseekers]

We should have picked you up on the way!

[@NCMemoryMakers]

That is very kind of you. Yes, the Vafunseekers are great people, and we always enjoy spending time with them. Do you live close to Lebanon? We would love for you to have joined us.

[@philliproupe8967]

Probably 2 hours away. Would love to do that one day

[@countryboyscooter3402]

Tim Fields the owner does a great job with Bonanza! We are lucky to still have it!

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Absolutely!

[@rvasquez736]

Bonanza Steakhouse in East Mesa Az. It was off Record Rd and Main St. Memories of our family and friends working there at the same time. Great place in the 70-80's. Food was awesome. My favorite dessert/loved the cheesecake 🤗

[@NCMemoryMakers]

@@rvasquez736 Thank you for sharing your memories of Bonanza. I really wish it was still around our area, as I'm sure you do, as well.

[@kellittle7]

I have been to that Bonanza many times. I’m from Abingdon VA.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Nice! We drove through there on our way up.

[@frankcarone6]

this is a fantastic review ,i love the nostalgic commercials ,bonanza is fantastic , ohio was well known for ponderosa ,i thank you for this great review

[@NCMemoryMakers]

You are so welcome. Thank you so much for watching, and for your kind comment. We appreciate it!

[@frankcarone6]

@@NCMemoryMakers thank you

[@chrisconklin873]

That pic at the end was wonderful! Glad you guys enjoyed yourselves and each others company.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Yes, we had a great time! Thanks for watching, and for your kind comment!

[@Jared-91]

There's still a Bonanza in Chambersburg Pennsylvania off I-81. It used to be in the Chambersburg Mall for many years until the mall closed around 2020. They moved into the old Ryan's Steakhouse building.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Yes, that is the other location that is still open. I think the waitress we interviewed in the video, told us about that one. I'd have to go back and watch. Thanks for watching!

[@vafunseekers]

The breakfast items we saw looked really good, especially the bacon. I asked the lady that took my order what came on the Monterey chicken. She said I could get teriyaki on it so I did since I love teriyaki. We really enjoyed meeting up with y'all again. It's nice to fellowship with friends and just enjoy good conversation over a good meal. Look forward to our next collab! Great video!

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Thank you all so much for watching, and for meeting up with us Friday night. We had a blast, as we always do with y'all. Yes, those breakfast items were surprisingly good. I only got a few things from the breakfast side, but everything I did get, was excellent. Yes, I think the teriyaki would have made it so much better. I told her she could ask for it and they would bring it. Wish we could see y'all at DW this coming Friday.

[@vafunseekers]

@@NCMemoryMakers Oh, I almost forgot. Nice job on getting the commercials in there. It's always a good time when we get together.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

@@vafunseekers I am not sure what happened with our opening. Did you notice how the audio is out of sync with my mouth moving? That is the only clip that is like that.

[@dpmart3275]

Ok where is y'all vid? 😂😂 good to see y'all together Catalina dressing on your chicken and cook it on the grill it's so good that's what they put on the chicken

[@NCMemoryMakers]

@@dpmart3275 I linked to their video at the end of this one, and they linked to ours at the end of theirs. We both scheduled them to be released at 5 this evening. Check out theirs also, if you haven't already. They did a great job. We had a great time meeting up with the Vafunseekers.

[@Phillip-yy4fr]

I really miss those types of places to eat. Good food and a place where you could take a family and everyone could find something they liked even picky kids. Everyone would leave full and happy without breaking the bank. I hope both of you had a great weekend.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Yes, you are correct. I remember places like this with a lot of fondness. They have a great variety, at a fair price. Have a blessed evening!

[@Momtocam1997]

Never knew Bonanza was ever in Arizona. The location address shown on your opening here is very close to where my in-laws live. My husband was born in Phoenix. Wish we had one here..those prices are amazing. I don’t do buffets much, but sure would enjoy trying the chicken and steak.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

The prices are great for the amount of food you get! My wife loves Arizona! It's a beautiful state!

[@KathyWalters-ol8mh]

Bloomington, Indiana was where "our" Bonanza was located and I remember it very well................back in the day it was quite good and so reasonably priced. Thanks for sharing. God bless you.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

You are very welcome. Thank you for watching and for commenting. One thing about Bonanza, is that it seems that everybody remembers it fondly, and loved it. That's my memory of it, as well.

[@TripleB3]

Hello from Arizona! 😃I had no idea that Bonanza Steakhouse was still in business. I actually grew up blocks away from the location of the 2nd commercial at the beginning of your video. (43rd Ave and Indianschool Road) We ate at that location many of times in the 70s-80s. Thank you for your making this video. I am now also subscribed to your channel.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Thank you so much for subscribing, and for commenting. That is neat that you recognize that location. You live in a beautiful area. We love Arizona! Yes, there are only a few Bonanza steakhouses left, unfortunately. Wish they were still around.

[@AudiophileTommy]

Clean looking Buffett 🎉

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Yes, we were very impressed.

[@HairesLastResortAdventures]

LOVE this! I remember Bonanza. I loved their salad bar. I honestly didn't know they still existed. GREAT video! :)

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Thanks so much for watching, and for commenting. Yes, I remember Bonanza fondly from my childhood, and wanted to eat at one, one more time. There are only 3 left, and this is the closest one. The other 2 are in Pennsylvania. Great food at a great price!

[@richardmoore2590]

I love the VA Funseakers, been a long time subscriber. Two of my favorite families in one video. What’s not to love? We had a Bonanza in Mishawaka Indiana some years back.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Thank you so much for watching, and for your kind words.

[@lesterwatson8519]

I ate at Bonanza in Wise Va. at least once per week before I retired 11 years ago, it was in the same shopping center as our office. Wise is about about 40 mile from the one in Lebanon Va. I actually live within about 20 minutes from the one in Lebanon. We always had our Local Union 3316 AFGE meeting at the one in Lebanon about twice per year, when I was president of Local 3316. They were always a good host and treated us well. The one in Wise shut down few years after I retired, in fact I just attended the funeral of the owner of the one in Wise a few weeks ago he and his wife were really good people.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

@@lesterwatson8519Thank you for sharing your experience with Bonanza. I love them as a kid, as we had a couple in our vicinity. I was really glad to be able to eat at one again. Sadly, there are only a handful left now.

[@missybaker1608]

Loved Bonanza 2 locations one on the Northside of Town and Eastside behind our mall Washington Square Mall. Food was fantastic when I was growing up. Loved the steak, baked potato butter sour cream, corn when I was little and chocolate cake. I got everything when I was grown up. Loved the hot bar. Got veggies from the hot bar and the salad bar. Evansville, IN they also had Ponderosa on First Ave!!! Incredible we had all three locations. Sorry to see it go! Everything you had was so delicious I bet even now!!!!

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Yes, it was all very good. We are glad we made the trip up there. I haven't been to Ponderosa in a long time, either. We don't have any of those locally now.

[@DonnaAnders-w4d]

Loved the old commercials, imagine eating a meal today for $2.79 😜 enjoyed the video but don’t think I have ever eaten at Bonanza. We like Long John Silvers occasionally, there is one in Galax, Va, 13 miles from home. Have you all ever eaten at Pirates Landing right outside of Elkin? Great seafood 🍤 you can take a look at their menu online. God Bless. ❤

[@NCMemoryMakers]

No, we have not tried that place. Thank you for the info. Also, thank you for watching and commenting. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@richardmoore2590]

I love the cute little dog in your back seat❤️

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Yes, they are our traveling companions.

[@tonylashmit2613]

Not sure what happed to ny first comment but here is another one! I loved going to BONANZA as a kid back in the day. There was one there on Stratford Rd back in my childhood that my parents would go to every other Saturday night. The other Saturday night we would go to BUCKAROO Steakhouse. The original BONANZA building is still there but has had a different facade added to it and is now a tire shop. Food looked great , especially that fried chicken.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

The fried chicken was surprisingly good. That's not something that I remembered from eating at Bonanza growing up. I remember them having a salad bar, but not a buffet bar like that. But we really didn't have anything that was bad. I didn't really care for the pork barbecue on Friday night, but she said it was really good on Saturday. I remember when there were several Bonanza steakhouses in our state. I'm not sure what happened to your other comment, either. This is the only one I've seen. I think you may have commented on the Facebook post?

[@lindawiley878]

Our family used to love Ponderosa and Bonanza here in Michigan but they finally closed down to and we really miss those. They should bring them back. Love your video.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

They are great restaurants, and I agree, I wish they would make a comeback!

[@BigEd1971]

I remember when I was young eating a bonanza the steak where cook on flame grill and had that griied. It had a smoking taste it had a different taste. Most restaurants now cook it on a flat gril. Bonanza has been gone from where I live over thrity years. I know I am geting old.

[@countryboyscooter3402]

They still flame grill the steak and chicken ect. my first job was there in early 90's. we are lucky to still have them!

[@BigEd1971]

@@countryboyscooter3402 I know that bonanza cooks there food on a grill. I am saying most other restaurants cook on flat grill.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Thank you for watching. Yes, their food has a great grilled taste, and we enjoyed it!

[@terrykallmann4146]

We had 2 Bonanza restaurants here in Pa. near us in the late 70’s and 80’s. One in Greensburg, Pa. and one in Somerset Pa. We also had a few Ponderosa’s and they were awesome as well. Be safe in your travels!!

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Other than this location, the only 2 other ones left, are both in PA. Are you close to them?

[@terrykallmann4146]

The closest one is about 21/2 hours away unfortunately.

[@Hardmetal57]

Great review with some good folks ......

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Absolutely. Thanks so much for watching!

[@terrillcockeram8472]

We still have 2 Ponderosa here in Northern Michigan. I remember eating at the bonanza here in town before it became Ponderosa.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Thank you so much for watching. We appreciate your comment. I haven't had Ponderosa in a long time.

[@amberbryant8141]

I never been Bonanze restaurant. Thank you watching it

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Thanks for watching!

[@Junebug6789]

I saw a little delicate baby in the backseat at the end, so cute!

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Thank you! They're our traveling buddies!

[@maryvandeusen5554]

Our Bonanza here in Pennsylvania is in New Columbia and it’s right at a Route 80 exit. We love it. Also, my Christian Women’s group meets there 4 times a year. Everything is fresh and very good. 🥘 🍲 🍱

[@NCMemoryMakers]

That's wonderful. Glad you still have a location that close to you, that you can meet with other Christians for great food and fellowship.

[@forrestaddington3212]

Need to go Thursday nights. All you can eat breakfast buffet. Bacon sausage biscuits gravy fried taters pancakes etc

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Sounds good, but unfortunately, Thursday nights would be really hard for us to get there in time to eat. We both work on Thursdays. And they had the breakfast buffet Saturday morning, but we just waited until 11:00 to go in.

[@CampsiteCruising]

Oh man I haven’t seen a Bonanza in at least 20 years

[@traceyporter4047]

There is a Bonanza in New Columbia,Pa . My son lives near it , and eats there occasionally with his wife.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Yes, outside of this one, the only other ones are PA locations.

[@dpmart3275]

Good job on reviews

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Thank you very much.

[@pattivanderhart2221]

I have only ever been to Bonanza once in my life. I went with my grandparents in the early 70's. I was probably 2 or 3 because my parents were getting divorced. I remember riding in the car going home in one of those car seats that hang over the bench seat back of the car. (Baby catapult) I really never put together the affiliation with the t.v. show with those restaurants lol. Makes perfect sense though.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I wish those restaurants were still around in many places, and you would have the opportunity to try one now.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

I'm impressed that you actually remember back to when you were 2-3.

[@pattivanderhart2221]

@@NCMemoryMakers it was one of my first memories. I think probably because of the divorce, I remembered a few things from my dad's family at a younger age. I knew something was wrong. I dont remember it being a Bonanza at that time but knowing I had been taken there and seeing it there later on before it closed. I do remember being in the restaurant with my family and riding in the car at night.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

@@pattivanderhart2221 I'm sorry that that is one of your earliest memories.

[@pattivanderhart2221]

​@@NCMemoryMakersIt is a good memory. I just think I remembered it so early bcuz of that going on.

[@wacky409.]

We never had one here in sc that I am aware of would have liked to try it.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

They were very good.

[@Junebug6789]

The prices on those old commercials, lol. Drinks cost more than that now.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

I know! It would be nice to go back to that now!

[@pinkyswearzadventures]

I don't think we had one in Louisville KY. We had Ponderosa and Sizzlers.

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Ponderosa and Bonanza used to be competitors, but the 2 companies merged, and are basically the same now. Except that Ponderosa has more remaining locations. We have eaten at both. Never been to a Sizzler, but have heard of them.

[@kyridgejumper]

So glad to see this video and find out there is one within driving range. One question how big and how fresh was the salad bar?

[@NCMemoryMakers]

I tried to show everything in the video. I remember it being pretty good sized. I don't remember thinking it wasn't fresh. I thought there was a lot of good stuff on it. If you go, let us know how you like it.

[@KeithHouchens]

Cindy is very pretty and looks very young!

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Yes, both David and I are blessed with lovely ladies.

[@oldfarmshow]

👍😒

[@darlenedrummer8478]

👋😃🕊

[@s9s2754]

Where is this?

[@NCMemoryMakers]

Lebanon, Virginia

[@countryboyscooter3402]

My first job was there in the early 90's in high school. Love our little town!❤️ Tim Fields the owner is a great guy that works hard to keep the restaurant going and providing a good service. We are lucky to have them!

[@NCMemoryMakers]

@@countryboyscooter3402 That is awesome! Yes, one of the servers there, told us that he took it over in his 20s, and that he is basically there day and night. Sounds like he has been dedicated to making it successful.