Our Story
Lawry’s The Prime Rib
In 1938, Lawrence L. Frank and Walter Van de Kamp opened Lawry’s the Prime Rib, the first prime rib specialty restaurant in the United States, on La Chenega Street, a famous gourmet street in Beverly Hills. The traditional British roast beef that Lawrence experienced as a child was served as prime rib with innovative ideas and service, and it quickly became a popular restaurant.
To serve juicy prime rib fresh from the carve, Lawrence developed the Silver Cart, which shines with silver. The slow-cooked prime rib is kept warm and delivered to your table. We listen to the customer’s preferences on the spot, cut them according to the degree of grilling and size, and serve them. Carving is done only by Lawrys certified carvers.
The design of the silver cart used today is the same as it was 80 years ago. Lawrence also invented the valet parking and doggy bags that are commonplace in restaurants today. His pioneering spirit has been passed down to each restaurant, and he continues to try new things to enjoy prime rib even more.
History
Company Timeline
1938
1939
1947
1950
1956
1959
1974
1983
1988
1993
1997
1999
2001
2002
2006
2008
2013
2014
2017
2023
1938
Lawry's The Prime Rib, Bevery Hills opened.
It opened in 1938 on La Cienega Avenue in Beverly Hills. Prime rib with Yorkshire pudding and mashed potatoes cost $1.25.
1939
Lawry's Original Seasoned Salt was created.
Lawry's Seasoned Salt, which took Lawrence three months to perfect. Concocted with 17 types of spices and herbs, the flavor was so great that many customers took it home from the restaurant table. This situation inspired him to start a multi-million dollar spice company.
1947
Lawry's The Prime Rib, Bevery Hills moved.
On December 29, 1947, 18 years after its founding, the company relocated and opened a larger store across the street. It remained in the same location for 46 years.
1950
Lawry's Servers started wearing the signature Brown Gown uniform.
Starting in 1950, Lawry's floor staff donned brown gowns, inspired by the uniforms of the "Harvey Girls," who served at Fred Harvey's Harvey House Restaurant along the Santa Fe Railroad in the Old West.
1956
Lawry's President Richard N. Frank introduced the "Beef Bowl" to honor the Rose Bowl teams.
Lawry's President Richard N. Frank invented the "Beef Bowl Cut" to honor Rose Bowl finalists. This 1200g prime rib was enjoyed by football stars like Dick Butkus and Jim Plunkett during their school days.
1959
Saul Bass created Lawry's award-winning “Fanciful L” logo.
In 1959, world-famous designer Saul Bass created the iconic L logo for Lawry's.
1974
Lawry's The Prime Rib, Chicago opened.
In 1974, 38 years after the first store opened, the second Lawry's store opened in Chicago. The store is located inside Chicago's historic McCormick Mansion, which was also the Kungsholm Puppet Theater for a time.
1983
Lawry's The Prime Rib, Dallas opened.
In 1983, the third Lawry's store opened in Dallas. Even in Dallas, the mecca of steak, Lawry's has a good reputation and meets the high standards of the local community. In 1998, we moved to our current location in North Dallas in order to provide even better guest services.
1988
Lawry's The Prime Rib 50th Anniversary.
On June 15, 1988, the Beverly Hills store celebrated its 50th anniversary by selling prime rib at the original price of $1.25 to thank customers for their support. Over 1,000 people lined up, and they were welcomed by Richard and jeeps featuring Lawry's Seasoned Salt modifications.
1993
Lawry’s The Prime Rib, Beverly Hills moved back to its original site.
In 1993, a new Beverly Hills store was built at 100 La Cienega Street, where the company was founded. The sight of many staff members and silver carts moving across the street from the old store was so spectacular that it became widely known as `The Crossing.''
1997
Lawry's The Prime Rib, Las Vegas opened.
In 1997, the Las Vegas store opened. With an American cultural theme, the interior features striking American Art Deco with extensive use of wood and hand-painted murals by award-winning artist Ann Field.
1999
Lawry's The Prime Rib, Singapore opened.
In 1999, a Singapore store opened at Paragon Shopping Center. In 2010, it moved to Mandarin Gallery. Surrounded by 4m-high glass windows from floor to ceiling, the store offers views of Orchard Road, one of the busiest roads in the country.
2001
Lawry's The Prime Rib, Tokyo opened.
On April 20, 2001, our first Japanese store opened in Akasaka Twin Towers with a grand atrium and 11-meter-high ceilings, featuring a main dining room with 300 seats and 7 private rooms. In March 2014, we relocated to Ebisu due to the Akasaka Twin Towers' rebuilding.
2002
Lawry's The Prime Rib, Taipei opened.
In 2002, the Taipei store opened in the modernly designed Kelty Center. The interior of Lowry's has a historical feel, with vintage paintings and large decorative mirrors.
2006
Lawry's The Prime Rib, Hong Kong opened.
In 2006, a Hong Kong store was opened in Causeway Bay, following the original Beverly Hills store. In 2013, we moved to Admiralty.
2008
Lawry's The Prime Rib opened in Osaka & Shanghai.
In September 2008, our second Japanese store opened in Umeda, Osaka. And the Shanghai store opened in New World. But the Shanghai store closed in 2010.
2013
Lawry's The Prime Rib, Seoul opened.
The Seoul store opened in November 2013. There is a large crystal chandelier at the entrance, and there are 5 private rooms and a main dining room that can accommodate 150 people.
2014
Lawry's The Prime Rib, Ebisu opened.
In April 2014, Lawry's Ebisu Garden Place opened, replacing the Akasaka store. The new interior features a warm, rustic design with vintage wood accents and mantelpieces. This is the largest Lawry's in Japan, with 8 private rooms designed like wine cellars and a dining area seating 320.
2017
Lawry's The Prime Rib, Akasaka opened.
The Akasaka store, which opened on September 28, 2017, offers a dynamic dining space with 7m high ceilings and beautiful chandeliers, located diagonally across from the former store. The main dining room features simple materials and a 7m high bar counter.
2023
Lawry's The Prime Rib, Jakarta, Indonesia opened.
Lawry’s The Prime Rib made its long awaited return to Jakarta at the end of 2023. Strategically located in South Jakarta, Lawry’s is now ready to serve you.
