June Business of the Month: Out West Steakhouse
Out West-June Business of the Month
Since opening its doors in 1996, Out West Steakhouse has grown into far more than a local dining favorite — it’s a Kernersville landmark, known as much for its sizzling steaks as for its deep commitment to community, family, and excellence.
Founded by Bobby Leloudis and his father, Tommy, Out West was born from a shared passion for hospitality and a desire to bring Bobby back home. Tommy, who established himself as a business owner in Kernersville in 1968, made his mark in the local restaurant scene by co-founding Captain Tom’s Seafood and later starting the Harbor Inn Seafood chain. In the mid-1990s, he called Bobby — then working across the country in restaurants and hotels after graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY — and pitched the idea of opening a steakhouse together. The result was Out West, which opened in February 1996.
Tommy ran the restaurant alongside his son for eight years before retiring, leaving Bobby to carry the torch. Over nearly three decades, Out West has grown with the Kernersville community, surviving economic downturns like the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic. Just before the pandemic hit, Out West completed a major renovation in November 2019, improving the dining experience while staying true to its roots.
When COVID disrupted the restaurant industry, it was the support of the Kernersville community that helped Out West stay strong. “Without the support of the community, we wouldn’t have been able to sustain our business during that time,” Bobby shared. “They stood by us — and we’ll always be grateful.”
That spirit of community goes both ways. Out West is deeply involved in local causes, contributing to Eating for Education, raising funds for the Shepherd’s Center, Cancer Services, the YMCA, and many local churches and schools. They also make annual donations to Korner’s Folly, another Kernersville treasure.
With a current team of 67 employees — many of whom have been with the restaurant for more than 20 years — Out West feels more like a family than a workplace. General Manager Mike Orlick has been with Out West for 28 years. He’s joined by Dining Room Manager Kristina Ferrell, Chef Adam Richardson, and Kitchen Manager Brandon Shoffner. Together, they serve up hand-cut USDA Choice Midwestern grain-fed steaks (aged at least 21 days), fresh seafood, poultry, and in-season wild game — all prepared in-house.
The restaurant has earned the prestigious Wine Spectator Award of Excellence every year since 2010, a testament to their well-curated wine list and passion for creating a complete dining experience.
“I put my full concentration into making Out West the best it can be,” Bobby said. “What we’ve built here is more than just a restaurant — it’s a family, and it’s filled with a lot of great memories.”
Out West is open for dinner only, daily at 4:30 PM. Be sure to stop by, say hello to Bobby and his team, and enjoy one of Kernersville’s most iconic dining experiences. Plan to arrive early, as seating is first-come, first-served.