Newly appointed Wine Director Jon Walker assumes leadership of the Dallas team comprising four skilled sommeliers
DALLAS, TX (Dec. 4, 2023) — Pappas Bros. Steakhouse (Pappas Bros.) is celebrating 25 years in Dallas as it continues to be named the top-rated steakhouse in the city. Recently, winning the World of Fine Wine “World’s Best Long Wine List” in North America Award for 2023, the global competition recognizes excellence in wine service and selection. To secure this award, Pappas Bros. outperformed hundreds of other entries from across the continent in a category for establishments that feature more than 500 wines.
The judges were impressed by the depth and diversity of Pappas Bros.’s wine list, which offers more than 3,900 selections from around the world. The judges praised the list for its “fair and reasonable pricing” and noted the restaurant’s commitment to wine education and service.
This award adds to Pappas Bros.’s already impressive collection, which includes the prestigious Wine Spectator “Grand Award” for 2023. Pappas Bros. in Dallas and both Houston locations make up three of the four “Grand Awards” in Texas, making the company the only restaurant group in the country with this distinctive honor. There are only 93 “Grand Award Wine Lists” in the world.
Pappas Bros. Dallas General Manager Rick Turner and newly named Wine Director Jon Walker oversee a cellar containing more than 31,000 bottles and a team of four certified sommeliers. Turner has spent most of his stellar career with the Pappas restaurant group, while Walker has come back to Pappas Bros., where his restaurant career began.
“We are thrilled to have Jon back with us at Pappas Bros. here in Dallas and for this outstanding win that further emphasizes our great team of sommeliers,” said Turner. “In addition to managing our exceptional “Grand Award”-winning wine list, Jon is energizing the bottle selection and his team of sommeliers with a fresh perspective that includes emerging producers and lesser-known varietals that we can’t wait for our guests to experience.”
Walker began as a server and then became a floor sommelier at Pappas Bros. Dallas, learning under longtime Wine Director Barbara Werley, MS. He left Texas for California, becoming a top sommelier at the critically acclaimed three-Michelin-starred Manresa in the Bay Area. After that restaurant’s closure last December, he returned to his roots to take over for Werley.
“The Pappas commitment to excellence in everything, from guest experience to food quality, to the wine program and more, is the driving force behind my return to where I began my career,” said Walker. “I look forward to curating unforgettable experiences, marrying my passion with palate, and weaving the rich tapestry of stories that every bottle holds.”
Pappas Bros. Steakhouse has four to five sommeliers on the floor every night, offering guests their incredible knowledge of the most expensive bottles, wine by the glass and everything in between to suit any palate and price point. The team takes great pride in finding new and exciting bottles, from small producers to more well-known wineries.
ABOUT PAPPAS BROS. STEAKHOUSE
Pappas Bros. Steakhouse is the premier steakhouse in Dallas and Houston. Widely recognized as one of the highest quality and best restaurants in the nation, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse serves dry-aged, prime beef accompanied by succulent side dishes and finished with rich desserts. Pappas Bros. Steakhouse is part of the Pappas Restaurants family of restaurants. For more information about Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, visit www.pappasbros.com. For more information about Pappas Restaurants, please visit www.pappas.com.
ABOUT PAPPAS RESTAURANTS
Pappas Restaurants has been providing outstanding food, service, and atmosphere for over 50 years. With locations in Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Albuquerque, Cincinnati, and Phoenix, our restaurant family now includes over 80 locations that have been voted among the best restaurants in North America in local, regional, and national publications. The privately held Pappas concepts include Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Pappasito’s Cantina, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, Pappas Seafood House, Pappas Bar-B-Q, Pappas Burger, Delta Blue’s Smokehouse, Dot Coffee Shop, and Little’s Oyster Bar. For more information, visit www.pappas.com.
