The current DC STEAKHOUSE is the product of a long history of family-run restaurants. And, with our unique offerings, superior service, and friendly, Midwestern vibe, it certainly shows. Having grown up in the restaurant business, Dean “Dino” Laplant knows restaurants inside and out. He has created the perfect Downtown Chandler destination for friends and family to gather over delicious, high quality steaks and robust wines. Want to know more about our history? Continue reading to find out how it all started.  

A History of Family-Run Restaurants

The Rafters 

Dean’s parents opened The Rafters, a renowned steakhouse in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in the 1960s. The Rafters gave Dean an early start in the restaurant business. According to Dean, he attended what he fondly calls “the University of The Rafters,” where he learned first-hand everything he needed to know to be able to run a successful steak house today. 

At only eight years old, Dean began his career pressing the restaurant linens with a mangle before working his way up to the kitchen. By age thirteen, he was working the open flame charcoal grill—while standing on a box so he could reach the back! 

During high school, Dean and his siblings Lisa and Jerry continued to work hard and learn everything they could about The Rafters. With the help of his mother Joann, he memorized the cost of all the restaurant’s food and supplies and started doing the company payroll.  He learned to bartend and rigorously cleaned the bottle shoot before school every day, which stunk of beer and contained the occasional piece of broken glass. Throughout this time, his stepfather, Frank Dimiceli, was also teaching Dean the business side of owning a restaurant.  

After Frank passed away, Frank’s brother Joe assumed ownership of the restaurant. The brothers were no strangers to the restaurant business. In 1940, the Dimiceli family opened their first restaurant in Downtown Milwaukee. In fact, next time you visit DC STEAKHOUSE, keep an eye out for the photo of a young Joe outside the first Dimiceli Family restaurant that’s hanging on our wall!

The Rafters eventually closed in 2010, but its legacy of fresh steaks, big meals, and treating guests like family lives on at DC STEAKHOUSE today, thanks to Dean.  

The Steakout

Taking everything he learned from The Rafters, Dean opened his very own restaurant in 1985 at the age of 28—The Steakout in Greendale, Wisconsin. The Steakout continued the tradition of a friendly, family-owned supper club offering plenty of fresh, mouthwatering food on its menu. 

Dean also carried on the family tradition of teaching others all the ins and outs of running a family-owned restaurant. For years, Dean co-owned The Steakout with Robert “Bobby” Lombardo—who is a friend and former manager of the restaurant—while teaching him everything he knows. Dean and his wife Lorie recently sold full ownership of the restaurant to Robert, who continues to run The Steakout with the same emphasis on family and delicious food. 

DC Steakhouse

In October of 2010, Dean and Lorie opened the DC STEAKHOUSE in Downtown Chandler. In honor of his upbringing, Dean decided to bring a taste of the midwest to Arizona with his current steakhouse. 

In a typical Midwestern meal, there’s always plenty of meat, potatoes, and vegetables on your plate. However, some steakhouses might only give you a couple of veggies, if any at all, along with your steak. Then, if you want a salad or potatoes, you likely have to pay extra. But at midwestern restaurants like The Rafters and The Steakout in Wisconsin, every steak comes with both a side salad and a choice of potato. 

You’ll find the same midwestern experience right here at DC STEAKHOUSE. When you order any entree from our menu, you always get bread, a salad, and your choice of potatoes (thin french fries, pepper sweet potato fries, or a loaded baked potato). Plus, all of our steaks are served with savory sautéed mushrooms. 

However, Dean’s family history of restaurateurs isn’t the only tradition that inspired our menu. You’ll also find a delicious pasta made from Lorie’s Italian mother’s recipe, which is lovingly called “Mama’s Pasta.” Full of romano cheese and with just a bit of garlic, the exceptional flavor of this pasta dish is loved by our regulars. 

In fact, we often see familiar faces several times a week because, at DC STEAKHOUSE, it’s not just the delicious food that keeps people coming back. It’s also the camaraderie we share with our staff and our community. Family is extremely important to us, so we always strive to treat our guests just like they’re one of the family. 

Book a Reservation Today

If you’re looking for a fresh, high quality steak or seafood dinner in Downtown Chandler, come on down to DC STEAKHOUSE. Whether you’re a guest at one of the nearby hotels, or a Phoenix Metropolitan Area resident, you’re family to us! Call 480-899-4400 today or go to “dcsteakhouse.com”  to make a reservation. We look forward to serving you.