Christner’s Prime Steak celebrates 30 years in Orlando by giving back
Thirty years is a long time for any business, let alone a restaurant — a fact exacerbated in this harsh, postCOVID climate. Orlando’s Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster is hitting this milestone in a way that aligns with its long-standing operating philosophy: one that gives back.
On June 9, the legendary steakhouse on Orlando’s Lee Road will host a 30th Anniversary Celebration Dinner, and 100 percent of the proceeds (excluding alcohol sales) will be split between two local nonprofits — Aspire Health Partners and The Howard Phillips Center for Children & Families.
The former is the largest behavioral health nonprofit in the state, providing a host of health care services, from mental health counseling to substance abuse prevention and treatment programs and more, across six Central Florida counties. The latter offers children and families resources in facing challenges, including access to health care, parenting children with special needs and other support systems for those at risk.
And Christner’s, of course, has been offering USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood and more alongside live entertainment for three decades, first by Carole Christner and her late husband, Russ. These days, Carole runs the show with her son, David, and daughter-in-law, Alice.
In 1993, when Christner founded the place, it was something of a retirement plan and a dream come true for the patriarch. He was delighted to bring the Texas-founded Del Frisco’s concept to Orlando, where the dining scene was a fraction of what it is today. Twenty years later, Del Frisco’s became Christner’s Del Frisco’s Prime Steak & Lobster and for the better part of the last 10, it’s been a Christner’s-only affair.
Throughout it all, though, the same family has been behind everything from the apps to the entrees to the signature mandarin orange cake (which Alice once suggested guests start their meal with and work backward).
On June 9, when guests order from Christner’s classic menu, they do so knowing that with every bite, they are supporting a stalwart of the city’s culinary landscape — and reaching deep into the community, doing good.
“We are truly honored by numerous awards and accolades over the past three decades and cherish them as much as the friendships and memories we have created along with the opportunity to, in turn, help others,” said Alice Christner in a news release.
Christner’s is now taking reservations for the 30th Anniversary Celebration Dinner. Call 407-645-4443 or christnersprimesteakandlobster.com.
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