Steaks are seen being prepared for patrons at a Longhorn Steakhouse. (Courtesy/Longhorn Steakhouse)

Manuel Arteaga is counting down the minutes to 3 p.m. Tuesday. That is when the Longhorn Steakhouse will open in Tyler.

For weeks, a staff of about 80 has been preparing for the opening. Arteaga, the managing partner and an eight-year employee of the company, believes customers will like what they find. The restaurant is located in the Broadway Square Mall shopping center at 4705 S. Broadway Ave.

“We are known for the bold seasoning of steaks,” he said. “And it’s always fresh — the steak, chicken and fish.”

He recommends the Outlaw Ribeye, which the restaurant promotes as a premium marbled cut of bone-in ribeye coated with smoky char seasoning to bring out the grilled flavor.

“It’s called that because it’s a crime not to try it,” he said.

Menu selections also include eight steak cuts, grilled chicken, salmon, burgers, salads, prime rib, baby back ribs, freshly baked bread, side dishes and specialty desserts and drinks. The lunch menu features about 30 combos priced at about $8.

The interior is designed to mimic that of a large ranch house and is decorated with art and memorabilia that reflect both Texas and Tyler heritage.

“There is a little bit of Tyler history here,” said Arteaga pointing out a series of photographs at the entrance showing images of Tyler from previous decades.

Decorations also include football helmets from area schools.

The restaurant chain was founded in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1981 and expanded throughout the East, Midwest and Southwest United States and Puerto Rico, according to a company history. In 2007, it was purchased by Darden Restaurants whose holdings include Olive Garden and Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen.

The restaurant will be open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. It has both a dining area and bar.

More information about Longhorn Steakhouse, including how to sign up for its eClub, is available at longhornsteaks.com.