“An American Story of
Invention and Innovation”
Since 1981, Gary Rohwer is arguably one of the world’s foremost experts in creating a truly famous Philly steak sandwich. Gary had a very successful Philly steak restaurant chain called the “Chartroose Caboose” in the 80’s, however he was not satisfied with the performance of what he believed was the best steak meat he could buy at the time. Disappointed with the flavor, moisture and cook time he dedicated himself to three years of perfecting the industry’s perfect Philly sandwich steak meat.
Gary worked with people at the University of Nebraska’s Meat Science Department. After years of trial and error in developing his new steak he obtained a patent on his unique vertically sliced Philly steak meat. The excitement of knowing how amazing his discovery was prompted him to sell his restaurants and start a new company to sell his steak to the food service industry across the United States.
After promoting his new Philly steak meat over the next nine years, “Steak-EZE” became the industry’s most popular and highest selling Philly steak brand in the United States. Gary then sold his company and retired after hitting his financial “home run.”
After watching the tremendous success of the quick casual restaurant concepts, Gary was convinced there was a huge void in the quick casual restaurant industry. No restaurants cooked steak to order in front of their customers. He then thought about “Steak-EZE”, his steak that cooks in 40 seconds. The “light bulb” went on and PepperJax Grill was born.
Gary and his wife Linda wanted to offer folks America’s Best Phillly Steak Sandwich so in 2002 they opened their first PepperJax Grill at 132nd & Center in Omaha, Nebraska.
PepperJax Grill is the country’s most exciting new quick casual concept. What makes us so unique? You don’t order from a waitress, or from a cashier. You order straight from the grill cook and tell them exactly how to prepare your food the way you want, right then… right there, right in front of you. PepperJax has its own hearth baked roll recipe and the seasoning is a 30 year old family secret. It’s impossible to get any better than that.
We’re proud to say that PepperJax Grill continues to win awards year after year. Not only is PepperJax Grill known for “America’s Best Philly,” the Gourmet Rice Bowls, Giant Wraps and Fresh Salads are also famous for unforgettable flavor and huge portions.
Today PepperJax continues to grow in popularity. There are currently 17 restaurants in 5 states with expansion plans to open 10 more in 2013. Gary’s prediction is that someday there will be 100’s of PepperJax Grill restaurants all across the country.
PepperJax Grill… America’s Best Philly!