Ted's Grill: Bison, Burgers, and a 250-Year American Celebration

ATLANTA, GA – April 16, 2026 – As the United States prepares to mark its 250th anniversary, Ted's Montana Grill is rolling out a celebration that is as much about conservation as it is about cuisine. The restaurant chain, founded on the mission of saving the American bison, has unveiled new Chef Features that pay homage to classic comfort food while underscoring a two-decade-long commitment to sustainability and the revival of an American icon.

A Taste of Authentic Americana

At the heart of the commemoration is the new Classic American Bison Dip, a limited-time offering featuring hand-shaved roasted bison piled onto a butter-toasted baguette, served with warm au jus. The menu also highlights timeless pairings like a Classic American Bison Burger with a Coke float or a hand-spun milkshake, evoking a sense of nostalgia perfectly timed for the nation’s semiquincentennial.

These dishes are more than just menu additions; they are a reflection of the restaurant's founding ethos. "Ted Turner and I imagined a place where people could gather around the table and enjoy a dining experience founded on the ideals that shaped our country from the very beginning – simplicity, honesty, and authenticity," said George McKerrow, CEO and Co-founder, in a statement. "Everything we do at Ted's is intentional, meaningful, and rooted in purpose."

This purpose is woven into the very fabric of the dining experience, from the Western-inspired décor that blends rustic charm with modern comfort to a menu that tells a story of American regions and traditions. By focusing on from-scratch cooking and authentic dishes, the chain aims to provide a culinary connection to the country's heritage.

The Bison's Comeback: A Story of Conservation and Commerce

The star of the menu, the American bison, is also the protagonist of a remarkable conservation success story in which the restaurant plays a leading role. When Ted's Montana Grill was founded in 2002 by media mogul Ted Turner and restaurateur McKerrow, the American bison, the national mammal, was a species still recovering from the brink of extinction. By the late 19th century, fewer than 1,000 remained from herds that once numbered in the tens of millions.

Turner, a lifelong conservationist, had already begun acquiring bison and land to help preserve the species. Today, he owns the world's largest private bison herd, with approximately 45,000 head roaming across nearly two million acres of his ranches. These herds are crucial for maintaining the genetic diversity of the species.

The creation of Ted's Montana Grill was a masterstroke of what might be called "conservation commerce." It created a stable, mainstream market for bison meat, which in turn provided the economic engine to fund and expand conservation efforts. By positioning bison as a delicious, lean, and sustainable alternative to beef, the restaurant helped ensure the animal’s survival by giving it economic value. This strategy has been instrumental in helping the North American bison population rebound to an estimated 400,000 to 500,000 today, a number that includes both conservation and commercial herds. While the number of wild, free-ranging bison remains much smaller at around 30,000, the overall recovery is a landmark achievement.

Pioneering Sustainability in the Restaurant Industry

Beyond its flagship conservation mission, Ted's Montana Grill has cultivated a reputation as a pioneer in environmental sustainability within the restaurant industry. Long before "green" practices became a marketing buzzword, the company embedded them into its daily operations.

The press release notes the brand helped launch the paper straw movement, a move that has now prevented nearly 90 million plastic straws from entering landfills and waterways. This commitment extends throughout the restaurant. Water conservation efforts, including the use of recycled butcher block paper on tables instead of water-intensive linen, have resulted in savings of more than 50 million gallons. Furthermore, the company has tackled food waste, a pervasive issue in the industry, reducing its output by over 50 percent compared to the average restaurant through practices like on-site sorting and composting.

These initiatives earned the company early recognition as a "green" restaurant and demonstrated that sustainable practices could be integrated into a scalable, high-volume business model. This holistic approach, from sourcing to waste management, reinforces the brand's message of authenticity and responsible stewardship.

Carving a Niche in a Crowded Market

In the highly competitive landscape of American casual dining, Ted's Montana Grill has successfully carved out a distinct and defensible niche. With over 40 locations across the country, it stands apart from chains that offer more generalized menus of steaks, burgers, and ribs. Its identity is inextricably linked to bison, offering the largest bison menu in the world.

This specialization, combined with the powerful narrative of conservation and American heritage, creates a potent brand identity that resonates with a growing segment of consumers. Diners are increasingly drawn to brands with a purpose, and Ted's offers a compelling story that goes beyond the plate. The celebration of America's 250th anniversary serves to amplify this unique market position, aligning the brand's history with the nation's own.

As the company invites guests to celebrate this national milestone, it does so from a unique platform it has spent over two decades building. "As America marks 250 years, Ted's Montana Grill invites guests to slow down and reconnect over the traditions that define us," McKerrow stated. "From the enduring legacy of the American bison and the simple joy of sharing a meal, Ted's is proud to be an all-American restaurant that celebrates the spirit of our country." The new menu is a tribute not just to American flavors, but to the enduring idea that a business can be a powerful force for good.