Yes, Claim Jumper Restaurant is still open and serving customers as of October 2023. Claim Jumper is a restaurant chain that serves American cuisine in a rustic, Old West theme. The company operates over 30 locations primarily in California, with a few restaurants in other states like Arizona, Nevada, and Texas.
Claim Jumper first opened in 1977 in Los Alamitos, California. It became popular for its large portions and pioneer decor. The restaurant’s founder was Craig Nickoloff who came up with the Claim Jumper name and western theme. While some locations have closed over the years, Claim Jumper has maintained a strong presence, especially in Southern California.
Quick Answers
Here are quick answers to some common questions about Claim Jumper’s current business status:
- Is Claim Jumper still open? Yes, as of 2023 it still has over 30 locations.
- Did Claim Jumper go out of business? No, it’s still operating and open for dine-in and takeout.
- Where are Claim Jumpers located? Primarily California, plus a few in Arizona, Nevada, and Texas.
- Who owns Claim Jumper? Landry’s, a restaurant corporation, acquired Claim Jumper in 2009.
- Do they still serve large portions? Yes, Claim Jumper is still known for its generous portions.
Claim Jumper Today
While Claim Jumper has closed some underperforming restaurants over the past decade or so, the chain is still serving customers today. Here are some details about Claim Jumper’s current status and operations:
- As of October 2023, there are 32 Claim Jumper locations according to the company’s website.
- Most restaurants are in California, clustered around Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, and the Central Valley.
- There are also Claim Jumper outposts in Arizona (3 locations), Nevada (2 locations), and Texas (1 location).
- The company is owned by Landry’s, a corporation that runs many dining brands like Rainforest Cafe, Bubba Gump Shrimp, and McCormick & Schmick’s.
- Landry’s purchased Claim Jumper in 2009 and has maintained operations since then.
- All restaurants are currently open for dine-in and takeout with health precautions due to COVID-19.
- The menu still features Claim Jumper’s signature hearty portions and American dishes.
| State | Number of Locations |
|---|---|
| California | 26 |
| Arizona | 3 |
| Nevada | 2 |
| Texas | 1 |
This table shows a breakdown of Claim Jumper locations by state as of October 2023.
History of the Company
Here is a brief history of Claim Jumper Restaurant over the decades:
- Founded in 1977 by Craig Nickoloff in Los Alamitos, CA
- Started as a single restaurant decorated with Old West artifacts and memorabilia
- Became popular throughout the 1980s for its huge portions and American cuisine
- Expanded across California, first in Southern region then beyond
- Opened additional locations in Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, and Texas over the years
- Reached peak of over 150 restaurants by early 2000s
- Faced first round of closures starting in 2003 due to financial issues
- Purchased by Landry’s Inc. restaurant corporation in 2009
- Went through another period of closures around 2015, leaving around 35 locations
- Has maintained 30+ restaurants in 4 states since 2015, keeping original concept
While Claim Jumper has shrunk from its early 2000s peak, the chain has found stability under Landry’s ownership for over a decade now. The rustic American theme and large portions remain unchanged at restaurants today.
Founding and Early Success
Claim Jumper was the brainchild of entrepreneur Craig Nickoloff in the late 1970s. He came up with the western theme and wanted to pair it with massive portion sizes at reasonable prices. The combination proved popular and Claim Jumper saw steady growth. By 2000, it reached over 150 locations across the western U.S.
Challenges and Decline in the 2000s
The company ran into financial difficulties in the early 2000s that led to the first wave of restaurant closures. Changing tastes and the rise of new restaurant chains provided challenges. Claim Jumper was purchased out of bankruptcy by Landry’s Inc. in 2009. More closures in the early 2010s shrunk the chain further but kept the core locations.
Claim Jumper Menu and Signature Dishes
Claim Jumper has always built its menu around staples of American comfort food. Here are some highlights of its menu and popular dishes:
- Giant burgers – 1/2 pound patties with creative toppings
- Ribs and steaks – Slow cooked baby back pork ribs, broiled steaks like ribeye
- Salads – Gourmet salads with ingredients like avocado, nuts, and berries
- Pasta – Specialty pastas such as four cheese baked penne
- Sliders and appetizers – Bite-size burgers, fried pickles, deviled eggs
- Fresh fish – Salmon, mahi mahi, fish and chips
- Prime Rib – Roasted prime rib carved tableside, a signature dish
- Desserts – Pies, cheesecake, brownie sundaes, banana foster
The huge portions are still a defining part of Claim Jumper’s menu today. Entrees like burgers, ribs, and fish plates routinely serve two to three people. While the menu has evolved with trends, the core American cuisine remains unchanged.
Best Sellers and Customer Favorites
Some perennial favorites on the Claim Jumper menu include:
– Baby back ribs with BBQ sauce – fall-off-the-bone tender
– Broiled salmon with dill sauce – fresh and flaky salmon fillets
– Four cheese baked penne – creamy penne mixed with mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, and romano
– Plate-sized pancakes – fluffy pancakes as big as dinner plates
– Prime rib – slow roasted and carved tableside
– Mile high mud pie – coffee ice cream layered with fudge and cookie pieces
Customers also love the specialty cocktails like the Long Island Ice Tea and Gold Rush.
The Future of Claim Jumper
Claim Jumper has undergone shifts and changes over the decades, but continues to stick to its niche serving hearty American dishes. Here is what the future may hold for the chain:
- More closures of underperforming locations are likely as leases expire.
- Focus will remain on core locations in California, Arizona, Nevada, and Texas.
- Menu innovation and specials will continue adapting to dining trends.
- Emphasis on takeout and delivery was heightened by the pandemic.
- Potential for updated restaurant design and decor, while retaining western theme.
- Could see expansion into new markets in the southern or midwestern U.S.
While Claim Jumper’s heyday of 150+ locations has passed, the chain finds itself in a stable position. The restaurants fill a niche for groups and families wanting to share hearty American dishes in a fun, themed environment. Claim Jumper is likely to continue serving its signature dishes for years to come.
Survival Factors
Some factors that have allowed Claim Jumper to survive despite closures and a declining nationwide footprint:
– Strong following in California provides solid customer base
– Menu focused on classic American dishes that retain popularity
– Portion sizes appeal to families and groups dining together
– Nostalgia and tradition keep longtime patrons coming back
– Locations in affluent suburban areas with reliable customer traffic
– Sister restaurants chains under Landry’s allow cross-promotion opportunities
Potential for Expansion
Looking ahead, Claim Jumper could potentially grow again in select markets. Areas of opportunity could include:
– Additional locations in California’s Inland Empire and Central Valley
– Further expansion in Texas, focused on major metros like Dallas
– Move into markets like Colorado, Utah, or Oregon where the brand recognition exists
– More locations in tourist-driven cities in Arizona and Nevada
– Carefully chosen sites in the southern U.S. such as Florida or Georgia
However, large-scale expansion is unlikely. Claim Jumper will probably continue modest, targeted growth in its existing footprint.
Conclusion
Claim Jumper Restaurant has gone through ups and downs over its nearly 50-year history, but retains a strong following today. While the chain has reduced its footprint, Claim Jumper appears stable under Landry’s ownership. The restaurants still deliver an experience built around hearty American cuisine, abundant portions, and western hospitality. For fans of Claim Jumper’s signature dishes and nostalgic Wild West theme, the chain remains a go-to destination. With its niche appeal, Claim Jumper is well-positioned to continue serving generations of patrons.