In December, 1983 Russ Hruby, President opened the first Maverick Steak House in Litchfield, Illinois. The name of this new restaurant represented the way he wanted to do business. “Maverick”, according to Webster’s dictionary means “a non-conformist”. Mr. Hruby was a different breed, he wanted to give the customers something different - that was “what the customer wants”.

His idea was to give great value for a fair price. Fresh beef was served daily. Quality foods would only be used, such as creamy soups, home-made bread, along with fresh vegetables and other delicious salad items. Most of all, customers would always be allowed to “substitute” at a Maverick Restaurant. The term “Sorry, No Substitutions Allowed” is not in the Maverick vocabulary.