CORNELIA, Ga. — Artemio Mendoza has spent more than two decades behind the grill at LongHorn Steakhouse in Cornelia. This week, he joined one of the restaurant chain’s most exclusive groups — the LongHorn Grill Master Legends — after grilling his one-millionth steak.
Mendoza is one of only 35 people nationwide to earn the honor, and one of just three Atlanta-area grill cooks recognized this year. LongHorn also honored Sammy Cisic of Alpharetta and Rara Segundo of McDonough.
Known among coworkers as the “rock” of the Cornelia team, Mendoza is credited with unmatched consistency, passion for the craft and the ability to deliver perfectly cooked steaks night after night. LongHorn officials said that level of excellence is what the Grill Master program is designed to highlight.
Every LongHorn Steakhouse trains cooks as Grill Masters, specialists responsible for seasoning and grilling fresh, never-frozen steaks to precise temperatures using the restaurant’s proprietary blends. Only the most skilled are chosen for the role, and even fewer reach the million-steak milestone.
Mendoza and the other honorees were surprised at their restaurants by coworkers, family members and LongHorn leaders. Each received a gold chef coat, a $5,000 award, an additional $1,000 annually for as long as they remain with the company, and a visit from LongHorn Steakhouse president Laura Williamson.
LongHorn said the award reflects its commitment to recognizing employees who exemplify dedication and craftsmanship.
Mendoza continues to grill daily at the Cornelia restaurant, where he remains a fixture for both coworkers and regular guests.
