Inside Calico County: Steven Garcia on Amarillo Roots, Resilience & Chicken Fried Steak 🍳

🍳 Real Conversations: Calico County’s Steven Garcia on Resilience, Community, and Chicken Fried Steak

In this episode of The Real Estate Rundown, we sat down with Steven Garcia, the passionate co-owner of Calico County, one of Amarillo’s most beloved hometown restaurants. From stories of grit during the pandemic to the deep sense of loyalty within his team, Steven shares what it means to truly be a part of the Amarillo community 💛.

📜 Rooted in Amarillo Since 1984

Calico County first opened its doors in 1984, founded by Bob LaRoche and his family. Today, there are two locations—one right here in Amarillo, the other in Fort Smith, Arkansas—but the heart of the business has always stayed the same: good food and a warm welcome 🫶.

Steven joined Calico County as a partner in 2020, right as COVID turned the world upside down 😷. “It was a leap of faith,” he says. Taking over a restaurant during a global pandemic wasn’t part of the plan, but with the support of his business partner Chris Reinhart and the Amarillo community, they pushed forward 💪.

🤝 Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Steven lights up when he talks about the way Amarillo rallied around Calico County during hard times. After a devastating flood temporarily shut their doors 🌊, the support poured in. Local restaurants like Spicy Mike’s, Cask 'n Cork, and Pescaraz delivered food to his team as they worked around the clock to rebuild 🍽️.

Steven still remembers the moment they reopened—and how 44 of their 47 employees came back. “That’s not just a staff,” he says. “That’s a family.” 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

👨‍🍳 More Than a Restaurant

To Steven, Calico County isn’t just about serving great meals. It’s about creating a space where people feel like they belong. Some of their cooks have been with the restaurant for over 30 years 🔥. Employee-created dishes even find their way onto the menu—a testament to the trust and collaboration that define their team.

Giving back is also central to their mission. From volunteering at charity events to supporting local causes, Calico County is committed to serving Amarillo both inside and outside the restaurant 🙌.

🌟 “Soak It In”

When asked what advice he’d give someone new to Amarillo, Steven doesn’t hesitate: “Soak it in.” He describes the city as a place where people still wave to each other, where handshakes mean something, and where community isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a way of life 🤗.

🥩 And Yes—Get the Chicken Fried Steak

Before wrapping up, Steven lets us in on a personal favorite: the chicken fried steak. Tender, flavorful, and made with love, it’s a dish that’s earned its place as a local staple 😋. And if you’re a breakfast fan? Good news—Calico County serves it all day long 🍳☕.

❤️ A Final Thought

Steven’s story is a powerful reminder of what makes Amarillo special: resilience, connection, and the people who choose to invest their time and heart into this community. Whether you’re a lifelong local or new in town, grab a seat at Calico County and experience it for yourself 🪑🥞.