Matthew K Wagoner

President Tucson’s Inc.

Education: Business Administration- South Plains Junior College and Texas Tech University  Lubbock, Texas

After job careers in both the horticulture and food industry, I established Earthcare Services Landscape Co. in 1985. In 1987 the operation was expanded to include a retail garden center and tree/sod growing operation on two locations. With rapid retail development surrounding the property, the operations were sold to Waters Hardware in 1995.

After researching opportunities in the restaurant and other industries, I decided to pursue my desire to own a casual dining steakhouse. The hope was to offer only premium cuts of beef that were Midwestern grain fed, wet aged and hand cut on site to our specifications in a casual atmosphere. In the summer of 1997 the opportunity arose with the closing of the Shony’s franchise in Salina. Fortunately, we were able to pull the concept of great steaks, a focus on consistent service, in a casual atmosphere together, and Tucson’s Steakhouse, Saloon, and Grill was born.

My personal responsibilities regarding Tucson’s include business development, marketing, financial planning, oversight, and menu development.

In the very competitive world of casual dining, independently owned restaurants are fewer and fewer. Our success with the continued intrusion of chain restaurants is a testament to our staff and our commitment to quality and to Salina. We appreciate each and every guest and strive to exceed their expectations as they enter Steak Heaven!

Shawn Simon

General Manager

My name is Shawn Simon and I have been with Tucson’s Steakhouse for 10 years.  I started in the restaurant business about twelve years ago, taking a part time job as a server at a steakhouse in Nebraska.  I simply fell in love with the business and that’s why I’m here today.

    Tucson’s has been a great fit for me because the owner and I share a lot of the same beliefs.    We have been serving the same top quality beef since the day I walked in.  Although the economy was tough and prices were out of the roof Tucson’s kept its integrity in tact by never shying away from serving top of the line beef.  

    I want to thank Salina, the surrounding areas, and travelers for making my job complete.  I enjoy meeting new people each and everyday.  If you are in the restaurant I will always try to make an effort to say hi.  If for whatever reason I don’t, please stop me and let’s chat!  Good or bad we always want your feedback!  After dining with us please take a minute to fill out a comment card.  Thanks so much for dining with Tucson’s and WELCOME TO STEAK HEAVEN!!   

Donna Schneider

Office Manager

My name is Donna Schneider.  I have worked at Tucson’s since shortly after we opened in 1997.  I started as a server and grew to love the restaurant business.  I have learned all aspects of the restaurant through on going training and willingness to learn.  My responsibilities include office administration, daily operations, and I help with training of front of the house employees.   I love the challenges this job brings, but most of all I enjoy the people I work with and the different guests I meet on a daily basis.

Wesley Lytle

Kitchen Manager

I have been employed at Tucson’s Steakhouse for 8 years and have been Kitchen Manager for 6 of those years. I am responsible for running day to day operations of the kitchen, ordering all food and supplies, insuring food quality and maintaining health code standards. I have 17 years of restaurant experience and am Serve Safe Certified. The constant challenges keep it exciting and the people make it enjoyable.  

 Wesley’s  favorite part of working with Tucson’s is that it has a relaxed, family oriented environment and that the management team supports his family involvement and lifestyle.  He feels his best attributes are that he works well with others, he’s always prompt for work, is dedicated to his job and has great attention to detail.  We handles all the ordering, hand cuts all the steaks served at Tucson’s , prepares the schedule.  Wesley’s vision for Tucson’s is that it becomes the best steakhouse in Central Kansas.