New owners refresh, rebrand former Centerville Steakhouse

March 21, 2025

An iconic restaurant in Centerville has a new name and new owners.

The Centerville Steakhouse reopened recently as Tuffy’s Bar and Grill. It was founded more than 30 years ago by Joe and Eva Erickson. Eva’s daughter, Linda Swanson, and her husband, Larry, bought it from them in 1996 and ran it for more than 18 years.

They added a significant catering operation and were known for being active members of the business community, supporting many local sports teams.

“Larry really loved the people and enjoyed talking to everyone,” Linda Swanson said. “His catering team was very special to him as they helped him so much.”

When they were ready to retire, they sold the Centerville Steakhouse to Doug and Jamie Edberg, who had worked for them in the past. The Edbergs ran the restaurant for more than 12 years and continued the legacy of community involvement.

“The steakhouse has been very good to us,” Jamie Edberg said. “Our youngest of three was 10 months old when we bought the steakhouse, and now they are all active in sports and activities.”

Their busy family life led them to look for new owners, and they found them in the Austin family. Eric and Carrie (Austin) Clark, Adam Austin and Tim Austin purchased the restaurant late last year. Carrie previously had been part of Larry Swanson’s catering team, and husband Eric has a culinary degree and worked in a Florida country club for 10 years.

He’s now an account executive in a different industry but had wanted to own his own restaurant and convinced the family to join him, said Jackie Austin, whose husband, Tim, is one of the owners.

The new name, Tuffy’s Bar and Grill, is a nod to Tuffy the Tornado, the Centerville High School mascot.

Tuffy’s is offering family dining with a sports bar atmosphere and state-of-the-art TVs designed for game days. The restaurant tried to open quietly last weekend to work out any kinks and train staff, but “it literally took two hours and we packed the house, serving over 150 people, and no one wanted to leave,” Austin said.

“We had a good local crowd throughout the weekend. The town loves it as it is a family place but also a sports bar.”

The menu includes pizza made in a new wood-burning oven.

“Tennessee hot chicken and steak bites are also favorites, but the All-American Burger is the best-seller so far,” Austin said. “The ranch dressing is really good and has established its own reputation as a town favorite.”

Hours are 4 to 10 p.m. Monday, Thursday and Friday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. It’s closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

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