Rax Roast Beef: A Forgotten Chain Pilgrimage Site with Inspired Recipes
For those of us who grew up in the 80s and early 90s, the name “Rax Roast Beef” conjures up a wave of nostalgia. More than just a fast-food chain, Rax was an experience. It was a place where you could get a genuinely good roast beef sandwich, complete with their signature BBQ sauce and a trip to the salad bar. But Rax was more than just the food; it was the ambiance, the slightly upscale feel compared to its competitors, and the overall sense of it being a *destination*. For many, a visit to Rax was almost a pilgrimage, a special treat or family outing. Now, many years after its decline and eventual disappearance from most of the country, Rax remains a fond memory. This article isn’t just a tribute to Rax; it’s a culinary journey back in time, exploring not only the nostalgia surrounding this once-beloved chain but also providing inspired recipes to recapture the magic of Rax roast beef at home. We’ll delve into recreating the iconic Rax roast beef sandwich, their craveable BBQ sauce, and some creative riffs on the Rax experience.
## The Rise and Fall of a Roast Beef Empire
Rax Restaurants, Inc., originally known as JAX Roast Beef, started in Springfield, Ohio, in 1967. The name change to Rax occurred in 1978. Unlike many fast-food chains that focused solely on speed and low prices, Rax initially aimed for a more upscale dining experience. They offered a wider menu than just roast beef, including baked potatoes, salads (hence the salad bar!), and even specialty sandwiches. Their advertising often featured a sophisticated, slightly quirky tone, which further distinguished them from the competition.
The chain experienced significant growth in the 1980s, expanding across the Midwest and beyond. However, a series of missteps, including menu changes that strayed too far from their core roast beef offering, inconsistent franchising, and increased competition, led to a decline. By the mid-1990s, Rax was struggling, and many locations closed. Today, only a handful of Rax restaurants remain, primarily in Ohio, a testament to the enduring love some people have for the brand. The story of Rax serves as a cautionary tale in the fast-food industry, highlighting the importance of staying true to your brand identity and adapting to market changes while retaining your core values.
## Recreating the Rax Roast Beef Sandwich: The Quest for the Perfect Bite
At the heart of the Rax experience was, of course, the roast beef sandwich. It wasn’t just any roast beef sandwich; it was thinly sliced, tender, and perfectly seasoned, served on a toasted sesame seed bun with their distinctive BBQ sauce. Recreating this at home requires a bit of effort, but the results are well worth it.
**Recipe: Rax-Inspired Roast Beef Sandwich**
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Roast Beef:**
* 3-4 lb Beef Roast (Top Round or Bottom Round are good choices for slicing)
* 2 tbsp Olive Oil
* 1 tsp Garlic Powder
* 1 tsp Onion Powder
* 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
* 1/2 tsp Dried Thyme
* 1/2 tsp Dried Rosemary
* 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
* 1 tsp Salt
* 1 cup Beef Broth
* **For the BBQ Sauce (Recipe follows below)**
* **For the Sandwich:**
* Sesame Seed Buns
* Optional: Cheddar Cheese Slices, Lettuce, Tomato
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Roast:** Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, pepper, and salt. Rub the roast beef all over with olive oil, then generously coat it with the spice mixture.
2. **Sear the Roast (Optional but Recommended):** Heat a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step helps to develop a rich, flavorful crust. If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, transfer the seared roast to a roasting pan.
3. **Roast the Beef:** Pour the beef broth into the bottom of the skillet or roasting pan. Place the roast in the preheated oven and cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium-rare, 140-145°F (60-63°C) for medium, or 150-155°F (66-68°C) for medium-well. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate temperature readings. The cooking time will vary depending on the size and shape of your roast, but typically it will take about 20-25 minutes per pound.
4. **Rest the Roast:** Remove the roast from the oven and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful roast. Tent the roast loosely with foil while it rests.
5. **Slice the Roast Beef:** Using a sharp carving knife or a meat slicer, thinly slice the roast beef against the grain. Thin slicing is crucial for achieving that authentic Rax texture.
6. **Assemble the Sandwiches:** Lightly toast the sesame seed buns. Spread a generous amount of the Rax-inspired BBQ sauce on both halves of the bun. Pile on the thinly sliced roast beef. Add cheddar cheese, lettuce, and tomato if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
## The Secret Weapon: Rax-Inspired BBQ Sauce
The Rax BBQ sauce was arguably as important as the roast beef itself. It was tangy, slightly sweet, and had a distinctive smoky flavor. While the exact recipe remains a closely guarded secret, here’s a rendition that captures the essence of the original.
**Recipe: Rax-Inspired BBQ Sauce**
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup Ketchup
* 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
* 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
* 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
* 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
* 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
* 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
* 1/4 tsp Onion Powder
* 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
* 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper (Optional, for a touch of heat)
* 1 tbsp Liquid Smoke (Hickory or Mesquite)
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium saucepan, combine all the ingredients.
2. **Simmer:** Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. Be careful not to burn the sauce.
3. **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more brown sugar for sweetness, vinegar for tanginess, or cayenne pepper for heat.
4. **Cool and Store:** Let the sauce cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to a week.
## Beyond the Sandwich: Creative Rax-Inspired Recipes
While the classic roast beef sandwich is the centerpiece, the Rax experience offered other delights. Let’s explore some creative ways to incorporate those flavors into new dishes.
**1. Rax-Inspired Roast Beef and Cheddar Baked Potato:**
Rax had amazing baked potatoes. Top a fluffy baked potato with warmed sliced roast beef, a generous drizzle of the BBQ sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped green onions. This is a hearty and satisfying meal that captures the spirit of the Rax salad bar.
**Ingredients:**
* Large Baking Potatoes
* Roast Beef (from above recipe), warmed
* Rax-Inspired BBQ Sauce
* Shredded Cheddar Cheese
* Sour Cream
* Chopped Green Onions
* Salt and Pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Bake the Potatoes:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes and prick them several times with a fork. Rub with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until soft. You can also microwave the potatoes for a faster option.
2. **Prepare the Toppings:** While the potatoes are baking, warm the sliced roast beef gently in a skillet or microwave. Prepare the BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions.
3. **Assemble the Potatoes:** Once the potatoes are baked, cut them open and fluff the insides with a fork. Top with warmed roast beef, BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
**2. Rax-Inspired Roast Beef Quesadillas:**
A fun and easy twist on the classic sandwich. These quesadillas are perfect for a quick lunch or snack.
**Ingredients:**
* Flour Tortillas
* Roast Beef (from above recipe), thinly sliced
* Rax-Inspired BBQ Sauce
* Shredded Cheddar Cheese
* Optional: Diced Red Onion, Jalapeños
**Instructions:**
1. **Assemble the Quesadillas:** Lay a tortilla flat. Spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce over one half of the tortilla. Top with thinly sliced roast beef, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced red onion or jalapeños if desired. Fold the other half of the tortilla over to cover the filling.
2. **Cook the Quesadillas:** Heat a lightly oiled skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
3. **Serve:** Cut the quesadilla into wedges and serve immediately.
**3. Rax-Inspired Roast Beef Sliders:**
Perfect for parties or appetizers, these sliders offer all the flavors of the Rax sandwich in a bite-sized package.
**Ingredients:**
* Slider Buns
* Roast Beef (from above recipe), thinly sliced
* Rax-Inspired BBQ Sauce
* Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Optional)
* Melted Butter (for brushing the buns)
**Instructions:**
1. **Assemble the Sliders:** Slice the slider buns in half. Spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Top with thinly sliced roast beef and shredded cheddar cheese if desired. Place the top half of the buns on top.
2. **Bake the Sliders (Optional):** For warm, melty sliders, brush the tops of the buns with melted butter. Place the sliders on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are lightly toasted. Alternatively, you can skip the baking and serve them at room temperature.
3. **Serve:** Serve the sliders immediately.
**4. Rax-Inspired Roast Beef Salad:**
Inspired by the Rax salad bar, create a hearty salad with roast beef, your favorite toppings, and a tangy vinaigrette, all tied together with a touch of BBQ sauce.
**Ingredients:**
* Mixed Greens
* Roast Beef (from above recipe), thinly sliced
* Cherry Tomatoes, halved
* Cucumber, sliced
* Red Onion, thinly sliced
* Shredded Cheddar Cheese
* Croutons
* Rax-Inspired BBQ Sauce (for drizzling)
* Your Favorite Vinaigrette Dressing
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Salad:** In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese.
2. **Add Roast Beef:** Top with the thinly sliced roast beef.
3. **Dress the Salad:** Drizzle with your favorite vinaigrette dressing and a touch of Rax-Inspired BBQ sauce.
4. **Garnish and Serve:** Garnish with croutons and serve immediately.
## The Enduring Legacy of Rax
While Rax Roast Beef may be largely gone from the fast-food landscape, its memory lives on in the hearts (and stomachs) of those who experienced it. The chain represented a brief moment in fast-food history when quality and ambiance were valued alongside speed and convenience. By recreating these Rax-inspired recipes, we can not only satisfy our nostalgic cravings but also introduce a new generation to the deliciousness that was Rax Roast Beef. Whether you’re a long-time fan or simply curious about this forgotten chain, these recipes offer a taste of the past and a chance to create new memories around the flavors of Rax. So, fire up the oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to embark on a culinary pilgrimage back to the era of the Big Aussie and the endless salad bar. Happy cooking!