Travis Frye knows firsthand the power of ground steak. As tourism coordinator for the town of Dobson and Surry County Tourism Development Authority, and a native to the area, he remembers his great-grandmother Vera Love preparing it.

“I would walk onto the front porch and could hear the ground steak sizzling on the skillet, the delicious smell emanating from its simple ingredients,” he says. “I just assumed everyone ate ground steak, only to find out later … that this was a very local dish. It became so popular as this melt-in-your mouth cousin to the hamburger that … it is still served in local restaurants with each having their own unique stories and recipes.”

Ground Steak Trail

It is believed that ground steak got its start in the early 1930s at the old Canteen Restaurant in Mount Airy before spreading to diners in nearby Pilot Mountain, Elkin and Dobson. Cooks with limited resources would stretch the ground beef supply by boiling or browning the meat, adding flour and water (or milk) and seasoning with salt and pepper, then placing the tender, loose-meat patty on a bun with slaw and sometimes mayonnaise and a tomato slice. (Local tip: Don’t confuse it with a sloppy joe)

Things have evolved over the years with ground steak, now served as an entrée with sides and even mixed in egg omelets for breakfast. But the core recipe remains.

“It was an affordable sandwich for blue collar workers in the local textile factories, be it from home or a local diner,” Travis explains. “Now it’s a multi-generational meal.”

Today, 16 restaurants across Surry County serve the dish, each with a different flavor twist. Freddy Hiatt, owner of the Dairy Center in Mount Airy, adds a little extra black pepper to his ground steak.

“We make about 150 sandwiches a day, still with mayo, slaw and a slice of tomato,” says Freddy. He also offers his homemade chili as a topper, a highly recommended addition.

Travis believes ground steak is still served in restaurants because of its culinary history in the region.

“It makes us unique; it creates memories, conversations, stories; and at least for me, reminds one of home and those who have impacted your life. Each place on the trail has a story to tell.”

Ground Steak Festival

That story culminates on June 14 with the annual North Carolina Ground Steak Festival, held in downtown Dobson in the historic courthouse square. Central Café and the Rock Ruritan Club will serve ground steak sandwiches during the day, while visitors enjoy local arts and crafts, bluegrass and old-time string music, games and other activities during the day.

“If you really want to discover Dobson and the history of Surry County, look no further than the Ground Steak Festival. We really want to share the story of Surry County, through culinary, music and craft,” Travis says. “After that first bite of a ground steak sandwich, we hope people come back for more.”