Our Story

From Humble Beginnings to a Regional Favourite

Rustlers Steakhouse & Grill has been part of the Albany dining scene for over two decades, but our journey truly began in 2005, when Les Palmer joined the team. Starting out on the floor and learning the ropes firsthand, Les quickly developed a passion for hospitality that went far beyond food service—it was about people, community, and creating a welcoming space for everyone who walked through the doors.

In 2006, Susie Palmer came on board, bringing her own flair for customer care, team development, and the behind-the-scenes systems that keep a bustling restaurant ticking. Together, Les and Susie worked their way up, gradually taking on more responsibility until they took over the business entirely in 2016, after the original owners retired.

Since then, it’s been a wild ride—filled with the joys of growth, the pride of mentoring young staff, and the real-world challenges that come with running a regional restaurant.

When COVID-19 hit, like many in the industry, we were shaken. Forced closures, shifting regulations, and uncertainty tested us in ways we never imagined. But it also reminded us why we do what we do: for the community we serve and the team we’ve built. We adapted, supported each other, and came through the other side stronger than ever.

Then came the cost of living pressures—rising produce prices, increasing wages, and supply chain disruptions. But through it all, we remained committed to keeping our prices fair, our quality high, and our ingredients as local and West Australian as possible.

One of the proudest moments in our journey was the introduction of Stirling Ranges Beef—a premium, locally sourced product from the heart of the Great Southern region. We knew from the first cut that this was the kind of quality our customers deserved. And so began our ongoing commitment to championing WA produce, from Frankland River pork and Great Southern lamb, to seafood sourced locally wherever possible, and wines exclusively from the Great Southern Wine Region.

Rustlers isn’t just about steaks (though we do them damn well). It’s about being a place where families gather, milestones are celebrated, and everyone—locals and visitors alike—feels welcome.

We’re proud of how far we’ve come since 2005. And we’re just getting started.