Proprietor of the Year

Ted’s names Hamburg location a winner

“If you don’t take care of your guests, someone else will.”  That’s the motto that Wael Musa, Lexington resident and proprietor at Ted’s Montana Grill at the Hamburg Pavilion, lives by daily. 

Notorious for his passion for good food, genuine hospitality and treating everyone like family, the award describes Musa as “a dedicated leader who has made his mark at Ted’s and in the Lexington community.”

Musa became the proprietor at Ted’s in July 2021 and has established the restaurant as a top performer in the company. His impressive results of high guest counts, sales growth, team member retention, and excellent overall performance earned him the title as the 2023 Proprietor of the Year. 

Musa was once a frequent guest at Ted’s and indulged in some of his favorites like Bison Short Ribs, the Avalon Burger, or a hand-cut Delmonico. He loved the food and the concept so much that he pursued a career with Ted’s. 

“I dreamed of working at Ted’s because the food was so unbelievable,” said Musa. “Everything was so fresh and wholesome that you simply felt good eating it.” 

Leaving the restaurant feeling better than when you arrived was exactly what award-winning restaurateur George McKerrow, Jr. and media mogul Ted Turner intended when they founded the restaurant in 2002. 

The Ted’s concept embraces the spirit of the American West with important ingredients like simplicity, honesty, and authenticity. The restaurant is known for classic, elevated American dishes made completely from scratch in small batches throughout the day. 

McKerrow and Turner also made sustainability a priority in everyday practices, and even started the paper straw movement. But their biggest mission was to save the American bison by making it the cornerstone of the menu. Bison is packed with flavor and nutritional benefits, and it became “love at first bite” when people tried it. 

Bison is high in omega 3s, protein, iron and vitamin B-12, and has less fat, calories and cholesterol than beef, pork, chicken, and salmon. 

Ted’s bison selections include award-winning burgers, ‘fall off the bone’ short ribs and brisket, premium aged steaks, and meatloaf that secretly tastes better than what grandma served. The menu also includes Certified Angus® beef, chicken, fresh seafood, and made-to-order salads. 

Local favorites include the Cadillac Burger, the Avalon Burger, Ted’s Bacon Cheeseburger, Meatloaf, Bison Nachos, and selection of perfectly cooked steaks. 

Ted’s also features a robust gluten-free menu and kids’ options like Salmon and Bison Steak for that “grown-up” dining experience.

The classic bar features hand-crafted cocktails, mocktails, premium wines, local drafts from Country Boy Brewing and West Sixth Brewing, and local bourbons like Woodford Reserve and Buffalo 41. 

“I am honored to work for a restaurant that serves real food with a simple approach – honest ingredients, classic recipes, and genuine hospitality,” said Musa. “The little things are the big things at Ted’s, and my number one priority is that each and every guest has a memorable dining experience.”

Ted’s Montana Grill offers lunch and dinner, and it is located at the Hamburg Pavilion at 2304 Sir Barton Way in Lexington.