50 'Bonanza' Secrets That Are Worth Knowing

1. Ponderosa Steakhouse Was Inspired By Bonanza

Have you ever eaten at a Ponderosa Steakhouse? Well, did you know where the restaurant got its name? The Ponderosa/Bonanza Steakhouses were, indeed, inspired by the TV show. Dan Blocker actually founded the first American Bonanza Steakhouse in Kokomo, Indiana in 1965. The chain expanded, and was later bought and owned by the Metromedia Restaurant Group.