The Sizzler Restaurant at Airport Way and Daniels Street celebrated its grand opening Tuesday morning with co-owners Gary and Sally Meyers gifting $12,000 to Manteca non-profits.
Some 75 students and community members attended the event. Each guest enjoyed a full steak luncheon including a dinner salad along with a large piece of light lemon cake for dessert.
Gary Meyers singled out one Manteca police officer, Randy Chiek, as an example of people stepping up to  help the community. The restaurantuer recalled that it was Chiek who first came into his new building and introduced himself, saying he then toured the building searching out every nook and cranny where someone might hide from staff and from officers responding to an incident.
To make an impact on his point, he pinned the officer with a “Making a Difference” pin that he put onto his shirt collar.  Meyer said Chiek stands as a perfect example for his premise in going the extra mile for the people of the City of Manteca.
The event was dynamic in its organization and presentation to its customers, thanks to the artistry and professionalism of Sally Meyers. 
The Meyers are the largest franchisee in the Sizzler family of restaurants with two dozen locations. They started construction of the new 8,500 square foot craftsman-style restaurant last summer.  It is the 19th Sizzler location incorporating the BMW’s New Generation prototype designed to meet the current lifestyles of families, professionals and sports fans.
Gary and Sally Meyers presented some $12,000 in gifts to community high schools and other non-profit and civic groups to celebrate the opening of their new and facility.  The ceremonies showcased Manteca area student talent as well as the multi-million dollar investment in the community.
The Del Webb Men of Woodbridge have been welcomed into the restaurant after working their highway cleanup volunteer cleanup challenge where each can enjoy a salad and a sandwich. 
Students were asked to support the event with cheerleading squads coming from each of the five high schools – Manteca, East Union, Sierra and Lathrop and Weston Ranch.  Each of the groups was given a check for $700.  Other charitable organizations were called up to the podium and given checks as well with Second Harvest Food Bank receiving $1,500, Hope Ministries, $1,000; Give Every Child a Chance tutoring program, $1,000; Crossroads Grace Church, $500; McFall Grisham American Legion Post, $1,000; the Manteca Police Canine Association, $1,000 and the Manteca Police Chief’s Foundation for $1,000 as well as other monetary gifts to the Manteca Rotary Club and the Manteca Kiwanis Club.
Music complements for the luncheon and awards event was courtesy of the Sierra High School Jazz Combo under the direction of Rick Hammarstrom.  Manteca Mayor Steve DeBrum introduced the Manteca High School JROTC with its members presenting the Colors under the direction of Sergeant Major Harold Williams.  Sierra High School’s Alyssa Patterson sang the National Anthem. 
A special song composed by Rick Hammarstrom was performed by Alyssa Patterson and accompanied by the Sierra High Jazz Combo.
The ranchers who supply the meat for the restaurant were lauded by the Meyers couple.  They were David and Jeanene DalPorto of DalPoto Livestock in Brentwood, Mark and Abbie Nelson of the Five Star Ranch in Wilton with their son Ryan and Hailey Nelson and grandsons Jhett and Cort Nelson. 
The Meyers’ son Bryce lauded the city of Manteca staffers and developers for aiding him in the purchase and development of the site on South Airport Way at the Highway 120 Bypass location for their restaurant.
In conclusion Matt Aguirre, who works at Second Harvest Food Bank, was introduced to sing a solo entitled “I can Only Imagine.”  He also serves as Worship Pastor of the Revival Center Church in Modesto.
To contact Glenn Kahl, email gkahl@mantecabulletin.com.