Local diners and bar patrons were able to rejoice this week, celebrating the return of Cool Hand Luke’s steakhouse and saloon along Patterson Road in Riverbank.

The restaurant was scheduled to be reopened on Monday this week, operated by Heritage Restaurant Brands of San Luis Obispo, one of now four Cool Hand Luke’s locations the firm runs.

New ownership brought new hours and an improved menu, according to CEO Greg Graber. The company recruited new employees through October in preparation for the reopening.

The new hours are from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. On Friday, the hours are 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Saturday, it will be open from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and on Sunday, they’ll be serving from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Graber spoke of three signature items on the new menu.

The dinner menu includes Sizzling Steak Bites Appetizer, which is tender aged steak and ‘baby-belly’ mushrooms, served with garlic cheese toast.

Also, there’s the “Legendary” Prime Rib, slow roasted for over 19 hours and finally the Iron Skillet Bread Pudding, topped with vanilla bean ice cream and caramel, served sizzling tableside, with a signature brandy butter sauce.

He also noted a new Happy Hour in the Saloon, with appetizers starting at $2.99, including their new Cheeseburger Sliders.

Daily entree specials will include an 18 oz. bone-in Outlaw Rib Eye, and Petite Filet and New England Lobster Tail.

“A new bar menu features awesome hand-crafted cocktails such as the Top Shelf Patron’s Margarita or the Sage Brush Mojito,” Graber said.

Also new, he added, are the Family Style Meals To Go.

“They’re perfect for the holidays,” Graber noted. “If you have a large group, office party, graduation, or just your family, there’s something for all occasions.”

He said they can feed 25 to 30 people for only $7.33 per person. Orders can be placed online at www.Coolhandlukes.com.