AN iconic American restaurant chain and Olive Garden rival with over 600 locations has set out to expand its US presence.
Texas Roadhouse is eyeing opening 30 new spots this year as it rolls out two other major changes.
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Texas Roadhouse is a popular American steakhouse chain known for its hand-cut steaks and Texas-style dining experience.
The restaurant is a major player in the casual dining space, recently pulling in the top spot as America’s favorite casual dining chain and bumping out Olive Garden, which has held the number one ranking since 2018.
The two iconic chains were followed by Chili’s, Applebee’s, and Buffalo Wild Wings.
Fans of the steakhouse were pleased when Texas Roadhouse pulled ahead of the Italian-American chain, commenting that the former restaurant is “better than Olive Garden anyways.”
Texas Roadhouse’s loyal diners are propelling the chain’s success in such a tough industry, which has seen the decline of many fast-casual restaurants.
Texas Roadhouse Inc., which also includes the restaurant brands Bubba’s 33 and Jaggers chains, spiked from $4.63 billion in sales in 2023 to $5.4 billion by the end of last year, breaking records for average unit volumes.
“We ended 2024 on an incredible note, which was highlighted by fourth quarter and full-year traffic growth at all three of our brands,” said CEO Jerry Morgan.
As the iconic chain continues to drive its success into 2025, Texas Roadhouse fans can expect to see three exciting changes.
1. NEW LOCATIONS
The parent company expects to open 30 new locations for Texas Roadhouse, Bubba’s 33, and Jaggers across the next 10 months.
“We like being in that 30-ish number. I believe… that’s the right number for us to open quality restaurants at the volumes we’re at,” Morgan said during the company’s fourth quarter earnings call.
“We only get one time to make a first impression, and we put time and effort into those openings. We can be very good at opening 25 to 30 restaurants on a normal basis.”
There are currently around 680 Texas Roadhouse locations in the US and approximately 800 restaurants total across the globe.
2. HAPPY HOUR EXTENSION
Happy hour is about to get a whole lot happier at Texas Roadhouse.
Select locations will soon begin offering diners $5 beverages all day long, including drinks such as 10 ounce Original Margaritas, 16 ounce beers, and Long Island Iced Teas.
Texas Roadhouse stats
- Texas Roadhouse restaurants average 5,000 guests per week, which is one of the highest in the industry.
- The chain serves 300,000 meals each day.
- The average Texas Roadhouse is 6,700 to 7,500 square feet and seats 291 guests.
- Texas Roadhouse serves its ice-cold draft beer at 36 degrees Fahrenheit.
- The chain offers 15 varieties of Legendary Margaritas.
- The #1 seller at Texas Roadhouse is the 6-ounce USDA Choice Sirloin.
- Steaks account for 44% of the chain’s menu.
Source: Texas Roadhouse
Previously, the steakhouse’s happy hour lasted from 4 pm to 6 pm, Monday through Friday.
“With a variety of discounted appetizers and beverages available, it’s the perfect time to gather with friends, try new menu items, and unwind after a long day,” said the company.
3. A NEW KIND OF DRINK
For all of the sober alcohol enthusiasts out there, Texas Roadhouse has begun offering guests hand-crafted mocktails for $5.
A fun and flavorful drink experience without alcohol, diners can choose between:
- Strawberry Cucumber Fizz
- Sparkling Berry Bliss
- Tropical Breeze
The Strawberry Cucumber Fizz mocktail is made with a blend of strawberry, cucumber, and lemonade with club soda.
Sparkling Berry Bliss features blended blackberry and cranberry juice topped with club soda.
Guests who indulge in the Tropical Breeze mocktail will taste coconut, mango, and blue Curacao, with Texas Roadhouse’s signature sour mix and club soda.
As Texas Roadhouse plans to open up 30 new locations this year, several other successful chains are likewise expanding their US presence.
For example, a popular fast food chain that fans call “way better than Chipotle” will open over 60 new restaurants in 2025.
Plus, a beloved chicken chain and Popeyes rival will open up its 500th location – and 10 more are on the way.
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