Texas Roadhouse

Texas Roadhouse operates a chain of casual dining steakhouse restaurants built on hand-cut steaks, fresh-baked bread, and a distinctive Texas-themed atmosphere. The company was founded in 1993 by W. Kent Taylor, who opened the first location in Clarksville, Indiana, at the Green Tree Mall. Despite the Texas branding, Taylor's original vision was straightforward: deliver high-quality steaks in a welcoming, community-oriented setting at prices that felt accessible to everyday diners.

The company went public in 2004 on the NASDAQ under ticker TXRH, raising approximately $159.6 million. That IPO proved transformative, shifting Texas Roadhouse from a regional concept into a platform for national expansion. As of September 2024, the company operated 697 locations across 49 U.S. states and international markets spanning North America, the Middle East, and Asia. The company generated record full-year revenue of $4.63 billion in 2023 and has maintained restaurant-level operating margins in the 17 to 18 percent range through 2024.

What distinguishes Texas Roadhouse in the casual dining landscape is its organizational philosophy. The company operates under a Managing Partner system that emphasizes employee retention and service consistency. Internally, employees are called "Roadies," and this people-first culture has become central to how the brand executes its "Legendary Food, Legendary Service" mission. That approach has translated into strong customer loyalty and operational stability even through significant transitions.

The company experienced a major leadership change in 2021 following the passing of founder Kent Taylor. Jerry Morgan was appointed CEO and successfully maintained the company's performance trajectory and distinctive culture through that transition. Texas Roadhouse also operates multiple restaurant concepts, including the flagship brand and Bubba's 33, a sports-themed concept launched in 2011 to reach different customer segments. To-Go sales have grown to represent approximately 12 percent of revenue as of 2024, reflecting the company's adaptation to shifting consumer preferences.

Current expansion activity demonstrates ongoing momentum. The company continues to pursue growth through new restaurant openings and strategic remodels of existing units. A notable recent example is the relocation of the original Louisville location, which opened in July 1996. The company relocated that flagship restaurant to a new 9,900-square-foot venue on a 3.5-acre plot with parking for 224 vehicles, improving accessibility and operational capacity. Management remains focused on maintaining core values around made-from-scratch food and genuine hospitality while advancing menu innovation and guest satisfaction across its growing footprint.