Texas Roadhouse has officially surpassed Olive Garden as America's favorite casual dining chain, a position Olive Garden held since 2018. The steakhouse chain has announced ambitious expansion plans for 2025, including 30 new locations and significant operational changes.

Currently operating around 680 U.S. locations and nearly 800 worldwide, Texas Roadhouse continues to grow strategically. The expansion includes new locations for their main brand and sister concepts Bubba's 33 and Jaggers. CEO Jerry Morgan emphasizes quality over rapid expansion, stating, "We like being in that 30-ish number... We only get one time to make a first impression."

Key changes coming to Texas Roadhouse include:

• Extended happy hour with $5 drinks available all day at select locations
• New drink options including 10 oz Original Margaritas, 16 oz beers, and Long Island Iced Teas
• Introduction of $5 hand-crafted mocktails including:
  • Strawberry Cucumber Fizz
  • Sparkling Berry Bliss
  • Tropical Breeze

The chain's financial performance remains strong, with sales increasing from $4.63 billion in 2023 to $5.4 billion by the end of 2024, outperforming most competitors in the casual dining sector.

Texas Roadhouse's success comes from maintaining its core offerings of hand-cut steaks and Southern hospitality while adapting to changing consumer preferences. The combination of traditional favorites and new innovations has helped solidify its position as America's leading casual dining destination.

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