Texas Roadhouse is one of those dining establishments that holds universal appeal. It’s a place where you can find something for everyone on the menu, and the atmosphere is designed to let you relax and have a good time. However, there are certain things about Texas Roadhouse that you might not be aware of, and who better to share these insights than the employees themselves? In this article, we’ve gathered information from Texas Roadhouse insiders who want to share unique facts about the restaurant, ranging from the decor to the food and the relationships between patrons and servers.
No Two Restaurants Look Alike
One intriguing aspect of Texas Roadhouse is that no two of its establishments look the same. Each restaurant is meticulously designed to reflect the local community in which it’s located. As a result, you’ll encounter decorations unique to your local Texas Roadhouse that you won’t find anywhere else. While most murals are unique and locally inspired, each restaurant has one mural dedicated to Native American culture, which remains consistent across all locations. Additionally, you might spot a corner dedicated to the legendary musician Willie Nelson, a testament to his friendship with the late founder of Texas Roadhouse, Kent Taylor.
Everything is Made from Scratch
Texas Roadhouse takes pride in making everything from scratch, ensuring that each item on the menu is as fresh as possible. Beyond cooking entrees fresh to order, the restaurant makes its own croutons, bacon bits, and dressings. Those “bacon bits” are, in fact, delicious chunks of chopped bacon, not the typical additives you’d find in a plastic container. Texas Roadhouse offers a wide variety of house-made dressings, including ranch, honey mustard, bleu cheese, Italian, French, Caesar, and more, allowing you to enhance your salad with rich and flavorful dressings.
Every Restaurant Has Its Own Butcher and Baker
Notably, Texas Roadhouse has its own butchers and bakers in each restaurant. Each location has a meat cutter who meticulously hand-cuts steaks in a 34-degree cooler, resulting in the fresh and flavorful cuts you enjoy. On average, the butcher cuts around $1 million worth of meat per year, including favorites like ribeye, sirloin, and filet steaks. The baker’s task is to craft the hot, delectable yeast rolls that Texas Roadhouse is renowned for. These rolls are baked every five minutes, ensuring they are consistently fresh and ready to be served, alongside the irresistible cinnamon butter.
Limited Hours Serve a Purpose
While Texas Roadhouse is a popular restaurant, it might disappoint those seeking lunch options earlier in the day. The restaurant typically opens only for dinner, with weekend exceptions for lunch. This choice is primarily to ensure a better work-life balance for managers and offers the restaurant more control over its location selection rather than depending on high-traffic areas with a significant lunch rush.
The Willie Nelson Tribute
You’ll likely encounter the distinctive murals dedicated to Native American culture and a corner dedicated to Willie Nelson at every Texas Roadhouse. The Willie Nelson tribute is not arbitrary; it stems from a deep-rooted friendship between Willie and the late founder, Kent Taylor. The two met at a charity event, and that encounter led to the establishment of this ongoing tribute. There are even rumors that Willie Nelson may have partnered with Texas Roadhouse, potentially owning a restaurant in Austin, Texas.
Tuition Assistance for Full-Time Employees
Texas Roadhouse offers impressive benefits to its employees. Those who work 30 or more hours a week are eligible for tuition assistance, which can amount to over $5,000, provided certain conditions are met after a year of employment. These benefits are especially valuable to employees, as many in the restaurant industry are college students. In addition to tuition assistance, Texas Roadhouse offers flexible schedules, paid vacation, identity theft programs, annual holiday bonuses, medical, dental, and vision insurance, and weekly pay, creating a desirable work environment.
Customer Service Takes Center Stage
While excellent customer service is a goal for most businesses, it’s a top priority at Texas Roadhouse. The job requirements for positions like host/hostess emphasize efforts to greet and assist guests, provide accurate table wait times, and go the extra mile to introduce first-time visitors to Texas Roadhouse’s story. Employees are encouraged to share this “legendary” story with every guest, underscoring the importance of customer service in creating a memorable experience.
The Birthday Chant
For birthdays, Texas Roadhouse is known for its enthusiastic “YEEHAW!” birthday ritual. However, you might be surprised to learn that servers might find this process just as challenging as you do. Your server must gather people from the kitchen to participate in the birthday chant, and on busy nights, this can be a demanding task. While your server may appear eager to sing, chances are they’re just as embarrassed to belt out the birthday chant as you are to hear it.
Seafood Surprise
While Texas Roadhouse is famous for its steaks, the seafood offerings are worth trying. The restaurant serves various seafood options, and employees have noted that the seafood can be an unexpected highlight of the menu. Notable mentions include the deep-fried catfish, which has converted even those who weren’t fans of catfish before trying it. The salmon is also highly praised for its deliciousness and makes a compelling alternative to steak.
Ribs Worth Noting
While Texas Roadhouse might not be the first choice for ordering ribs, the chain has honed its rib-cooking techniques. The ribs are typically slow-cooked and then finished on the grill, slathered in the restaurant’s BBQ sauce. They’ve earned the reputation of being tender, flavorful, and in line with Texas Roadhouse’s reputation for high-quality food. Pair them with their bacon-infused green beans, loaded baked potatoes, or steak fries for a satisfying meal.
Personal Employee Favorites
Texas Roadhouse employees are not only experts on the steaks but also have their personal favorite dishes. Some employees recommend Herb Crusted Chicken as an extraordinary dish, elevating the simple chicken breast to something remarkable. The Dallas Filet is another favorite, especially when enjoyed medium-rare, as it delivers tenderness and rich flavors. The ribeye, well-marbled and full of flavor, is a reliable choice. Surprisingly, even the salads receive high praise, with the in-house croutons and made-from-scratch dressings contributing to their fantastic taste.
The Vanishing Peanut Shells
If you’ve been dining at Texas Roadhouse for a while, you might recall the days when peanut shells littered the floor. This practice, however, is no longer common. The reasons behind this change are not entirely clear. Speculations include concerns about customers slipping on nutshells and potential allergic reactions. Nevertheless, if you still want peanuts, you can ask your server to provide them, as some locations may still offer them, just not scattered on the floor.
The Massive Cactus Blossom Appetizer
The Cactus Blossom, often referred to as the “Bloomin’ Onion,” is a substantial appetizer that’s perfect for sharing. It comes with its own dip and is usually generous enough to satisfy two or more people. Ordering it for your table ensures that everyone can enjoy this delicious fried onion concoction without wasting any.
Be Kind to Your Server
While it may sound like a cliché, it’s essential to remember that Texas Roadhouse servers are human too. Many of them earn a base wage as low as $2.13 per hour because they rely on tips to make up the rest of their income. Some locations have tip-sharing policies that further affect their earnings. Being understanding, patient, and kind to your server can go a long way, especially during busy shifts. Texas Roadhouse values its customers and prides itself on being the “friendliest place in town,” so by being considerate, you’ll be helping maintain that reputation.