Texas Roadhouse just proved it’s not just better than Olive Garden, it’s taking over.
The beloved steakhouse chain has officially knocked Olive Garden off the top spot as America’s favorite casual dining chain, a title Olive Garden held since 2018. And Texas Roadhouse isn’t stopping there. In 2025, it’s coming in hot with a plan to open 30 new locations across the US, while rolling out two major changes that fans are seriously hyped about.
With around 680 locations already in the US and nearly 800 worldwide, Texas Roadhouse is on fire. The chain, known for its hand-cut steaks, lively atmosphere, and Southern charm, is pushing forward with new openings for not just its flagship restaurants, but also sister brands Bubba’s 33 and Jaggers. CEO Jerry Morgan made it clear during a Q4 earnings call that they’re sticking to quality over quantity. “We like being in that 30-ish number… We only get one time to make a first impression,” he said.
And it’s not just about new buildings. The chain is mixing things up inside too. One of the biggest changes? A revamped happy hour that’s stretching far beyond the usual 4 to 6 pm slot. At select locations, fans will now be able to grab $5 drinks all day long. That includes 10 oz Original Margaritas, 16 oz beers, and Long Island Iced Teas. The move is designed to turn every hour into a reason to swing by with friends and kick back with cheap drinks and apps.
But even if you’re not drinking alcohol, Texas Roadhouse has something for you. They’ve introduced hand-crafted mocktails for just $5 that are totally Instagram-worthy and packed with flavor. Options include the Strawberry Cucumber Fizz with lemonade and club soda, Sparkling Berry Bliss with blackberry and cranberry juice, and the Tropical Breeze, which mixes coconut, mango, blue Curacao flavoring, and their signature sour blend.
And let’s not forget, they’re doing all this while outperforming nearly every other casual dining chain in America. Sales shot up from $4.63 billion in 2023 to $5.4 billion by the end of 2024. That’s a massive leap in a restaurant industry where most chains are struggling to survive, let alone thrive.
Fans have been vocal, too. Many say the food and experience at Texas Roadhouse is “better than Olive Garden anyways,” and judging by the numbers, the rest of the country seems to agree. Whether it’s their famous rolls, ribeyes, or now these fancy mocktails, Texas Roadhouse is clearly doing something right.
While they grow their empire, other fast food giants are trying to keep up. A Chipotle rival is set to open 60 new restaurants this year, and a top chicken chain is celebrating its 500th store with plans for ten more. But Texas Roadhouse is staying in its lane, and absolutely crushing it.
