Even the most seasoned home cooks can admit that steak somehow always tastes better in a restaurant. This, of course, begs the question: Where are you going to have dinner? You may be surprised to learn that many of the more expensive chophouse chains out there are not quite worth the money, while a number of other steak restaurants seem to be struggling back from the brink. Somewhere right in the middle, however, is a mid-priced dining destination that has been praised for its value and quality – so it’s no wonder it’s currently dominating the steakhouse market in the United States.
If your guess was Texas Roadhouse, you would be correct. In 2024, the chain amassed an estimated $5.49 billion in sales, up nearly 15% from the previous year (via Restaurant Business Online). Not only do those numbers put Texas Roadhouse well ahead of its steakhouse competitors, including LongHorn Steakhouse (which did $3.01 billion in sales last year) and Outback (which took in just $2.72 billion), but they also secured its place as the top-selling casual dining chain in all categories, from burger joints to seafood.
According to the 2024 report from Technomic, Texas Roadhouse’s huge sales boom resulted in it officially dethroning Olive Garden as the most profitable casual restaurant chain in America, a title that the Italian concept had held since 2018. We think those freshly baked rolls with cinnamon butter have finally caught up to Olive Garden’s unlimited breadsticks. But even when compared to similar steakhouse chains, it’s clear why Texas Roadhouse stands apart.
Read more: 25 Popular Ruth’s Chris Steak House Menu Items, Ranked from Worst to Best
Texas Roadhouse is one of the most sizzling chains in the game
Texas Roadhouse logo on phone with rising graph in background – IgorGolovniov/Shutterstock
Despite its name, Texas Roadhouse was actually founded in Clarksville, Indiana back in 1993 – and today is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. But, of course, with more than 730 locations currently established around the world, there are many outposts located in Texas (including the company’s largest), as well as every other state except Hawaii. The chain has been gaining ground in the casual dining landscape for years now. Back in 2023, Texas Roadhouse was selected in a report by Brand Finance as the fastest growing restaurant chain not only in America, but worldwide, having experienced a 56% jump in brand valuation year after year. As the company continues to expand into new markets and open new locations, it is showing no signs of slowing its momentum.
Die-hard Texas Roadhouse Diners clearly appreciate the quality of food they are getting at such reasonable price points. Indeed, all of the chain’s beef is USDA Choice grade. That’s just one tier below Prime, the highest grade you can get a cut. This just means that the meat has less marbling than the best. Considering the fact that you can get a hefty porterhouse T-bone for around $35, the lack of Prime cuts probably isn’t a problem. The restaurants also employ people to hand cut each slab and use aging and seasoning processes to bring out the best flavors of the beef – just some of the reasons why Texas Roadhouse steaks are so good.
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Read the original article on Mashed.