Myths About Texas Roadhouse Everyone Gets Wrong
Texas Roadhouse has become a beloved staple in the American restaurant scene, famous for its steaks, rolls, and lively atmosphere.
But with popularity comes misconceptions that spread faster than their cinnamon butter on a warm roll.
Having worked at a Texas Roadhouse for three years during college, I’ve heard countless myths about this steakhouse chain that simply aren’t true.
Let’s set the record straight on what you might have wrong about this popular restaurant.
It Started In Texas
Surprise! Despite its name, Texas Roadhouse was actually born in Indiana, not the Lone Star State. Founder Kent Taylor opened the first location in Clarksville, Indiana in 1993, with a vision of creating an affordable steakhouse with a fun atmosphere.
I remember chatting with a regular customer who insisted he’d visited “the original” in Austin. When I explained the Indiana origins, he nearly choked on his roll! The Texas theme was simply a marketing choice that stuck, giving the restaurant that down-home, Western appeal that customers love.
Today, the company’s headquarters sits in Louisville, Kentucky—another plot twist in this non-Texan tale. Talk about an identity crisis!
Its Famous Rolls Come Frozen
Those heavenly, melt-in-your-mouth rolls that keep you coming back? They’re made fresh daily, not pulled from a freezer. Every Texas Roadhouse has bakers who start their shifts early, hand-rolling and baking those famous rolls throughout the day.
During my training week, I shadowed the morning bakers who arrived at 7 AM to start the dough. The kitchen smelled like a bread paradise! Each restaurant typically makes between 800 to 1,000 rolls daily, depending on expected customer volume.
The butter’s homemade too—whipped up in-house by mixing honey, cinnamon, and butter. Next time you’re enjoying those warm rolls, appreciate that they were likely baked just hours before landing on your table!
Most Of Its Food Is Prepared Off Site And Shipped In
Contrary to popular belief, Texas Roadhouse is fanatical about fresh, in-house food preparation. Nearly everything is made from scratch daily—from hand-cut steaks to freshly made salad dressings. The meat cutters arrive early each morning to hand-cut every steak served that day.
My favorite opening shift task was watching our veteran meat cutter transform whole ribeyes and sirloins into perfect portions. He’d often let me sample the freshly cut meat before it was seasoned. Even the mashed potatoes are real potatoes, peeled and mashed in-house—no powdered shortcuts here!
The restaurant’s commitment to freshness is why food might take a bit longer than at other chains. Good things can’t be rushed, especially when they’re being made right before your eyes!
There Are No Vegetarian Options On The Menu
While Texas Roadhouse proudly waves its carnivore flag, vegetarians won’t leave hungry! The menu features several meat-free options that even dedicated plant-eaters can enjoy. From the fresh house salad (minus the egg) to the sautéed mushrooms, seasonal veggies, and those irresistible rolls with cinnamon honey butter—there’s plenty to fill up on.
Last summer, my vegetarian cousin visited and was pleasantly surprised by her meal. She created a feast from several sides—loaded baked potato, fresh vegetables, and corn. The kitchen was happy to accommodate her requests for no bacon bits or meat seasonings.
True, you won’t find dedicated plant-based protein entrees, but with some creativity, vegetarians can absolutely enjoy a satisfying meal alongside their meat-loving friends.
Its Steaks Aren’t As Good As Other Steakhouses
Quality beef doesn’t have to break the bank! Texas Roadhouse uses USDA Choice steaks—the same grade offered at many high-end steakhouses charging twice the price. The difference? They focus on consistent preparation rather than fancy presentations.
My steak knowledge skyrocketed after training with our head grill master, who treated cooking like an art form. Each steak is hand-cut daily and seasoned with a proprietary blend that enhances the natural flavors without overwhelming them. The restaurant ages their meat for maximum tenderness—something many competitors skip to save time.
Blind taste tests have repeatedly shown that most people can’t distinguish between a properly cooked Texas Roadhouse steak and those from premium steakhouses. Your wallet, however, definitely notices the difference!
Its Food Is Overpriced
Wallet-friendly feasting is actually Texas Roadhouse’s secret weapon! The chain has built its reputation on offering substantial portions of quality food at prices that won’t make you wince. Where else can you get a hand-cut, freshly prepared steak with two sides starting around $15?
During my serving days, families regularly told me they chose us because everyone could order something they loved without budget stress. The Early Dine menu (available Monday through Thursday until 6 PM) offers even better deals on popular entrees.
The value proposition extends beyond just portion size—it’s about getting restaurant-quality, made-from-scratch food without the premium pricing. When you factor in those unlimited free rolls and peanuts, you’re getting remarkable bang for your buck compared to similar dining experiences!
All Servers Line Dance
The energetic line dancing that erupts periodically throughout your meal isn’t forced upon every employee. While it’s a signature part of the Texas Roadhouse experience, participation varies by location and individual staff members.
As someone with two left feet, I was terrified when first hired! Fortunately, my manager assured me that dancing was encouraged but not mandatory. Some locations dance every hour, others only on special occasions or birthdays. Servers with injuries, mobility issues, or overwhelming shyness can contribute to the lively atmosphere in other ways.
That said, many servers embrace the tradition enthusiastically—it breaks up the shift and often leads to better tips! The dances are simple enough that most employees can learn them quickly, creating those memorable moments that keep guests coming back.
You Have To Eat At Texas Roadhouse To Enjoy The Famous Cinnamon Honey Butter
That heavenly cinnamon honey butter doesn’t have to be a dine-in-only treat! Texas Roadhouse happily sells their famous butter as a to-go item. Just ask your server for a container (or several—no judgment here) to take home.
During holiday seasons, I’d watch customers order dozens of rolls and butter tubs for family gatherings. The staff never batted an eye—they understand the addiction! Some locations even sell larger portions during special promotions.
If you’re feeling ambitious, the internet is filled with copycat recipes that come surprisingly close to the real thing. I’ve tried a few myself, and while not identical, they definitely satisfy those between-visit cravings. The butter keeps well in the refrigerator and can elevate everything from toast to pancakes to sweet potatoes!