Texas Roadhouse announced a major menu expansion that will see its Chicken Alfredo Pasta added to every remaining Texas restaurant by the spring of 2027. The steakhouse chain, which already serves the creamy penne dish at more than 600 locations, said the addition responds to direct operator requests and strong early customer feedback.
Menu rollout and customer response
During the company’s third‑quarter earnings call, executives explained that the pasta was introduced after operators across the state asked for a new entrée that would complement the traditional steak offerings. CEO Jerry Morgan noted that early tests of the dish proved “popular with customers and staff,” and vice‑president of investor relations Michael Bailen called it “a great choice for somebody who wants something a little bit different.”
Individual restaurants have been sharing photos of the creamy, cheesy pasta on social media, with one Facebook commenter describing it as “so good” and hoping it becomes a permanent menu item. While a few online users questioned the fit of chicken Alfredo at a steakhouse, Bailen emphasized that the dish “rounds out the menu” even if it does not become a top‑ten entrée.
Non‑alcoholic beverage testing
In addition to the pasta expansion, Texas Roadhouse is testing a line of non‑alcoholic “energizer” drinks across its three brands – Texas Roadhouse, Bubba’s 33, and Jaggers. The company reports continued demand for mocktails and “dirty sodas,” reflecting a broader consumer shift toward flavorful, alcohol‑free options.
Sales momentum and future growth
Executives linked the menu moves to a strategic effort to sustain momentum after sales growth slowed late in the third quarter. They attributed part of the slowdown to a viral hoax that falsely claimed the chain was tampering with Black customers’ food; the company investigated and found the allegations baseless.
Despite that setback, Texas Roadhouse said sales and traffic improved each week in October and continued to strengthen in early November. The chain plans to open approximately 35 company‑owned restaurants across its three brands in 2026, with another 35 slated for 2027. Bailen praised the operators, noting they are “busting their butts” and have “doubled down on everything they’re doing” to drive the recovery.
Local impact
The expansion promises to create additional jobs and increase dining options for Texas families, aligning with the community’s desire for both classic steakhouse fare and new, family‑friendly menu items. By offering a broader range of choices, Texas Roadhouse aims to attract a wider customer base while maintaining the quality and hospitality that have made it a staple of Texas dining.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
