Texas Roadhouse does offer franchising, but primarily through international development agreements. As of 2025, the company has confirmed that it is not accepting new U.S.-based franchise applications.

Within the United States, all new restaurant growth remains focused on company-owned operations managed under its distinctive Managing Partner model. This structure gives qualified local operators a leadership stake in performance and culture without traditional franchise ownership.

Founded in 1993 in Louisville, Kentucky, Texas Roadhouse has grown into one of the most recognizable names in American casual dining. Known for its hand-cut steaks, scratch-made sides, and lively, family-friendly service, the brand has built a reputation for quality, consistency, and community engagement. Internationally, the company continues to expand through selective franchise partnerships with experienced multi-unit operators who meet its operational and financial standards.

For aspiring restaurant investors, it’s important to understand that while Texas Roadhouse’s domestic growth strategy centers on corporate ownership, comparable opportunities exist in the full-service and fast-casual dining segments through other franchise systems.

The sections that follow explain how Texas Roadhouse operates, what the Managing Partner model entails, and how the Franchise Brokers Association (FBA) can help you evaluate similar foodservice franchises that are open to new investors.

Texas Roadhouse is not affiliated with the Franchise Brokers Association (FBA). This article is for educational purposes only, designed to help readers understand the brand’s structure and compare it with available franchise opportunities.

How Texas Roadhouse Expands and Operates.

Yes—Texas Roadhouse operates a limited franchise program, but primarily outside the United States. According to the company’s Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report (published February 2025), Texas Roadhouse had 22 franchise partners operating a total of 118 restaurants across 20 U.S. states, one U.S. territory, and 10 international markets.

The report further clarifies that Texas Roadhouse is not currently accepting new domestic franchise applications. Within the U.S., new restaurant development remains focused on company-owned locations managed under the brand’s distinctive Managing Partner operator model, rather than traditional franchising.

Internationally, Texas Roadhouse continues to expand through select area development and franchise agreements, primarily with experienced multi-unit operators who meet its operational and financial qualifications. Interested candidates are invited to submit inquiries through the company’s official International Franchising portal on the Texas Roadhouse corporate website.

For those primarily interested in owning a steakhouse or casual dining franchise within the United States, this distinction is important. The brand’s growth strategy emphasizes corporate-managed restaurants and performance-based operator incentives, rather than recruiting independent domestic franchise owners.

As of July 1, 2025, Texas Roadhouse, Inc. reported a system-wide footprint of 797 restaurants across its three banners: Texas Roadhouse, Bubba’s 33, and Jaggers.

Texas Roadhouse does not currently offer broad U.S. franchising. If you are evaluating restaurant franchise opportunities in similar categories, the Franchise Brokers Association (FBA) can help you identify and compare active brands that align with your goals, budget, and preferred ownership model.

The Brand’s Strengths and Challenges.

From a franchise research standpoint, Texas Roadhouse serves as a strong benchmark for how operational excellence, brand consistency, and consumer loyalty can scale a restaurant brand. However, because U.S. franchise access is closed and the model relies on corporate-managed, full-service operations, many entrepreneurs seeking ownership explore other restaurant concepts with more accessible franchise pathways.

Below is a qualitative comparison summarizing key advantages and limitations for those evaluating Texas Roadhouse from a business perspective.

Pros and Cons of Texas Roadhouse.

Factor	Pros	Cons
Brand Power	National, publicly traded restaurant company with strong consumer awareness, operational transparency, and shareholder accountability.	Access to new U.S. franchising is restricted. The company’s filings note that it is not currently accepting new domestic franchisees.
Customer Demand	Differentiated guest experience featuring hand-cut steaks, scratch cooking, and a distinctive, high-energy dining atmosphere branded as “Legendary Food, Legendary Service®.”	Full-service dining can be more sensitive to labor availability and consumer spending trends than smaller, fast-casual formats.
Operations	Highly standardized operating procedures, extensive training infrastructure (with some manager training programs lasting up to 20 weeks), and strong field leadership support.	Scratch kitchens increase prep and training complexity compared with limited-service restaurant franchises, requiring consistent oversight.
Real Estate / Footprint	Freestanding, high-visibility locations enhance brand presence, parking capacity, and community engagement.	Larger floorplans and full-service kitchens result in higher buildout costs and longer development timelines than smaller restaurant models.
Labor & Training	The Managing Partner model aligns incentives and cultivates an ownership mindset among local operators.	Full-service staffing demands a larger, well-trained workforce across both front- and back-of-house operations. Recruiting and scheduling can be resource-intensive.
Technology & Marketing	Corporate scale supports consistent technology systems, digital ordering, and brand marketing at the national level. Local store marketing remains an integral part of the playbook.	Centralized marketing standards limit local customization compared with independently operated franchise systems.

Texas Roadhouse’s operational discipline, national visibility, and customer loyalty make it a category-defining brand, but its limited U.S. franchise availability, high capital intensity, and labor-heavy format place it in a unique position compared to more accessible restaurant franchises. 

Inside the Texas Roadhouse Business Model.

Texas Roadhouse is a full-service casual dining restaurant brand known for its scratch-made food, family atmosphere, and energetic guest experience. Its menu features hand-cut USDA Choice steaks, fall-off-the-bone ribs, made-from-scratch sides, and fresh-baked rolls, served in a lively, Western-themed environment that has become part of its signature identity.

Operationally, the company maintains a highly structured management and training system designed to ensure consistency across every location. Each restaurant is led by a Managing Partner, supported by operations, kitchen, and service managers, along with dedicated product and service coaches who help oversee quality and training. New managers typically complete a training program lasting up to 20 weeks, and new-unit openings include on-site trainers to ensure smooth launches and adherence to brand standards.

A key element of the brand’s culture is its Managing Partner model, which promotes accountability and long-term leadership at the restaurant level. Managing Partners enter into multi-year agreements that include a refundable deposit and a share of pre-tax unit income, creating an incentive structure that blends entrepreneurial motivation with corporate oversight. This model reinforces an ownership mindset while maintaining company control over all domestic locations.

Beyond its flagship concept, Texas Roadhouse, Inc. also operates Bubba’s 33, a family-friendly sports grill, and Jaggers, a smaller quick-service concept featuring burgers, chicken, and salads. These additional brands allow the company to reach multiple dining segments while staying true to its core steakhouse and grill identity.

As of mid-2025, the organization reported 797 system-wide restaurants across its three brands, combining corporate-owned and franchised units under the Texas Roadhouse, Bubba’s 33, and Jaggers banners.

Ownership, Leadership, and Brand Evolution.

Texas Roadhouse is owned and operated by Texas Roadhouse, Inc. (NASDAQ: TXRH), a publicly traded restaurant company headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. The brand was founded in 1993 by W. Kent Taylor, who opened the first restaurant in Clarksville, Indiana, with a mission to serve quality steaks and scratch-made meals in a fun, welcoming atmosphere.

Over the past three decades, Texas Roadhouse has grown from a single neighborhood steakhouse into a multi-concept restaurant group with national and international reach. While its core brand remains Texas Roadhouse, the company also operates Bubba’s 33, a family-oriented sports grill, and Jaggers, a smaller quick-service restaurant concept focused on burgers, chicken, and salads.

The company’s philosophy—embodied in its motto, “Legendary Food, Legendary Service®”—has guided its expansion strategy since its early days. Growth has been driven by careful site selection, consistent training, and strong leadership development, helping the brand maintain uniform standards across hundreds of locations.

Today, the organization operates a mix of company-owned restaurants and a limited number of franchised locations, most of which are outside the United States. Within the U.S., the company primarily relies on its Managing Partner model, which rewards long-term leadership and accountability at the restaurant level through structured, performance-based agreements.

What If You Want a Business Like Texas Roadhouse? Franchise Alternatives to Consider.

If you’re drawn to the Texas Roadhouse experience—the lively dining rooms, scratch-made food, and community-centered hospitality—but want a franchise opportunity that’s more accessible in the U.S., several categories mirror similar strengths with different operational and investment profiles.

• Full-Service Steak or Grill Concepts: These franchises most closely resemble the Texas Roadhouse format, emphasizing family dining, full bars, large dining spaces, and community events. They often deliver strong local visibility and guest loyalty. However, the trade-off is higher startup investment, longer buildout timelines, and larger staffing requirements compared to smaller-format restaurants.

• Polished-Casual and Sports-Grill Brands: Restaurant franchises in this space combine food, beverage, and atmosphere with social energy—think game-day crowds, gatherings, and neighborhood engagement. The advantage is steady foot traffic and strong brand connection, while the challenges include managing bar operations, evening and weekend schedules, and tighter operational controls to maintain consistency.

• Fast-Casual “Grill,” Chicken, or Better-Burger Models: For entrepreneurs seeking lower overhead and faster openings, fast-casual restaurants provide a streamlined alternative. Smaller spaces, simpler staffing, and efficient throughput make these brands easier to scale. The trade-off: less theatrical in-person hospitality and fewer revenue channels compared to full-service restaurants with bar service.

Ultimately, the right choice depends on your operational preferences, comfort with staffing and service complexity, and the economics of your target market. Each model offers a different balance between guest experience, capital requirements, and day-to-day management demands.

For structured comparisons and expert guidance, you can explore the Franchise Brokers Association (FBA) Blog, which provides insights, brand evaluations, and category breakdowns to help you make an informed decision.

Does Texas Roadhouse Publish Franchise Costs and Fees?

Texas Roadhouse does not publicly disclose detailed franchise costs or fee tables for new applicants. The company clearly states that it is not currently accepting new domestic franchisees in the United States. Because of this, there is no active U.S. Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) available to the public, and no standardized investment chart like those published by active franchisors.

Internationally, the brand does offer franchise and area development agreements in select markets. However, all financial terms, qualification criteria, and fee structures are shared privately through the company’s internal vetting process for qualified international partners. These details are typically available only after submitting a formal inquiry through the brand’s official international franchising channel.

For U.S.-based entrepreneurs researching franchise costs, it’s important to understand that any investment estimates appearing on third-party websites or online franchise directories are unofficial. These numbers may come from historical filings, outdated materials, or unaffiliated data aggregators. Such information should never be treated as verified or current. Anyone seriously considering a Texas Roadhouse international franchise should request details directly from the company’s development team to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Because Texas Roadhouse does not currently operate an open domestic franchise program, those seeking restaurant franchise opportunities with transparent cost structures can explore alternative brands that publish full FDDs and itemized startup estimates.

Frequently Asked Questions.

Is Texas Roadhouse a franchise?

Yes, but with important limitations. Texas Roadhouse operates a selective international franchise program and explicitly states that it is not accepting new domestic franchisees in the United States. U.S. expansion is focused on company-owned restaurants managed through the brand’s Managing Partner model, which gives qualified operators performance-based leadership roles without traditional franchise ownership.

What kind of company is Texas Roadhouse, and what market does it serve?

Texas Roadhouse is a U.S.-based casual dining steakhouse chain known for its scratch-made food, lively service style, and family-friendly atmosphere. It competes within the full-service dining segment, primarily in the steak and grill category, while its sister brands—Bubba’s 33 and Jaggers—serve adjacent markets in sports-grill and fast-casual dining.

Who owns Texas Roadhouse, and when was it founded?

The company is owned by Texas Roadhouse, Inc. (NASDAQ: TXRH) and was founded in 1993 by W. Kent Taylor. Its headquarters are located in Louisville, Kentucky. Over time, it has grown into a multi-concept restaurant organization operating hundreds of locations domestically and internationally.

If Texas Roadhouse doesn’t franchise widely in the U.S., what are comparable franchise options?

Entrepreneurs seeking similar restaurant ownership opportunities can explore full-service steak or grill franchises, polished-casual or sports-grill brands, and fast-casual protein-forward concepts that actively franchise in the U.S. These alternatives vary in capital requirements, staffing needs, and operational complexity. The Franchise Brokers Association (FBA) offers educational resources and brand comparisons to help investors identify opportunities that fit their goals and experience level.

What considerations matter if you want a business like Texas Roadhouse?

Operating a full-service restaurant typically involves larger real estate footprints, higher staffing levels, and more intensive training programs compared to limited-service brands. Buildout times are generally longer, and the business model requires strong management involvement, quality control, and a commitment to consistent guest experiences.

If Texas Roadhouse does franchise internationally, what training and support are provided?

Training at Texas Roadhouse is known for its depth and consistency. Management employees undergo programs that can extend up to 20 weeks, and new restaurant openings are supported by dedicated trainers who ensure smooth operations. Specific training and support details for international franchisees are provided only through the company’s formal disclosure and qualification process for approved partners.

Is Texas Roadhouse the Right Benchmark for You?

Texas Roadhouse serves as an outstanding example of how a strong brand culture, rigorous training, and a commitment to scratch-made quality can scale successfully in the casual dining industry. However, if your goal is to own a traditional franchise within the United States, you’ll likely want to explore other restaurant brands that actively franchise and offer transparent ownership pathways.

When comparing your options, focus on how each model aligns with your skills, resources, and long-term goals:

• Operational Complexity: Consider whether you’re comfortable managing a full-service operation with multiple team members per shift, bar service, and kitchen prep—or if you’d prefer a smaller, more streamlined concept.
• Real Estate Requirements: Evaluate your market’s capacity to support freestanding restaurant sites with ample parking and longer buildout timelines. In some trade areas, a smaller footprint or fast-casual model may deliver stronger unit economics and faster openings.
• Training and Field Support: Examine the depth of training programs, operational coaching, and ongoing support offered by the brands you’re considering. Some systems replicate Texas Roadhouse’s coach-supported structure, while others emphasize owner autonomy.
• Marketing Approach: Reflect on whether you want to take an active role in local store marketing and community outreach, or if you prefer brands that lean on national advertising and centralized campaigns.

If you’d like a tailored shortlist based on your market, investment level, and preferred management style, the Franchise Brokers Association (FBA) can help guide your search and connect you with vetted brands across steakhouse, sports-grill, and fast-casual categories.

Ready to take the next step? The Franchise Brokers Association is here to help guide you on your journey into the franchise world. Explore your options today with us.