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It’s a tough time for casual chain restaurants in this country, with Hooters filing for bankruptcy last week and Red Lobster, TGI Fridays and Buca di Beppo all filing for bankruptcy in the last year. Sales at lots of other familiar chains are down as Americans are watching their budgets and turning to cheaper places to grab a meal. But one casual dining chain is bucking that trend and has taken over as America’s favorite.
Texas Roadhouse is now the top casual dining chain restaurant in the country, according to a new report from Restaurant Business.
- The chain has taken that title from Olive Garden, which held it since 2018.
- Last year, Texas Roadhouse enjoyed a 14.7% increase in sales, bringing in $5.5-billion from their 664 locations.
- The chain also opened 26 new locations in 2024.
- Olive Garden is a close second, with $5.2-billion in sales from their 920+ locations nationwide. But they only saw a 0.8% increase in sales in 2024, despite bringing back their fan-favorite never-ending pasta bowl deal.
- Chili’s comes in third overall, with a 15% increase in sales.
The Top 10 Casual Dining Chain Restaurants in the U.S.
- Texas Roadhouse
- Olive Garden
- Chili’s Grill & Bar
- Applebee’s
- Buffalo Wild Wings
- LongHorn Steakhouse
- Outback Steakhouse
- The Cheesecake Factory
- Red Lobster
- Red Robin
Source: Fox Business