America Has a New Favorite Restaurant Chain (And Illinois Has 19 of Them)

Move over, Olive Garden. There's a new sheriff in town, and they're bringing steaks.

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And despite what you may have heard, no, you can't throw peanut shells on the ground.

Sorry, I digress, but Olive Garden has been dethroned as America's favorite casual dining chain by Texas Roadhouse.

Move Over, Olive Garden

After seven years at the top, Olive Garden slides to second place in Technomic's annual Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report, as reported on by Restaurant Business.

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It was close, though; Texas Roadhouse pulled in just over $5B in sales, edging out Olive Garden.

Why Texas Roadhouse Took the Top Spot

Here's why Texas Roadhouse is the big dog now at the top of the chain restaurant pile:

• Customers spend more money per visit
• Invested in acquiring better staff
• Kept prices below inflation

What Makes Texas Roadhouse So Popular

Thanks to those moves, Texas Roadhouse saw a nearly 15% spike in sales just last year, the biggest of any chain restaurant on the entire list.

They must be doing something right. Beyond those moves, it might be longtime customer loyalty, killing it on social media, or just an overall operational strategy that is starting to pay big dividends.

There's a secret sauce at Texas Roadhouse that isn't just limited to those legendary rolls.

So whether it's the service, the st,eaks or that delicious cinnamon butter, Texas Roadhouse is winning hearts, and Illinois, with our 19 locations, has plenty of tables ready.