According to the latest data from Technomic for 2024, Texas Roadhouse has officially claimed the title of America’s largest casual dining chain, surpassing Olive Garden. With annual sales soaring to $5.5 billion, Texas Roadhouse achieved a remarkable 14.7% growth. This shift marks the first time since 2018 that Olive Garden has relinquished its top spot. In stark contrast, Olive Garden only managed a modest 0.8% growth and opened 15 new establishments in 2024.
The rise of Texas Roadhouse reflects a broader trend in consumer behavior, with diners increasingly drawn to restaurants that offer value and memorable experiences. While Texas Roadhouse is celebrated for its scratch-made meals, complimentary bread rolls, and vibrant atmosphere, Olive Garden maintains its popularity through its unlimited breadsticks and beloved Italian-American dishes. Both chains continue to thrive in a fiercely competitive casual dining market.
Texas Roadhouse’s Expansion Strategy and 2024 Results
Texas Roadhouse’s ascent as the leading dining chain can be largely attributed to a significant 14.7% increase in sales, totaling $5.5 billion in 2024. The brand opened 26 new locations, strategically focusing on areas with a strong customer base seeking its signature high-energy dining experience. Importantly, data from Technomic revealed that 13% of its Q4 2024 sales derived from to-go orders, indicating a successful adaptation to current off-premise dining trends.
The chain’s focus on high-quality, made-from-scratch food—including hand-cut steaks and freshly baked rolls—aligns well with diners’ desires for value and quality. Late in 2024, Texas Roadhouse reported an impressive weekly sales average of $153,867 per restaurant, further solidifying its lead over competitors. The company also places a significant emphasis on staffing and operations, which experts cite as critical to sustaining its growth momentum.
Olive Garden’s Standing in the Casual Dining Sector
Despite its drop in ranking, Olive Garden remains a significant player as the second-largest casual dining chain in the United States, generating $5.2 billion in 2024. The company’s 0.8% growth, while trailing behind Texas Roadhouse, still led to the opening of 15 new locations, allowing Olive Garden to maintain a considerable presence with over 900 restaurants nationwide. Menu staples such as unlimited breadsticks and family-style meals continue to draw in loyal customers, particularly in Texas where it boasts the highest concentration of locations.
Darden Restaurants, Olive Garden’s parent company, has sought to rejuvenate interest through new initiatives, such as bottled salad dressings and limited-time menu offerings like the “Tour of Italy”platter. Nevertheless, factors like inflation and evolving consumer tastes toward protein-centric menus have contributed to the slower growth trajectory compared to its steakhouse counterparts.
Top 10 Casual Dining Chains of 2024 by Sales
Technomic’s 2024 rankings of the largest casual dining chains showcase Texas Roadhouse firmly in the lead, followed by Olive Garden and Chili’s Grill & Bar. Below is a summary of the top 10 chains by sales:
- Texas Roadhouse: $5.49 billion
- Olive Garden: $5.15 billion
- Chili’s Grill & Bar: $4.57 billion
- Applebee’s: $4.10 billion
- Buffalo Wild Wings: $4.05 billion
- LongHorn Steakhouse: $3.01 billion
- Outback Steakhouse: $2.72 billion
- The Cheesecake Factory: $2.66 billion
- Red Lobster: $1.68 billion
- Red Robin: $1.50 billion
The dominance of steakhouse concepts is evident, with four making the top 10. Meanwhile, chains like Chili’s and Applebee’s continue to maintain stability with their diverse menus, whereas Red Lobster and Red Robin are experiencing challenges in retaining market share.
The ascendance of Texas Roadhouse highlights a shift in consumer priorities in casual dining. Diners are increasingly favoring experiential dining environments and high perceived food quality over traditional fare. Although Olive Garden continues to have a significant presence, its slower growth indicates a pressing need for strategic updates in menu offerings and operations. As the dining landscape continues to evolve in the post-pandemic era, Texas Roadhouse’s community-focused model and value-driven approach set the stage for ongoing success in 2025 and beyond.