Empire State Review Team 
Texas Roadhouse Tops Casual Dining Rankings in 2025
A sign hangs on the front of an Olive Garden restaurant on June 22, 2023, in Chicago, Illinois. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Texas Roadhouse Surpasses Olive Garden
In an exciting shift in the casual dining landscape, Texas Roadhouse has officially claimed the title of the top casual dining restaurant in the United States, displacing Olive Garden after its eight-year reign. The latest rankings also highlight Chili’s, Applebee’s, and Buffalo Wild Wings among the top contenders.
Sales Trends Indicate Strong Performance
According to a report from Restaurant Business, Texas Roadhouse achieved remarkable sales growth, recording a 14.7% increase in 2024, totaling approximately $5.5 billion. Notably, the chain operates around 722 restaurant locations, including some internationally.
A banner advertising “now hiring” is seen outside Texas Roadhouse restaurant on June 4, 2021, in Colonie, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Albany Times Union via Getty Images)
Olive Garden’s Competitive Struggles
In contrast, Olive Garden reported a modest 0.8% increase in its sales, reaching $5.2 billion during the same period. Despite efforts to attract diners with promotions such as the popular never-ending pasta, the chain’s growth paled compared to its competitors, with a noticeable sales surge of only 8.8% in 2023.
Performance of Other Casual Dining Chains
Chili’s, which secured the third position in the rankings, saw a robust 15% increase in sales. Furthermore, LongHorn Steakhouse experienced a 7.2% boost, while other notable chains like Applebee’s, Outback Steakhouse, and Red Robin reported declines in their sales figures. Specifically, Red Lobster faced the most significant drop, with a loss of 22.7%.
A waitress carries a tray with a lobster kettle and crab trio dish at a Red Lobster in Yonkers, New York, on July 24, 2014. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Challenges Facing Casual Dining Restaurants
The casual dining sector is facing significant challenges as many restaurants introduce promotions to attract customers amid economic pressures. For instance, Red Lobster has struggled with its “Endless Shrimp” promotion, resulting in financial pressures, as noted by its new CEO, Damola Adamolekun, who stated the deal led to chaos and stress for staff.
