Is Texas Roadhouse Closing on Christmas Day?
Every December, the same question starts trending across Google, social media, and local news sites: Is Texas Roadhouse closing? If you’ve seen alarming headlines or panicked posts, you’re not alone. The phrase sounds serious, even permanent. But the truth is far simpler and far less dramatic.
Texas Roadhouse is not closing down, not struggling financially, and not disappearing from American dining culture. Instead, the beloved steakhouse chain closes only on Christmas Day, a decision rooted in company values rather than business trouble. This article breaks down exactly what’s happening, why it matters, and what it means for you as a customer.
And if you’re wondering what to eat on Christmas Day while Texas Roadhouse is closed, you still have options. Many customers turn to places like Tropical Smoothie Cafe, where you can order smoothies, wraps, and bowls from the same-day menu at select locations that remain open.
By the end, you’ll know when Texas Roadhouse closes, when it reopens, how holiday hours work, and why this one-day shutdown has become a defining part of the brand’s identity.
Is Texas Roadhouse Closing Permanently?
Let’s clear this up right away. Texas Roadhouse is not closing permanently.
The company operates 736 locations across the United States, with new restaurants still opening in select markets. Sales remain strong, foot traffic is consistent, and the brand continues to rank among the most popular casual dining chains nationwide.
The confusion comes from how headlines are written. When people read “Texas Roadhouse closing,” many assume the worst. In reality, it refers to a planned, one-day closure on December 25. Once Christmas is over, business resumes as usual.
In other words, there’s no restructuring, no bankruptcy, and no downsizing behind this decision. It’s simply a holiday pause.
Why is Texas Roadhouse Closed on Christmas Day?
Texas Roadhouse closes on Christmas Day for one main reason: to give employees guaranteed time off with their families.
In the restaurant industry, holidays often mean longer hours, heavier workloads, and missed family moments. Texas Roadhouse has taken a different approach by choosing people over profits on major holidays.
This decision reflects several core values:
It’s not a new policy, either. Texas Roadhouse has followed this practice for years and also closes nationwide on Thanksgiving Day. Over time, this consistency has helped build trust with employees and customers alike.
How Many Texas Roadhouse Locations Are Closed?
On Christmas Day, all 736 Texas Roadhouse locations in the United States are closed.
That means:
The closure lasts exactly 24 hours, from midnight to midnight on December 25. There are no exceptions based on location size, city, or demand. Whether you’re in Texas, California, Florida, or a small Midwest town, the rule is the same.
This nationwide consistency is part of what makes the policy easy to understand and plan around.
Texas Roadhouse Christmas Eve Hours: What to Expect
While Christmas Day is fully closed, Texas Roadhouse remains open on Christmas Eve, though with reduced hours.
Most locations typically operate between:
- 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
That said, hours are not identical everywhere. Some restaurants:
- Stay open until 7:00 or 8:00 p.m.
- Extend hours in busy tourist or shopping areas
- Adjust closing times based on local demand
Because of this variation, it’s always smart to check your local Texas Roadhouse directly before heading out. A quick call or website visit can save time and frustration.
When Does Texas Roadhouse Reopen After Christmas?
Texas Roadhouse reopens the very next day, December 26.
Once doors reopen, everything returns to normal:
Unlike some restaurant chains, Texas Roadhouse also stays open on New Year’s Day, making it a popular option for post-holiday gatherings and family meals.
Why This One-Day Closure Matters More Than You Think
At first glance, closing for one day might not seem like a big deal. But in the restaurant world, it sends a powerful message.
Texas Roadhouse employs more than 10,000 workers nationwide. For many of them, a guaranteed Christmas Day off is rare in food service. This policy improves:
Happy employees often translate into better service, which customers notice. Over time, this approach has helped Texas Roadhouse build loyalty on both sides of the table.
How Texas Roadhouse Compares to Other Restaurant Chains
Texas Roadhouse isn’t alone in closing on Christmas Day. Many major retailers and sit-down restaurants follow similar policies.
Chains commonly closed on Christmas include:
- Walmart, Target, Costco, Sam’s Club
- Aldi, Ikea, Home Depot, Lowe’s
- Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Outback Steakhouse
At the same time, a few brands like Waffle House remain open 365 days a year. These differences give customers options depending on their holiday plans.
Practical Tips for Planning Your Visit
If Texas Roadhouse is part of your holiday tradition, a little planning goes a long way.
Consider these tips:
- Visit earlier in the day on Christmas Eve
- Expect longer wait times on December 24
- Check local hours online or by phone
- Plan your visit for December 26 if flexibility allows
By thinking ahead, you can avoid crowds and still enjoy your favorite meal.
Common Misconceptions About the Closure
One common myth is that the Christmas closure signals business trouble. That’s simply not true.Another misconception is that only some locations close. In reality, every U.S. location shuts down for the day.
Finally, some customers assume the restaurant is closed for multiple days. In fact, it reopens immediately on December 26.Understanding these details helps cut through the noise and misinformation.
Final Thoughts: No Closure, Just a Pause
Texas Roadhouse is not closing down or going out of business. The Christmas Day shutdown is a deliberate, values-driven decision that benefits employees while causing minimal disruption for customers.
If you plan ahead, you can still enjoy Texas Roadhouse on Christmas Eve or return on December 26 when normal hours resume. In the bigger picture, this one-day pause is part of what makes the brand stand out not a sign that it’s going away anytime soon.