When Was Texas Roadhouse Founded? History, Founder and First Location (2026)
Learn when Texas Roadhouse was founded, who started it, where the first restaurant opened, and how the original idea grew into the restaurant chain known today.
About This Guide
This independent guide explains the history of Texas Roadhouse from its founding in 1993 through its growth into a large restaurant system. It covers Kent Taylor, the first Clarksville, Indiana location, the restaurant’s name, and major milestones through 2026.
Last updated: September 2026
Quick Answer
Texas Roadhouse was founded in 1993.Kent Taylor opened the first Texas Roadhouse on February 17, 1993, in Clarksville, Indiana.
When Was Texas Roadhouse Founded?
Texas Roadhouse was founded in 1993, with the first restaurant opening on February 17, 1993, in Clarksville, Indiana.
The first restaurant was the beginning of what would eventually become the Texas Roadhouse restaurant system. The original concept focused on hand-cut steaks, ribs, made-from-scratch sides, fresh-baked bread and a casual Western-style atmosphere.
Key date: February 17, 1993 — the first Texas Roadhouse opened in Clarksville, Indiana.
Who Founded Texas Roadhouse?
Texas Roadhouse was founded by Kent Taylor. Before creating the restaurant concept, Taylor developed the idea around a casual steakhouse that could combine quality food with a lively atmosphere.
According to Texas Roadhouse’s company history, the original vision was sketched on a cocktail napkin. Taylor then worked through repeated setbacks while trying to get the restaurant concept launched.
Historic Texas Roadhouse location in Clarksville, Indiana, where the brand began in 1993.
Where Did the First Texas Roadhouse Open?
The first Texas Roadhouse opened in Clarksville, Indiana. The restaurant was located in the Green Tree Mall area, making Indiana the birthplace of the Texas Roadhouse brand.
The original Texas Roadhouse location in Clarksville, Indiana.
The current Clarksville restaurant is listed by Texas Roadhouse at 757 Lewis and Clark Parkway, Clarksville, Indiana.
Why Is It Called Texas Roadhouse If It Started in Indiana?
Although the first Texas Roadhouse opened in Indiana, the name was chosen to communicate the style and identity of the restaurant concept rather than the location of its first restaurant.
The Texas-inspired name helped establish the restaurant’s Western steakhouse identity, while the first physical restaurant was located in Clarksville, Indiana.
The Texas Roadhouse Origin Story
Kent Taylor’s Early Idea
Kent Taylor’s original concept centered on creating a restaurant where guests could enjoy steaks, ribs and other American comfort foods in a casual environment.
The company describes the original concept as beginning with a dream sketched on a cocktail napkin.
Turned Down More Than 80 Times
Before opening the first restaurant, Taylor reportedly faced more than 80 rejections while trying to secure support for the concept.
The company says Taylor was turned down more than 80 times before the first restaurant opened.
The First Investors and the 1993 Opening
Three doctors from Elizabethtown, Kentucky provided $300,000 in startup capital to help launch the restaurant concept.
With the initial investment secured, the first Texas Roadhouse opened in Clarksville, Indiana, on February 17, 1993.
When the First Texas Location Opened
The first Texas Roadhouse location in the state of Texas opened later, in 1998. This came several years after the original Indiana restaurant had launched the brand.
Texas Roadhouse Founding: Quick Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1993 |
| Founder | Kent Taylor |
| First restaurant | Clarksville, Indiana |
| Opening date | February 17, 1993 |
| Original concept | Casual steakhouse with a Texas-inspired identity |
| First Texas location | Opened in 1998 |
Texas Roadhouse Timeline (1993 to 2026)
The first Texas Roadhouse opens in Clarksville, Indiana, on February 17.
The first Texas Roadhouse restaurant in Texas opens.
Founder Kent Taylor dies in 2021. Jerry Morgan subsequently becomes CEO.
Texas Roadhouse continues operating as a large restaurant system across the United States and international markets.
Texas Roadhouse Today
Texas Roadhouse has grown substantially from the single restaurant that opened in Clarksville in 1993.
| Restaurant Brand | Systemwide Restaurants |
|---|---|
| Texas Roadhouse | 755 |
| Bubba’s 33 | 59 |
| Jaggers | 18 |
| Total | 832 |
These figures reflect the company’s reported systemwide restaurant count as of June 30, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Texas Roadhouse founded?
Texas Roadhouse was founded in 1993. The first restaurant opened on February 17, 1993.
Who founded Texas Roadhouse?
Kent Taylor founded Texas Roadhouse.
Where was the first Texas Roadhouse?
The first Texas Roadhouse opened in Clarksville, Indiana.
Was Texas Roadhouse first opened in Texas?
No. The first Texas Roadhouse opened in Indiana in 1993. The first Texas location opened later, in 1998.
What year did Texas Roadhouse open its first restaurant?
The first restaurant opened in 1993.
How many Texas Roadhouse restaurants are there in 2026?
As of June 30, 2026, the company reported 755 Texas Roadhouse restaurants, alongside 59 Bubba’s 33 and 18 Jaggers restaurants, for 832 restaurants systemwide.
From One Indiana Restaurant to a National Brand
Texas Roadhouse began with one restaurant in Clarksville, Indiana, in 1993. Kent Taylor’s original concept eventually expanded beyond that first location and developed into a large restaurant system.
The history is useful to remember when looking at the brand today: despite its Texas-inspired name and identity, the story of Texas Roadhouse actually begins in Indiana.
Quick answer: When was Texas Roadhouse founded? Texas Roadhouse was founded on February 17, 1993, when Kent Taylor opened the first restaurant in Clarksville, Indiana. So where was Texas Roadhouse founded? In Indiana, not Texas.
Also see: the Texas Roadhouse menu, locations near you, Texas Roadhouse fundraiser programs, and today’s Texas Roadhouse hours.
This page is an independent history summary. For the latest details, check the official Texas Roadhouse website.
