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Texas Roadhouse goes beyond steak with new menu addition that has some fans questioning the move
Texas Roadhouse is expanding its menu beyond steak, rolling out Chicken Alfredo Pasta across its restaurants after early trials drew positive responses from customers and staff. The move gives diners another option, though some customers have questioned whether pasta belongs on a steakhouse menu.
The dish is already available at more than 600 locations, with the remaining roughly 100 expected to add it by spring 2027. The company is also testing non-alcoholic “energizer” drinks at Texas Roadhouse, Bubba’s 33 and Jaggers, amid continued interest in mocktails and dirty sodas. Executives said sales and customer traffic improved through October and early November after a late third-quarter slowdown, which they partly linked to a false viral social media claim.
In short
- Chicken Alfredo Pasta is reaching all Texas Roadhouse locations by spring 2027.
- Some customers welcome the dish; others question its place on a steakhouse menu.
- The company is also testing non-alcoholic drinks across its three brands.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Adding Chicken Alfredo Pasta gives diners more choice, including people who want a familiar alternative to steak, and could help the restaurants appeal to groups with different tastes. Positive early responses from customers and staff, alongside wider menu experimentation, suggest the dish may support customer interest and sales.
The case against
A steakhouse’s appeal can rest on a clear identity built around steak and a focused menu; adding pasta may make that identity less distinct. Customers may also question whether the new dish fits the restaurant’s established offer, and menu expansion could bring practical costs in preparation and consistency.