SUMMARY
- Texas Roadhouse expansion continues with a Mount Juliet opening on April 6, 2026
- The 7,300 square foot restaurant will employ about 205 workers
- Growth contrasts with widespread restaurant closures across the casual dining sector
MOUNT JULIET, Tennessee — Texas Roadhouse expansion plans will add a new location in Mount Juliet on April 6, 2026, as the Louisville based steakhouse chain advances one of its most aggressive growth cycles in years despite widespread contraction across the casual dining industry.
The 7,300 square foot restaurant will open near a Costco warehouse in a high traffic retail corridor, offering dine in and to go service. Company officials said the site is expected to employ about 205 workers, adding to local job growth in Wilson County.
The Mount Juliet opening underscores how Texas Roadhouse has sustained expansion while competitors retrench.
The restaurant will operate Monday through Thursday from 3 PM to 10 PM, Friday from 3 PM to 11 PM, Saturday from 11 AM to 11 PM, and Sunday from 11 AM to 10 PM, according to company statements.
Mount Juliet, located roughly 20 miles east of Nashville, has experienced steady residential and retail development over the past decade, making it an attractive suburban growth market.
Texas Roadhouse opened 30 new restaurants in 2025 and plans to add approximately 35 more by the end of 2026, executives have said.
Chief Executive Officer Jerry Morgan said in prior earnings calls that the company maintains a disciplined site selection process and invests heavily in training ahead of each opening to ensure operational consistency.
The company’s parent organization is also expanding its other concepts, Bubba’s 33 and Jaggers, reflecting a diversified brand strategy with in the broader casual dining segment.
Recent openings include locations in Marlton, New Jersey, which debuted Feb. 16 in a former TGI Fridays space, and another in Burlington County, New Jersey, that opened Feb. 2.
The expansion stands in contrast to retrenchment across the sector. Denny’s has announced plans to close up to 150 locations.
Red Lobster is targeting more than 100 closures amid restructuring efforts. TGI Fridays continues to shutter restaurants following a bankruptcy filing, including 30 closures in April.
Applebee’s has projected a net loss of between 20 and 35 units. Noodles & Company has said it will close between 17 and 21 locations.
Casual Dining Footprint Shift
| Chain | 2025-2026 Net Units | Direction |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Roadhouse | +35 planned by end of 2026 | Expansion |
| Denny’s | -150 planned | Contraction |
| Red Lobster | -100+ targeted | Contraction |
| Applebee’s | -20 to -35 projected | Contraction |
| Noodles & Company | -17 to -21 planned | Contraction |
Restaurant industry analysts say the divergence reflects differences in balance sheet strength and brand positioning.
David Henkes, senior principal at Technomic, said Texas Roadhouse benefits from a value focused menu and operational consistency.
“Brands that deliver predictable guest experiences and manage food and labor costs effectively are better positioned to expand in a volatile environment,” Henkes said.
Jonathan Maze, editor in chief of Restaurant Business Magazine, said suburban growth markets such as Mount Juliet provide lower occupancy costs and strong household income growth.
“The Texas Roadhouse expansion strategy aligns with migration patterns toward secondary and tertiary markets,” Maze said.
Mount Juliet Mayor James Maness said the new restaurant represents continued commercial momentum.
“We have seen sustained residential growth, and national brands recognize the strength of our local economy,” Maness said in a statement.
Local workforce officials said the addition of 205 jobs could support both entry level and managerial employment opportunities.
“Hospitality hiring at this scale contributes to workforce participation, especially among younger residents,” said Jeff Hentges, president of the Mt. Juliet Chamber of Commerce.
Executives have indicated that Texas Roadhouse expansion will continue at a steady pace through 2026, subject to site availability and construction timelines.
Industry observers note that sustained traffic growth and cost controls will be critical as inflation and labor expenses remain variable factors.
The Mount Juliet opening illustrates how Texas Roadhouse expansion is unfolding during a period of upheaval in casual dining.
With dozens of competitors reducing their footprints, the chain’s steady unit growth highlights shifting dynamics within the US restaurant industry as operators adapt to changing consumer patterns and economic pressures.
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