Texas Roadhouse, a longtime holdout on delivery, is quietly testing first-party delivery at a handful of locations.
According to a Wednesday, July 15 report from Deutsche Bank, the steakhouse chain has started piloting the service at select restaurants using white-label fulfillment through DoorDash.
Lauren Silberman, equity research analyst with Deutsche Bank, said Texas Roadhouse has historically taken a limited approach to delivery, offering third-party delivery only in select situations, such as a restaurant in New Rochelle, New York. She believes the current first-party pilot has the potential to expand beyond a small test.
“We would not expect nationwide expansion near-term given still strong organic to-go growth, but rather as an additional lever in the future,” Silberman said. “Based on our checks, test stores are in different areas, including suburban, urban and tourist locations, and it appears restaurants are using white-label fulfillment via DoorDash.”
Delivery menu prices are reportedly the same as those offered in restaurants. Customers pay a $5.50 delivery fee plus a tip that is passed through to the delivery provider.
Texas Roadhouse does not currently offer delivery systemwide, although some locations allow customers to place pickup orders through DoorDash and Uber Eats.
The test follows a similar move by Darden Restaurants. In 2024, the company partnered with Uber Eats to bring delivery to Olive Garden after years of relying on its own takeout, curbside and catering business.
Related: Olive Garden Delves into Plans for Uber Eats Rollout
The pilot positions Texas Roadhouse among a growing number of restaurant brands rethinking delivery.
