In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Jerry Morgan, CEO of Texas Roadhouse, which was part of NRN’s recent Brand Icon feature. The brand closed 2023 with nearly $5 billion in system-wide sales across 638 U.S. stores, good for a $7.6 million average unit volume and helping it leapfrog Applebee’s to become the No. 2 full-service chain in America. So how is this company pulling off such impressive performance in a season when so many other brands are struggling? Sam sat down with Jerry in his Louisville office to share more about Texas Roadhouse’s core values, its commitment to consistency and quality, and why having a little bit of fun along the way have fueled this casual brand’s rocket-ship trajectory. 

In this conversation, you’ll find out why:

• Owner-operators are the keys to unlocking success in your stores and communities
• Celebrating strong performances gets more out of your employees
• Founders are the beating hearts and north stars of restaurant companies
• Great food and great service are the bedrock to great brands
• Innovation doesn’t have to be all about bells and whistles
• You should try to have some fun, because customers can pick up on it

Want to check out the rest of the Brand Icon package? Click here.

Have feedback or ideas for Take-Away? Email Sam at [email protected].