Texas Roadhouse Joins Growing List of Restaurants Closing for Christmas
Texas Roadhouse, a beloved American casual dining chain, has announced it will close all of its 736 locations nationwide on Christmas Day. This decision allows the company’s more than 10,000 employees to spend the holiday with their families, a tradition that the restaurant has upheld annually.
While Christmas Day will see a complete shutdown, Texas Roadhouse will observe reduced operating hours on Christmas Eve. These hours are subject to variation across individual locations. The company’s website indicates that operating times may fall between 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., with specific schedules determined by each restaurant. For example, a Texas Roadhouse in Sherman, Texas, shared on social media that it would be open from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
The rationale behind this annual closure is rooted in gratitude for its workforce. By providing a full day off on Christmas, Texas Roadhouse ensures its employees can participate in holiday festivities without the demands of work. This commitment to employee well-being extends to other major holidays, as the restaurant also offers its staff the day off on Thanksgiving Day.
Following the Christmas break, Texas Roadhouse plans to resume normal operating hours. The restaurant will also implement reduced hours on New Year’s Eve but will remain open on New Year’s Day, offering patrons a dining option for the start of the new year.
Other Notable Restaurant Closures for the Holiday
Texas Roadhouse is not alone in its decision to close for Christmas. Several other popular dining establishments and retail stores are also opting to give their employees the day off. This trend highlights a growing awareness within the business community of the importance of work-life balance and the value of allowing employees to celebrate significant holidays with their loved ones.
Among the restaurants closing their doors on Christmas Day are:
- Olive Garden: This Italian-themed restaurant, along with LongHorn Steakhouse, is owned by Darden Restaurants. Similar to Texas Roadhouse, Olive Garden’s closure is intended to provide its staff with a much-needed respite and an opportunity to connect with family and friends during the festive season.
- LongHorn Steakhouse: Also part of the Darden Restaurants portfolio, LongHorn Steakhouse will likewise be closed on Christmas Day, extending the same holiday benefit to its employees.
- Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen: This casual dining chain is another establishment that will be closed, prioritizing its employees’ holiday time.
- Taco Bell: The popular fast-food giant is also closing its locations nationwide, allowing its team members to enjoy the holiday.
- Chili’s: This American casual dining restaurant chain will be closed on Christmas Day.
- Cracker Barrel: Known for its Southern comfort food and country store, Cracker Barrel will also be closed, ensuring its employees can celebrate the holiday.
Beyond the restaurant industry, several well-known retail chains have also announced Christmas Day closures:
- Hobby Lobby: The arts and crafts retailer will be closed, giving its employees the opportunity to celebrate.
- T.J. Maxx and Marshalls: These popular off-price retailers are also opting for a Christmas Day closure.
- IKEA: The global home furnishings giant will be closed on Christmas Day.
These widespread closures reflect a broader shift in corporate culture, where employee well-being is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in overall business success and employee retention. By providing paid holidays off, companies like Texas Roadhouse and others demonstrate a commitment to their staff that can foster loyalty and goodwill. Patrons who wish to dine out on Christmas Eve are advised to check the specific hours of operation for their preferred restaurants, as these can vary significantly.