1. Forums
  2. Mystery Shopping Discussion

TEXAS ROADHOUSE: Why are these begging to be filled?

February 19, 2026 10:34PM
My TRH in Florida is only open for lunch Fri-Sat-Sun.
Reply
Log In
x

Create an Account or Log In

Membership is free. Simply choose your username, type in your email address, and choose a password. You immediately get full access to the forum.

Already a member? Log In.

February 21, 2026 08:34AM
Found this article interesting. 10 menu hacks. I wasn't aware of some of them. Probably gonna try that chili grilled cheese or the rolls with garlic butter and parmesan. Even that hotdog looks great.

[parade.com]
Reply
February 21, 2026 12:19PM
Definitely trying those garlic rolls...


@hbbigdaddy wrote:

Found this article interesting. 10 menu hacks. I wasn't aware of some of them. Probably gonna try that chili grilled cheese or the rolls with garlic butter and parmesan. Even that hotdog looks great.

[parade.com]
Reply
February 22, 2026 07:22AM
I have trouble finding them too...they are very popular here in South Texas. Question though...TXRH has a sister restaurant called Bubba's 33. It seems like there are not any Bubbba's left anywhere. Are there some in other areas?
Reply
February 22, 2026 04:36PM
There are bubba's 33, but they are not as prolific as TXRH. They are growing. There are a couple in the greater Phoenix valley. Think of Chipotle compared to Qdoba in that there are many more Chipotle locations compared to Qdoba. Well same for TXRH vs bubba's 33. It's a new(er) concept for them.
Reply
February 22, 2026 08:21PM
Last time I did a shop, with the new requirement to order an appetizer, it was $50 for 2 entrees, 1 drink, and an appetizer (which we didn't really want). Out of pocket for me was $10 for the tip. I would pick these up more often with higher reimbursement or a small fee included.

Stephanie

MSPA Gold Shopper

Shopping North Idaho and Eastern Washington
Reply
February 22, 2026 08:33PM
We are also out about $10 because of the tip. They really need to raise the reimbursement since they now require an appetizer. I agree, the appetizer are not very "appetizing." I have been getting the chilli. I pick these up mainly because my husband and daughter like to go.

@shinie wrote:

Last time I did a shop, with the new requirement to order an appetizer, it was $50 for 2 entrees, 1 drink, and an appetizer (which we didn't really want). Out of pocket for me was $10 for the tip. I would pick these up more often with higher reimbursement or a small fee included.
Reply
February 22, 2026 09:55PM
You can get the cup of chili for $3.99 (price in my area)...
Get a smaller steak. You can stay under.


@shinie wrote:

Last time I did a shop, with the new requirement to order an appetizer, it was $50 for 2 entrees, 1 drink, and an appetizer (which we didn't really want). Out of pocket for me was $10 for the tip. I would pick these up more often with higher reimbursement or a small fee included.
Reply
February 23, 2026 07:53PM
If you’re not making money AND not getting the food you want, is it worth the effort? That’s my analysis when deciding whether to take some restaurant shops. Not going home hungry is pretty important.

@viv0412 wrote:

You can get the cup of chili for $3.99 (price in my area)...
Get a smaller steak. You can stay under.


@shinie wrote:

Last time I did a shop, with the new requirement to order an appetizer, it was $50 for 2 entrees, 1 drink, and an appetizer (which we didn't really want). Out of pocket for me was $10 for the tip. I would pick these up more often with higher reimbursement or a small fee included.
Reply
February 23, 2026 09:34PM
My husband and I don't go home hungry! And we steak, sooooooo. If it doesn't work for you then don't take the shops, but don't give the impression that people can't stay under the reimbursement.

@catmom23 wrote:

If you’re not making money AND not getting the food you want, is it worth the effort? That’s my analysis when deciding whether to take some restaurant shops. Not going home hungry is pretty important.

@viv0412 wrote:

You can get the cup of chili for $3.99 (price in my area)...
Get a smaller steak. You can stay under.


@shinie wrote:

Last time I did a shop, with the new requirement to order an appetizer, it was $50 for 2 entrees, 1 drink, and an appetizer (which we didn't really want). Out of pocket for me was $10 for the tip. I would pick these up more often with higher reimbursement or a small fee included.
Reply
February 24, 2026 07:16AM
This is really strange how people think the $50 is not enough. I guess you if you want the 20 oz bone in ribeye for $34.99, then yes, you will not end up under $50.

I spend $4 out of pocket and feed 3 of us. I order bowl of chili, 2 of the "early bird" dinners, 1 soda and after tax and tip you are out basically $4.

Yes, if you are expecting their best steaks to be covered by the shop and alcohol too, then this is not the right shop for you. You can do a Ruth's Chris shop instead and take hour(s) to complete the report for a better meal. I will take TXRH all day. I like the food and the report isn't a "war and peace" novel. I do believe they will have to up the reimburse to $55 at some point as the price of beef continues to increase.

But there are plenty of ways to order and get enough to eat and remain right around $50.
Reply
February 24, 2026 11:17AM
I do love TXR and do not mind paying a little out of pocket. I also do NOT find it strange that people are saying $50 is not enough, since $50 is clearly not enough for the typical shopper. Having to pay $4-$10 for the cheapest menu items shows the reimbursement is not enough.
Reply
February 24, 2026 12:03PM
Cheapest menu options?
You can be WELL under with that.

Cheapest steak $14.49 x 2 =
Cup of chili 3.99
Iced tea/ soda/ lemonade $3.19
Total = $36.16
Tip = 6.51 (18%)
Tax = 2.53 (I'm in a state where it is 7%)
45.20.... leaves almost $5 of wiggle room. And that's for STEAK, and not the early dine special.


@gigishopper wrote:

I do love TXR and do not mind paying a little out of pocket. I also do NOT find it strange that people are saying $50 is not enough, since $50 is clearly not enough for the typical shopper. Having to pay $4-$10 for the cheapest menu items shows the reimbursement is not enough.
Reply
February 24, 2026 06:50PM
Exactly this - The purchase requirements - a drink, app, and entree - are barely covered by the reimbursement. So if you take a guest or two, the rest is all out of pocket and you end up spending a good chunk of your own money. I went recently and took my husband and daughter. We shared stuff, but still the reimbursement still only covered half of our costs. It was a nice dinner out, and we enjoyed the food, but I won't do them too frequently because I know I have to pay a good chunk of my own money that won't be coming back.
Reply
February 24, 2026 09:03PM
@jdlarsen

Why do you post contrary information? @viv0412 gave specific order for 2 entrees that came in under $50

Why don't you specify what you ordered that caused you to greatly exceed the $50?

I agree if people want the nicest steaks on the menu and agree to have "loaded" on all their add on suggestions and then want to add alcohol, then this is NOT the shop for you. There are plenty of people have figured out how to order to maximize the food and stay within the $50 range.
Reply
February 24, 2026 10:12PM
I'm not disputing that it's possible to stay under the $50. I even acknowledged that, so there's nothing contrary. I was merely pointing out why I don't like to pick up these shops, and it's because unless you dine alone, you will be spending more than you get paid. That makes some of us not want to grab the shops all the time.
Reply
February 25, 2026 12:07AM
@metro25782 wrote:

I have trouble finding them too...they are very popular here in South Texas. Question though...TXRH has a sister restaurant called Bubba's 33. It seems like there are not any Bubbba's left anywhere. Are there some in other areas?


I enjoy the Bubbas. They do have 90 day, rotation though. Very similar to TXRH but more emphasis on pizza and beer.
Reply
February 25, 2026 02:27AM
@jdlarsen

I'm not trying to pick on you...but why do you insist on making false statement again?

Statement=and it's because unless you dine alone, you will be spending more than you get paid.

@viv0412 fed more than 1 person and did not come out of pocket. so out of pocket = got paid $0 fee (unless got a bonus on this location).

You don't like them or don't feel they are worth your time, that is fine. That is an opinion. But to make statements like they are fact when they are clearly NOT is being untruthful.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/25/2026 02:28AM by hbbigdaddy.
Reply
February 25, 2026 02:34AM
I would love to do these road house shops again but it is so loud in there..
Reply
February 25, 2026 03:28AM
@gigishopper wrote:

I do love TXR and do not mind paying a little out of pocket. I also do NOT find it strange that people are saying $50 is not enough, since $50 is clearly not enough for the typical shopper. Having to pay $4-$10 for the cheapest menu items shows the reimbursement is not enough.

IKR....

Different strokes for different folks...I get it.

But I can’t imagine getting to the point in my life where I’m turning my nose up actively at having to pay $5 out of pocket for an appetizer, drink and a steak. And in my opinion...a delicious steak in a fun atmosphere. Not to mention that the form is pretty user friendly and I haven’t been graded too harshly by the MSC...ever!
Reply
February 26, 2026 12:44PM
I wish they would bring the take out shops back.
Reply
February 26, 2026 06:49PM
I see TXRH up now. I am tempted to take but I got forced to take one a few weeks ago or I wouldn’t be assigned the one I actually wanted. What is the rotation? I wish they posted that info.

The shop for dining room shows only 1 app, entree and drink required. Last time, we shared a rack of ribs and an app. We still had leftovers. I think with tip and “loaded” upcharge for my guest, it came to $51. The ribs were really good too. I’d do it again but I’m afraid to take one in case I need it for bargaining later. Sigh…
Reply
February 26, 2026 10:52PM
@catmom23 wrote:

I see TXRH up now. I am tempted to take but I got forced to take one a few weeks ago or I wouldn’t be assigned the one I actually wanted. What is the rotation? I wish they posted that info.

…

I believe it is either 60 or 90 days. Not 100 % positive
Reply
February 27, 2026 01:56AM
@Isaiah4031a wrote:

I would love to do these road house shops again but it is so loud in there..

We are not fans of the noise but have found if you go right when they open you can usually avoid the Yeehaws!
Reply
February 27, 2026 04:56AM
60 Days

@catmom23 wrote:

I see TXRH up now. I am tempted to take but I got forced to take one a few weeks ago or I wouldn’t be assigned the one I actually wanted. What is the rotation? I wish they posted that info.
…
Reply
Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.

Click here to login