Quarterlytics / Consumer Cyclical / Restaurants / Texas Roadhouse

Texas Roadhouse

txrh · NASDAQ Consumer Cyclical
Claim this profile
Ticker txrh
Exchange NASDAQ
Sector Consumer Cyclical
Industry Restaurants
Employees 10,000+
← All annual reports
FY2019 Annual Report · Texas Roadhouse
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
Kitchen  Manager of the YearManaging  Partner of the YearRoadieof the  YearMeatcutterof the YearService  Manager of the YearJoshuaLundDwightSzaboBonnieHUBRICHDanielRiveraAshleyBalli2019 Award Winners2019 Award WinnersTexas Roadhouse  2019 Annual Report2999_Cover.indd   13/23/20   7:32 PM28Bubba’s 3355328DomesticINTERNATIONALRestaurantLocationsas of December 31, 2019BOARD OFDirectors CURTIS A. WARFIELDCEO and President Windham Advisors LLCGREGORY N. MOOREFormer Senior Vice President and Controller Yum! Brands, Inc.JAMES R. ZARLEYFormer Chairman and CEO Conversant, Inc.KATHLEEN M. WIDMERGroup Chairman, Consumer North America Johnson & JohnsonW. KENT TAYLORFounder, Chairman, CEO, and President Texas Roadhouse, Inc.ShareholderInformationSUPPORT CENTER(Corporate Office) 6040 Dutchmans Lane, Louisville, KY  40205 (800) TEX-ROAD or (800) 839-7623ANNUAL MEETINGThursday, May 14, 20209:00 am EDT Texas Roadhouse Support Center 6040 Dutchmans Lane Louisville, KY  40205TRANSFER AGENTComputershare P.O. Box 505000, Louisville, KY 40233 Phone (877) 581-5548FINANCIAL INQUIRIESFor additional financial documents and information, please visit our website at texasroadhouse.com. Please contact us by phone at (502) 515-7300 or by sending us an email to investment@texasroadhouse.comINDEPENDENT AUDITORSKPMG LLP 400 W. Market Street, Suite 2600, Louisville, KY 40202   Phone (502) 587-0535MEDIA INQUIRIESFor all media requests, please contact  Travis Doster at (502) 638-5457STOCK LISTINGTexas Roadhouse, Inc. Common Stock is listed on the NASDAQ  Stock Exchange under the symbol TXRHDear  Partners, AS A FORMER TRACK ATHLETE, I STILL HAVE DREAMS OF MY HIGH SCHOOL TRACK COACH, DICK BELMEAR, YELLING, “FINISH STRONG, TAYLOR, FINISH STRONG!” IN TRACK, FINISHING STRONG WAS ALL ABOUT YOUR TRAINING, FOCUS, COMMITMENT,  AND STAMINA. Those qualities are also what it takes to finish strong in the restaurant industry year after year. I am proud to say that, thanks to our operators and support teams, 2019 was another strong year. The fourth quarter of 2019 represented our 40th consecutive quarter of positive comparable restaurant sales growth. To consistently grow sales and traffic for a decade is truly amazing, and it speaks to the quality of our people and their commitment  to Texas Roadhouse.We finished 2019 with comparable restaurant sales up 4.7% for company restaurants. As a result, our average unit volumes increased  to $5.6 million. A decade earlier, our average unit volumes were $3.7 million, so over a  10-year period our operators drove nearly  $2 million more per unit on average, which  is phenomenal.Our revenue increased 12.2% to $2.8 billion and diluted earnings per share increased 11.9% to $2.46. Ten years ago, our revenue was just $900 million, which shows our strategy of focusing on the fundamentals has helped drive revenue.On the new store opening front, we opened 19 Texas Roadhouse company restaurants and nine franchise restaurants, primarily in international markets. We also opened three Bubba’s 33 restaurants.We ended the year with a total of 611 stores – 484 Texas Roadhouse company restaurants, 28 Bubba’s 33 company restaurants, two Jaggers company restaurants, and 97 Texas Roadhouse franchise restaurants, including 28 international restaurants.We intend to open a restaurant on Joint Base Lewis-McChord in the state of Washington later this year. This represents our third location on a military base, along with Camp Humphrey’s in South Korea and Fort Bliss in Texas. We are proud to be one of the only full-service restaurants on these bases and even prouder that we were selected because of requests from the soldiers.As a result of our traffic growth, we continue to expand our restaurants through bumpouts and in some cases relocating existing restaurants, so we can serve more guests. We relocated four restaurants in 2019 and have up to five relocations scheduled for 2020. With most relocations, we gain additional parking, more seats, and often better lease terms. We also see about a 20% increase in sales with the newer unit.We continue to remain committed to driving shareholder value. Our strong balance sheet and healthy cash flow enabled us to repurchase over 2.6 million shares in 2019, and we also increased our dividend by double digits for the seventh straight year.Another lesson I learned from my coach that I have applied to business is the importance of recognizing great performance. At Texas Roadhouse, we do that in many ways. From our Managing Partner model to offering stock grants and annual recognition of strong performers, such as Managing Partner of the Year, Roadie of the Year, Meat Cutter of the Year, and many other awards, we believe it’s important to spotlight high performers, such as Dwight Szabo and Bonnie Hubrich.Dwight was named Managing Partner of the Year at our 2019 annual conference. He and his team grew sales 9.2% (nearly $650,000) and grew traffic by 6.8% with incredible efficiency. Dwight, who is a two-time finalist, grew profits by keeping a tight eye on costs and producing some of the best turnover numbers in the company. Dwight also earned the Legendary Service, Legendary Profits,  and Legendary People awards at our  annual conference.Bonnie Hubrich was named our Roadie of the Year. She has been a true partner for the entire Support Center in her role as Executive Assistant to our Vice President of People and the People Department. She earned this honor because of her willingness to go above and beyond to support everyone who passes by her desk. Bonnie is a true role model of our core values and our culture.Over the past 10 years, we have added over 220 Texas Roadhouse domestic stores, created two new concepts, and expanded our footprint to 10 foreign countries. We have done this because of our people. I have said it many times before, but we are first and foremost a people company that happens to serve steak. It’s the people who make it happen every day, and it’s the people who help us cross the finish line strong time and time again!Kent Taylor Founder, Chairman, CEO, and President Texas Roadhouse, Inc.2999_Cover.indd   23/24/20   9:58 PMServing our communitiesAcross AMERICAPartners,We had no idea two months ago when we released earnings and drafted our Shareholder Letter that our nation and the world would be turned upside down due to the COVID-19/Coronavirus pandemic. There is no doubt that our industry has changed drastically and there is still much we do not know, which is why we have withdrawn our financial guidance for 2020.But take note that there is also a lot  that we do know. We know that we have the best operators in the world and  when times are tough, they fight.  They fight to help feed America, whether it’s in our restaurants, To-Go, Curbside, or Family Value Packs. Our goal is always to take care of our people, our guests, and the communities in which we live and work. That fighting spirit is why we have had 40 consecutive quarters of same store sales growth over the past 10 years.In short, at Texas Roadhouse, where  there is a will there is a way. During this ever-changing time, our Managing Partners have found phenomenal ways to feed their communities and keep the doors open. They rolled up their sleeves and literally converted their sit-down restaurants into a To-Go/Curbside model in just a matter of days. It is nothing short of amazing that our operators overhauled their restaurants to go from less than 10% of their sales through To-Go a few weeks ago to nearly 100% of their sales through Curbside, To-Go, and Carryout because their dining rooms are temporarily closed. Some created single drive-thrus, some have double drive-thrus, most created Family Value Packs, and some even sold bulk food where there were community shortages and allowed by the state.They all had different strategies, but what they all have in common is their commitment to serving their communities and not giving up.That’s what owner/operators do. I have never been prouder in my life of our team of people who are working around the clock to keep feeding America. I am confident that when you have the best people and give them the freedom to operate, then they will not only survive, they will thrive. Thank you for your trust and support of Texas Roadhouse!Revised  March 25, 20202999_Frt_Ins.indd   13/24/20   11:14 PMCurbside to-GoSocial media ImagesFamily Value pack MenusNational EmailsSignageBannersPACKSNEWServes FourOPEN FOR To-GoOPEN FOR To-GoTo-Go and Curbside Marketing materials 2999_Frt_Ins.indd   23/24/20   11:27 PMApril 3, 2020

To our Shareholders:

20MAR201813293995

You are cordially invited to attend the  2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Texas Roadhouse,
Inc. on  Thursday, May 14, 2020. The meeting will be held at the Texas Roadhouse  Support Center located
at 6040 Dutchmans Lane, Louisville, Kentucky  at 9:00 a.m. eastern daylight  time.

The official Notice of Annual Meeting,  Proxy  Statement and  Proxy  Card are  enclosed with  this  letter.

Please take the time to read carefully  each  of the proposals  for shareholder action described  in the
accompanying proxy materials. Whether  or not you  plan to attend, you can  ensure that your  shares are
represented at the  meeting by promptly  completing, signing and dating your  proxy card and  returning  it in
the enclosed postage-paid envelope. Shareholders of record can also vote by touch-tone telephone from
the United States, using the toll-free  number on the proxy card, or by  the Internet, using the  instructions
on the proxy card. If you attend the meeting, then  you may  revoke your proxy and  vote  your shares  in
person.

Your interest and participation in the  affairs  of the Company are greatly appreciated. Thank you for

your continued support.

Sincerely,

W. Kent Taylor
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President

16MAR201217593025

TEXAS  ROADHOUSE, INC.
6040 Dutchmans Lane
Louisville, Kentucky 40205

NOTICE OF 2020 ANNUAL MEETING OF  SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD MAY 14, 2020

To the Shareholders:

The 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the ‘‘Annual Meeting’’) of Texas Roadhouse, Inc. (the

‘‘Company’’) will be held at the Texas  Roadhouse  Support  Center  located  at 6040  Dutchmans Lane,
Louisville, Kentucky on Thursday, May  14, 2020 at  9:00  a.m. eastern  daylight time.

At the Annual Meeting, you will be asked to:

(cid:129) elect five directors to the Board of  Directors, each for a term  of one year;

(cid:129) ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as  the Company’s independent auditors;

(cid:129) hold an advisory vote on executive compensation; and

(cid:129) transact such other business as may  properly  come before the meeting.

A Proxy Statement describing matters  to  be  considered at the Annual  Meeting is  attached to this
notice. Only shareholders of record at the  close of business  on March 16, 2020  are entitled to receive
notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting.

By Order of the Board of Directors,

14MAR202012522110

Christopher C. Colson
Corporate Secretary

Louisville, Kentucky
April 3, 2020

IMPORTANT

WHETHER OR NOT YOU EXPECT  TO  BE PRESENT AT  THE ANNUAL MEETING, PLEASE
SUBMIT YOUR VOTE USING ONE OF THE VOTING METHODS  DESCRIBED IN  THE ATTACHED
MATERIALS. IF YOU ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING, THEN YOU MAY REVOKE YOUR PROXY
AND VOTE YOUR SHARES IN PERSON.

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE 2020
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON MAY 14, 2020:  Our Annual Report
containing our Proxy Statement related  to  our  2020 Annual Meeting of  Shareholders and Form  10-K for
the fiscal year ended on December 31,  2019 is  available on our website at www.texasroadhouse.com in the
Investors section.

Table of Contents

SUMMARY OF MATTERS REQUIRING SHAREHOLDER ACTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proposal 1—Election of Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proposal 2—Ratification of Independent  Auditors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proposal 3—Advisory Vote on Approval of  Executive Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
INFORMATION ABOUT PROXIES  AND  VOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Record Date and Voting Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Revocability of Proxies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Solicitation of Proxies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other Voting Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CORPORATE  GOVERNANCE AND  OUR BOARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Director Summaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Meetings of the Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leadership Structure of the Board and  the Role of the  Board in  Risk Oversight . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Committees of the Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Policy Regarding Consideration of Candidates for Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compensation of Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Code of Conduct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stock Ownership Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Succession Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mandatory Retirement Age for Board Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
STOCK OWNERSHIP INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2019 Executive Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compensation Discussion and Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Summary Compensation Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Fiscal  Year  2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outstanding Equity Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Options Exercised and Stock Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Termination, Change of Control and Change of Responsibility Payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CEO Pay Ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Related Party Transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PRESENTATION OF PROPOSALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proposal 1—Election of Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proposal 2—Ratification of Independent  Auditors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proposal 3—Advisory Vote on Approval of  Executive Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SHAREHOLDERS’ COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE  BOARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FORM 10-K . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OTHER BUSINESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1
1
1
1
2
3
3
3
3
3
5
5
7
7
9
11
12
14
14
14
15
16
17
18
18
19
30
32
33
34
34
36
38
39
42
42
43
45
47
47
47
47

PROXY STATEMENT

2020  ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD MAY 14, 2020

TEXAS ROADHOUSE,  INC.
6040 Dutchmans Lane
Louisville, Kentucky 40205

This proxy statement and accompanying  proxy card  are being  furnished in connection with the

solicitation of proxies by the board of  directors (the ‘‘Board’’)  of Texas Roadhouse, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, to be voted at the 2020  Annual Meeting of Shareholders  (the ‘‘Annual  Meeting’’) and any
adjournments thereof. In this proxy statement, references to the ‘‘Company,’’ ‘‘we,’’ ‘‘us’’ or ‘‘our’’ refer to
Texas Roadhouse, Inc. This proxy statement and accompanying proxy card  are first being mailed  to
shareholders on or about April 3, 2020.

The Annual Meeting will be held at the Texas Roadhouse Support Center located at 6040 Dutchmans
Lane, Louisville, Kentucky on Thursday, May 14, 2020 at  9:00 a.m. eastern daylight  time, for the purposes
set forth in this proxy statement and  the accompanying notice of the Annual Meeting.

SUMMARY OF MATTERS REQUIRING SHAREHOLDER ACTION

Proposal 1—Election of Directors

The affirmative vote of a plurality of  the votes entitled to be  cast by the holders of  the Company’s
common stock present in person or represented  by  proxy is required  to  elect  each nominee. Election  by  a
plurality means that the director nominee with the most  votes for the available slot is elected for  that  slot.
You may vote ‘‘FOR’’ each nominee  or you  may  ‘‘WITHHOLD  AUTHORITY’’ to vote for each
nominee. Unless you ‘‘WITHHOLD  AUTHORITY’’ to vote  for a nominee, your  proxy will be voted
‘‘FOR’’ the election of the individuals  nominated as directors.

Our Board has adopted a majority voting policy  for  uncontested director  elections. Under this  policy,

any nominee who receives fewer ‘‘FOR’’  votes than ‘‘WITHHOLD’’  votes is  required to offer his  or her
resignation. Our nominating and corporate  governance  committee  would then consider the offer of
resignation and make a recommendation  to our independent directors as to the  action to be taken  with
respect to the offer.

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE ‘‘FOR’’ THE NOMINEES.

Proposal 2—Ratification of Independent  Auditors

The proposal to ratify the appointment  of  KPMG LLP as  the Company’s independent  auditors for
the fiscal year ending December 29, 2020 must be approved  by the  affirmative vote of  a majority of the
shares present (in person or by proxy)  and entitled to vote. You may vote ‘‘FOR’’ or ‘‘AGAINST’’  the
ratification, or you may ‘‘ABSTAIN’’  from  voting  on this proposal. A vote to ‘‘ABSTAIN’’ will have the
same effect as  a vote ‘‘AGAINST’’ this proposal.

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT  YOU VOTE ‘‘FOR’’ THIS  PROPOSAL.

Proposal 3—Advisory Vote on Approval of  Executive Compensation

The outcome of the advisory vote on  whether to approve the executive  compensation detailed  in this

proxy statement (including the Compensation Discussion  and  Analysis, the Executive Compensation
section and the other related executive  compensation tables and related discussions)  will be determined by

1

the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present (in person  or  by proxy) and  entitled to vote. You
may vote ‘‘FOR’’ or ‘‘AGAINST’’ approval of the executive compensation, or  you may  ‘‘ABSTAIN’’ from
voting on this proposal. A vote to ‘‘ABSTAIN’’ will have the same effect as a  vote  ‘‘AGAINST’’ approval
of the executive compensation.

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT YOU  VOTE ‘‘FOR’’ THIS  PROPOSAL.

Other Matters

As of the date of this proxy statement, the Board knows of no  matters that will be presented for

consideration at the Annual Meeting other than  those matters discussed in this proxy  statement.  If any
other matters should properly come before the Annual Meeting and call for a vote of shareholders,  then
validly executed proxies in the enclosed  form returned to us will be voted  in accordance with  the
recommendation of the Board, or, in  the absence of  such a recommendation, in accordance with the
judgment of the proxy holders. Any such additional matter must be approved by an affirmative  vote  of a
majority of the shares present (in person  or by proxy) and  entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.

2

Record  Date and Voting Securities

INFORMATION ABOUT PROXIES AND  VOTING

The Board has fixed the record date (the ‘‘Record Date’’) for the Annual  Meeting as the close  of
business on March 16, 2020. Only shareholders  of  record at  the close  of  business  on the Record  Date will
be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting and  at any adjournment or postponement thereof.  At  the close
of business on the Record Date, there  were outstanding 69,355,085 shares of common stock,  each  of
which  is entitled to one vote per share on all matters to be considered at the Annual Meeting.

The presence in person or by proxy of the holders of  a majority of the shares of  common stock will

constitute a quorum for the transaction of  business at  the Annual Meeting.  Shares  of  common stock
represented by properly executed proxies  received  before  the close of voting at  the Annual Meeting  will
be voted as directed by such shareholders,  unless  revoked  as described below.

Revocability of Proxies

A shareholder who completes and returns the  proxy card  that accompanies  this proxy statement may

revoke that proxy at any time before the  closing of the  polls at the Annual Meeting. A  shareholder may
revoke a proxy by voting at a later date  by one of the methods described on the proxy  card or  by  filing a
written notice of revocation with, or by  delivering a duly executed proxy bearing  a later  date to, the
Corporate Secretary of the Company at  the Company’s main office  address located at 6040 Dutchmans
Lane, Louisville, Kentucky 40205 at any time before the Annual Meeting. Shareholders  may also revoke
proxies by delivering a duly executed proxy bearing a later date to the inspector of election at the Annual
Meeting before the close of voting or by attending the  Annual Meeting and voting  in person. You may
attend the Annual Meeting even though you have executed a  proxy,  but  your  presence at the Annual
Meeting will not automatically revoke your  proxy.

Solicitation of Proxies

The cost of solicitation of proxies being solicited on behalf of the Board will be borne by us. In
addition to solicitation by mail, proxies  may  be  solicited personally, by  telephone or other  means by our
directors, officers or employees, who  receive  no additional compensation for  these  solicitation activities.
We  will, upon request, reimburse brokerage houses and persons holding  common stock in the  names of
their nominees for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in sending materials to their principals.

Other Voting Considerations

Broker Non-Votes. Under rules of the New York Stock Exchange, matters  subject to shareholder vote

are classified as ‘‘routine’’ or ‘‘non-routine.’’  In  the case of routine matters, brokers may vote shares held
in ‘‘street name’’ in their discretion if  they  have not received  voting instructions  from the beneficial owner.
In the case of non-routine matters, brokers may  not  vote shares unless they  have received  voting
instructions from the beneficial owner (‘‘broker non-votes’’);  therefore, it  is important that you complete
and return your proxy early so that your vote  may  be  recorded.

The election of directors (Proposal 1) is a  non-routine  matter under the applicable rules so broker

non-votes may occur. However, broker  non-votes do not count as  shares entitled to vote. Because the
election is decided by a plurality of shares  present (in person  or by proxy) and  entitled to vote at the
Annual Meeting, and because our majority  voting  policy for directors only considers ‘‘FOR’’ votes and
‘‘WITHHOLD’’ votes, any broker non-votes will not affect  the outcome  of  this proposal.

The ratification of the appointment of the Company’s independent auditors (Proposal 2) is  a routine

matter under the applicable rules so  broker non-votes should not occur. In  addition,  because this matter is
routine and brokers may vote as stated above, the number of  votes cast, plus the number of abstentions,
on Proposal 2 will be used to establish whether a quorum  is present.

3

The advisory vote  on the approval of  executive compensation (Proposal 3) and any  other  matters that
may properly come before the Annual  Meeting  are also  non-routine matters under the applicable rules so
broker non-votes may occur. Because  broker  non-votes  do  not count as shares entitled to vote, they do
not affect the outcome of the vote on  Proposal 3.

Abstentions. Abstentions will be counted for purposes of calculating whether  a quorum is present.

The effect of an abstention on each  proposal where  ‘‘ABSTAIN’’  is a voting  choice  is discussed above.

Executed but Unmarked Proxies.

If no instructions are given, then shares  represented by  properly

executed but unmarked proxies will be voted in accordance with  the recommendation  of the Board,  or, in
the absence of such a recommendation, in accordance with  the judgment  of the proxy holders.

4

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND  OUR BOARD

Director Summaries

Gregory N. Moore

Director Since: 2005

Age: 70

Board Committees / Leadership:
Audit Committee,  Compensation
Committee and Nominating &
Corporate Governance Committee;
Independent Lead director and
International Liaison; Chairperson
of Audit Committee and
Nominating & Corporate
Governance Committee

Public Boards:
None

Business Experience:

Mr. Moore served  as  the  Senior  Vice President  and Controller  of  Yum!
Brands, Inc. until he retired in  2005. Yum! Brands is  the  worldwide  parent
company of Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza  Hut. Prior  to  becoming  Yum!  Brands’
Controller, Mr.  Moore was the Vice President and General  Auditor of  Yum!
Brands. Before  that,  he was with PepsiCo,  Inc.  and  held the position of  Vice
President,  Controller of Taco Bell and Controller of  PepsiCo  Wines  & Spirits
International,  a  division  of PepsiCola  International. Before  joining  PepsiCo,
he was an Audit  Manager  with Arthur Young  & Company  in  its  New York,
New York and Stamford, Connecticut offices.  Mr.  Moore is  a  certified  public
accountant in the States of New York  and California.  In July 2011,
Mr. Moore  joined the board of Newegg, Inc., a  privately  held  on-line  retailer
specializing in  computer  and  computer-related  equipment, and serves as  the
chair of both  the audit and compensation committees. Mr. Moore  also serves
on the board of  EF&TRH Restaurants  (HK) Holding Limited,  a  Texas
Roadhouse, Inc. joint-venture in  China.

Reason for Nomination:

Mr. Moore  is being nominated  as a non-employee  director because of his
extensive  financial, accounting and international experience in  the restaurant
industry. As a result  of  these and  other professional experiences,  Mr.  Moore
possesses  particular  knowledge  and experience that  strengthens  the Board’s
collective  qualifications, skills and experience.

W. Kent Taylor

Director Since: 2004

Age: 64

Board Committees / Leadership:
Chairman of the Board; Company’s
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer,
and President

Public Boards:
None

Business Experience:

Mr. Taylor  is  our founder,  Chairman,  and  Chief  Executive  Officer,  a  position
he resumed  in  August  2011. Mr.  Taylor previously  served  as  Chief Executive
Officer from 2000 until 2004, at  which  time Mr. Taylor  became Chairman  of
the Company, an executive position. Additionally, Mr. Taylor assumed the
position of President of the Company  on June  24, 2019,  a  position he
previously served as from 1993 until 2000. Before his founding of our concept
in 1993, Mr.  Taylor  founded and co-owned  Buckhead Bar  and  Grill in
Louisville,  Kentucky. Mr. Taylor previously  served  on the  Board  of Directors
of Papa John’s International, Inc. (Nasdaq:  PZZA)  from 2011  until  2018.

Reason for Nomination:

Mr. Taylor is  being nominated as an employee director  because of  his chief
executive experience, his knowledge  of the  restaurant industry  and  his
intimate knowledge  of the Company  as its  founder.  As  a  result of  these  and
other professional experiences,  Mr. Taylor  possesses particular  knowledge and
experience that strengthens  the  Board’s  collective  qualifications,  skills and
experience.

5

Curtis A. Warfield

Business Experience:

Director Since: 2018

Age: 51

Board Committees / Leadership:
Audit Committee,  Compensation
Committee and Nominating &
Corporate Governance Committee

Public Boards:
None

Mr. Warfield  is  a certified  public  accountant  and  is currently  the President
and Chief  Executive Officer of Windham Advisors LLC, a  management and
strategic advisory firm that  offers innovative business solutions for companies
in the healthcare,  BPO (business process  outsourcing) and insurance
industries. He served as part  of  the senior leadership  team of  Anthem,  Inc.
one of the  nation’s largest health insurers  with  over  $100 billion  in revenues
from 2017  to  2019. As  a senior executive  at  HCA, the largest  healthcare
provider  in the  country, from  1997 to  2016  he  served  in a variety of  roles. He
began as the  Chief  Financial Officer of  the  Columbia Healthcare  Network
with a majority of his tenure serving  as  the Chief  Executive Officer of  NPAS,
a healthcare  services  company.

Reason for Nomination:

Mr. Warfield is  being  nominated as  a  non-employee  director because of his
extensive  financial and accounting experience,  his executive  management
experience, and his information technology experience. As a result  of these
and other professional experiences, Mr. Warfield possesses  particular
knowledge and experience  that  strengthens the Board’s  collective
qualifications, skills and experience.

Kathleen M. Widmer

Business Experience:

Director Since: 2013

Age: 58

Board Committees / Leadership:
Compensation Committee and
Nominating & Corporate
Governance Committee

Public Boards:
None

Ms. Widmer  is  the Company Group  Chairman  for  Consumer North  America
with Johnson & Johnson,  a  position  she  has held since December 2018. Prior
to this position, she served as  the President of  the  Johnson  & Johnson
Consumer  OTC division, which provides  healthcare  solutions  through
well-known and trusted over-the-counter medicines  and  products,  a  position
she held from August  2015. She  was  previously with  Johnson  &  Johnson  for
21 years, until  2009, where she  held  numerous positions, including serving as
Vice President, Marketing,  McNeil Consumer Healthcare. Prior to re-joining
Johnson & Johnson,  she  served  as  Executive Vice  President and  Chief
Marketing  Officer at Elizabeth  Arden, Inc.  from 2009 to 2015,  and  was
responsible  for  the global growth  strategy  and  marketing execution  of the
Elizabeth  Arden Brand. In  2017,  she  was appointed  to  the  board of  directors
for the Wounded  Warrior Project. She  is a  graduate  of the U.S.  Military
Academy in  West Point, N.Y. and served for  five  years  as a U.S.  Army officer.

Reason for Nomination:

Ms. Widmer is being nominated  as a  non-employee  director  because of  her
extensive  marketing experience  in  the  retail sector  and  her knowledge  of the
global retail  industry. As  a result of these and other  professional  experiences,
Ms. Widmer possesses  particular knowledge  and  experience  that strengthens
the Board’s collective  qualifications, skills and  experience.

6

James R. Zarley

Director Since: 2004

Age: 75

Board Committees / Leadership:
Audit Committee,  Compensation
Committee and Nominating &
Corporate Governance Committee;
Chairperson of Compensation
Committee

Public Boards:
None

Business Experience:

Mr. Zarley has  served  as Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and  Chairman of
the Board of Conversant, a  single-source provider  of media, technology and
services across major interactive marketing channels  which previously
operated  under  the name  ValueClick,  Inc., and  was  a  member of  Conversant’s
board of directors from  1999 until  his retirement  in 2014. Mr. Zarley shaped
the company into a  global leader  in  online marketing solutions.  Prior to
joining Conversant, Mr. Zarley  was  chief operating officer of  Hiway
Technologies, where he  was a leading  member  of the management team  that
closed the merger with  Verio  in  1999. Prior  to  that,  Mr.  Zarley was Chairman
and Chief  Executive Officer of Best Internet  until it  merged  with Hiway
Technologies in 1998.  Mr. Zarley also founded and  later sold Quantech
Information  Services,  now an ADP company. In addition, he spent  19 years at
RCA in various  senior management  roles. Currently, he serves on the board
of directors of  several private  companies.

Reason for Nomination:

Mr. Zarley is being  nominated as  a  non-employee  director because of his
chief executive and  information  technology  experience in  a  developing
industry, his  technology experience and  his  transactional experience. As a
result of these  and  other professional experiences, Mr. Zarley  possesses
particular knowledge and experience  that  strengthens  the  Board’s collective
qualifications, skills and experience.

Meetings of the Board

The Board met on eight occasions and  its  standing committees (audit committee,  compensation
committee, and nominating and corporate  governance  committee)  met  on 24  occasions during our fiscal
year ended December 31, 2019. Each  incumbent director attended  at least 75% of the aggregate number
of meetings of the Board and its committees on which such director served during his or her  period of
service. In addition, the Company expects  all members of the  Board to attend the  Annual Meeting. All
incumbent directors attended the 2019 annual meeting. Four regular Board meetings  are currently
scheduled for the 2020 fiscal year. Executive sessions of  non-employee  directors,  without management
directors or employees present, are typically scheduled in conjunction with  each regularly  scheduled Board
meeting.  The role of each standing committee is more  fully discussed  below.

Leadership Structure of the Board and Role of the  Board in Risk Oversight

Leadership Structure. The Board currently includes four independent  directors and one employee
director, and the positions of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer  are  occupied by the same  individual.
As noted above, Mr. Taylor was named  Chairman  of  the Board in recognition of his  founding and
continuing leadership role in the Company and has  held  that  position  since 2004. Mr. Taylor also resumed
the position of Chief Executive Officer  in August 2011. Mr.  Taylor previously served as  Chief Executive
Officer from 2000 until 2004. We believe  that the Company  and its shareholders are best served by having
Mr. Taylor serve in both positions because he  is the person  most familiar with  our unique  culture, business
model, and the challenges we face in the  current macro-economic  environment.  Mr.  Taylor’s wealth  of
knowledge regarding Company operations and the industry in which we compete positions him to best
identify matters for Board review and  deliberation. Additionally, the combined role of  Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer unifies the Board  with management. We believe  that the  Company can more
effectively execute  its current strategy and business plans to maximize  shareholder value  if our Chairman
is also a member of the management  team.

7

While the Board considers all of its members equally responsible and accountable for oversight and
guidance  of  its activities, they also have designated a Lead Independent director, who is elected annually by
a majority of  the Board. Mr. Moore currently serves as the Lead Independent director.  The responsibility
and authority  of  the Lead Independent director are delineated in our Corporate Governance  Guidelines,
which can  be found on the Company’s website at  www.texasroadhouse.com but include, without limitation:

(i) providing leadership to the Board in any situation  where the Chairman is not present;

(ii) presiding at all executive sessions of the  Board and advising the Chairman and  Chief

Executive Officer on any decisions arising from such  executive sessions;

(iii) approving in advance agendas and schedules for Board meetings and  the information  that  is

to be provided to the other directors;

(iv) upon request  by any major shareholders, being  available for consultations and  direct

communication;

(v) regularly meeting with the Chairman and  serving as a liaison  between the Chairman and the

other independent directors;

(vi) overseeing the Board’s annual self-assessment process; and

(vii) calling any additional Board meetings as  needed.

Risk Oversight. The Board is responsible for overseeing  the Company’s risk management strategies,

including the Company’s implementation  of appropriate processes to administer day-to-day risk
management. The Board is informed  about risk management matters  as part  of its  role in  the general
oversight and approval of corporate matters.  The  Board gives clear guidance  to  the Company’s
management on the risks it believes face the Company, such as  the matters  disclosed as  risk factors in the
Company’s Annual Report on Form  10-K.  Furthermore, the  Board has  delegated  certain  risk management
responsibilities to its audit committee and compensation committee.

Through the audit committee’s charter, the Board  has authorized the audit committee  to  oversee the

Company’s risk assessment and risk management  policies. The  audit committee, in fulfilling its oversight
responsibilities, regularly and comprehensively  reviews specific risk matters  which have been identified by
management. The Company’s internal  auditors regularly report directly  to  the audit  committee on the
results of internal audits, the scope and frequency of which are based  on  comprehensive risk assessments
which  have been approved by the audit  committee. Additionally, a risk  committee comprised of Company
management regularly updates the audit  committee on the results  of its  risk  management activities,  which
are based on the Company’s prioritized risk overview that is updated at least annually and  reviewed with
the audit committee. The audit committee  is routinely advised of operational,  financial,  legal, and
cybersecurity risks both during and outside of regularly scheduled meetings,  and the  audit committee
reviews and monitors specific activities  to  manage these  risks, such as insurance plans,  hedging strategies
and internal controls (as and if applicable).

Through the compensation committee’s charter, the Board has authorized the  compensation committee
to oversee the  compensation programs for the Company’s executive officers  and  non-employee  directors  on
the Board. The compensation committee, in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities,  designs the  compensation
packages applicable to the Company’s executive officers and Board members. The compensation  committee
also  consults  with management on the payments of bonuses and grants of stock awards  to key employees.

The audit committee and the compensation committee jointly  perform an  annual risk assessment  of

our  compensation programs for all employees to determine  whether these programs  encourage
unnecessary or excessive risk taking. In conducting  this  review, each of  our compensation programs is
evaluated on a number of criteria aimed  at identifying  any  incentive programs that deviate  from our  risk
management objectives. Based on this  review in 2019, both the  audit committee and the compensation

8

committee concluded that we have the right combination  of  rewards  and  incentives to drive company
performance, without encouraging unnecessary or excessive risk taking by our employees.  Specifically, the
audit and compensation committees identified the  following  components of our  compensation programs
that mitigate the likelihood of excessive  risk  taking to meet performance targets:  equity incentive
compensation in the form of restricted stock  units; long term contracts and a financial buy-in requirement
for restaurant management; a guaranteed  base  salary within our  support center management personnel;
minimums and maximums on profit sharing compensation within  our support center  management
personnel; robust internal controls; operational  focus  on top  line  sales growth; and, a business model
which  focuses on a strong balance sheet, relatively low debt, prudent  growth, and sustainable  long-term
profitability.

The Board’s oversight roles, including the roles of the audit committee  and  the compensation

committee, combined with the leadership  structure of the  Board to include  Company management,  allow
the Board to effectively administer risk management policies while also effectively and  efficiently
addressing Company objectives.

Strategic Planning and Initiatives. The Board also plays an instrumental  oversight  role in  the strategic

planning and initiatives of the Company.  As a part of this role,  the Board  has periodic strategic  planning
sessions with management to ensure that  the  Company and the Board are aligned on the long-term goals
and initiatives of the Company. Additionally, the Board conducts periodic asset management reviews of
the Company’s assets to ensure that the  Board and the  management of  the  Company are  in agreement on
how the Company is managing its asset  portfolio. Finally, the Board provides direct oversight  over certain
other strategic initiatives or transactions  implemented by the  Company, including franchise acquisitions
and the Company’s share repurchase activities.

Sustainability Initiatives. Both the Board and the Company take  great pride in our environmental,

social and governance efforts—specifically our sustainability program and our appreciation for and
commitment to our employees and for the  community. Our commitment is evident  from our  long history
of dedication to corporate citizenship and the manner in which we often consider sustainability as  part of
our  decision-making process. In furtherance of the foregoing, the Board reviews the Company’s
sustainability initiatives as a part of their oversight  role of  the Company’s business strategy and risk
management. In particular, the Board  receives periodic  updates, at least annually, of the  Company’s
sustainability initiatives from management. Additionally, the Company includes a sustainability  update in
the Company’s Annual Report.

Committees of the Board

The Board has three standing committees:

(i) the audit committee;

(ii) the compensation committee; and

(iii) the nominating and corporate governance  committee.

The Board has adopted a written charter for  each of these committees,  which sets  out the  functions

and responsibilities of each committee. The charters of these committees are available in their entirety on
the Company’s website, www.texasroadhouse.com. Please note, however, that the information contained on
the website is not incorporated by reference in,  nor considered  to  be  a  part  of,  this  proxy statement.

9

The Board has also designated one of its members as an International  Liaison, which is elected
annually by a majority of the Board. Mr.  Moore  currently serves  as the Board’s  International Liaison. The
duties and responsibilities of International  Liaison include, without limitation, (i) overseeing the
Company’s efforts in international expansion and reporting to the Board on  those efforts,  (ii) traveling
with certain members of management to proposed international locations and  markets  (as  needed) and to
meet proposed international business  partners  where appropriate,  (iii) meeting  with the Company’s
compliance team regarding the required anti-bribery  and corruption due diligence review  on any proposed
international business partner, and (iv) reviewing on behalf of the Board  all new proposed  international
development or franchise agreements.

Audit Committee. As described in its charter, the primary  purpose of the  audit committee is to assist

the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibility  relating to:

(i) the integrity of the Company’s consolidated  financial  statements;

(ii) the Company’s compliance with legal and  regulatory requirements;

(iii) the independence and performance of the Company’s internal and external  auditors; and

(iv) the Company’s internal controls and financial reporting  practices.

The audit committee is also directly responsible for the following:  (a)  pre-approving  all  audit and

permitted non-audit related services provided by our independent  auditors, (b) the appointment,
compensation, retention, and oversight  of  the Company’s  independent auditors, and  (c)  periodically
evaluating whether or not the Company should  rotate the  independent auditors utilized by the Company.
In connection with the audit committee’s  appointment of the Company’s independent  auditors, the  audit
committee evaluates the service level  of  the incumbent independent auditor  on an annual basis,  which
includes criteria such as prior year quality  of  service, industry and technical expertise, independence,
resource availability, and reasonableness  and competitiveness of  fees,  as well as  solicits the input of key
management employees during its evaluation. The audit committee  reviews all of the Company’s earnings
press releases and Quarterly and Annual  Reports on Form 10-Q and  Form 10-K,  respectively, prior to
filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the ‘‘SEC’’). The  audit committee is  also responsible
for producing an annual report on its  activities for inclusion  in this  proxy statement. All of  the members
of the audit committee are ‘‘independent,’’  as that term  is defined in the listing standards  under NASDAQ
Marketplace Rule 5605(a)(2) and meet  the  criteria for independence under  the Sarbanes-Oxley  Act of
2002 and the rules adopted by the SEC.  The  audit committee is currently  comprised of Messrs. Moore,
Warfield, and Zarley. Mr. Moore chairs  the audit committee.  The Board  evaluated the  credentials  of and
designated Messrs. Moore and Warfield  as audit committee financial  experts. The  audit committee met 14
times during fiscal year 2019, which were  comprised of six regular meetings of the audit committee,  and
two meetings per quarter relating to the audit  committee’s review  of  the Company’s filings  with the SEC.

Compensation Committee. As described in its charter, the compensation committee:

(i) assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities relating to the design, administration and

oversight of employee compensation  programs and benefit  plans of the  Company’s executive officers;

(ii) discharges the Board’s duties relating  to  the compensation of the Company’s executive

officers and non-employee directors;  and

(iii) reviews the performance of the Company’s  executive  officers.

The compensation committee is also responsible  for reviewing and discussing  with management  the
‘‘Compensation Discussion and Analysis’’  in this proxy statement and recommending its inclusion  in this
proxy statement to the Board. All of  the  members  of the compensation committee are ‘‘independent’’
under all applicable rules, including the  listing standards under NASDAQ Marketplace  Rule 5605(a)(2)
and the requirements of the SEC. The current members of  the  compensation  committee are Ms. Widmer

10

and Messrs. Moore, Warfield, and Zarley.  Mr.  Zarley currently chairs the compensation committee. The
compensation committee met six times  during  fiscal year 2019.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. As described in its charter, the nominating and

corporate governance committee assists the  Board in:

(i) identifying individuals qualified to become Board members and recommending nominees to

the Board either to be presented at the annual  meeting or to fill any vacancies;

(ii) considering and reporting periodically  to  the Board on  matters relating to the identification,

selection and qualification of director candidates;

(iii) developing and recommending to the Board a set of corporate governance principles;  and

(iv) overseeing the evaluation of the  Board, its committees, and its incumbent  members.

The nominating and corporate governance committee routinely evaluates the size  and composition of

the Board and the variety of professional  expertise represented  by the  Board members in  relation  to  the
Company’s business. To assist in this  process, the nominating  and corporate governance committee has
identified certain interpersonal skills and professional skills  desirable for some  and/or all of the  directors
on the Board. The interpersonal skills are personal attributes that each director should  possess and
include ethics and integrity, leadership skills, negotiation skills and crisis management skills. The
professional skills are an assessment of governance and industry based skill  areas which should be held
collectively by the Board but not necessarily by each director and contain skills relating to (i) financial,
risk and compliance skills, (ii) governance and management skills, and  (iii)  sector and industry specific
skills. All of the members of the nominating and corporate governance committee are  ‘‘independent’’
under all applicable rules, including the  listing standards under NASDAQ Marketplace  Rule 5605(a)(2)
and the requirements of the SEC. The current members of  the  nominating and corporate  governance
committee are Ms. Widmer and Messrs.  Moore, Warfield,  and Zarley. Mr. Moore chairs the nominating
and corporate governance committee. The nominating and corporate governance  committee met four
times during fiscal year 2019.

Policy Regarding Consideration of Candidates for Director

Shareholder recommendations for Board  membership should include, at  a minimum, the  name of the
candidate, age, contact information, present principal occupation or employment, qualifications and skills,
background, last five years’ employment and business experience, a  description of current  or previous
service as director of any corporation  or organization, other relevant biographical information, and  the
nominee’s consent to service on the Board. A shareholder nominee  will be requested  to  complete a
detailed questionnaire in the form that  current non-employee directors and executive officers of the
Company complete.

The nominating and corporate governance committee may consider such other factors  as it may deem
are in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders. The Board has adopted corporate governance
guidelines  which provide that, if and when the Board determines that it is  necessary or desirable  to add or
replace a director, the nominating and corporate governance committee will seek diverse candidates, taking
into account diversity in all respects (including gender, race, age, board service, background, education, skill
set, and financial acumen, along with knowledge and experience in areas that are  relevant to the Company’s
business), when forming the nominee pool. The nominating and corporate  governance committee has
reviewed the process used in the selection of director candidates and concluded  that the  pool contained a
diverse group of candidates. The manner in which the nominating and corporate governance committee
evaluates  a  potential nominee will not differ based on whether the nominee is  recommended by a
shareholder  of the Company.

11

The Company currently retains a corporate recruiter to assist in identifying candidates  for open
positions at the Company. Upon request,  this recruiter  also assists in  identifying and evaluating candidates
for director, but the Company does not  pay an  additional fee for this service.

Compensation of Directors

As further discussed in the ‘‘Compensation Discussion and  Analysis,’’ the compensation committee

engaged Willis Towers Watson as an  independent  compensation  consultant in 2017  to  advise  the
compensation committee on the compensation  for our executive officers  and non-employee directors.
Specifically, the compensation committee asked the compensation consultant to provide  market  data,
review the design of the compensation packages for  our executive  officers and  non-employee directors,
and provide guidance on cash and equity compensation for our executive officers and non-employee
directors, including, without limitation,  the issuance of restricted stock units to our non-employee  directors
and executive officers as more particularly described in this proxy statement. Similar  to  our compensation
philosophy for our executive officers,  we  believe that issuing restricted stock units to our non-employee
directors aligns their interests with those of  our shareholders.  Specifically,  since the bulk of each
non-employee director’s compensation lies  in the value of the restricted stock units granted, the
non-employee directors are motivated  to  continually  improve the Company’s performance in the hope that
the performance will be reflected by  the stock price on the vesting date  of their  restricted stock units.
Moreover, we believe that the restricted  stock unit awards drive director alignment with maximizing
shareholder value because the value  of the  restricted stock units varies in response to investor sentiment
regarding overall Company performance at  the time of vesting.

As described more fully below, the following table summarizes  the total  compensation  earned for

fiscal year 2019 for each of the non-employee directors.

2019 Director Compensation Table

Name

Gregory N. Moore
James F. Parker(3)
Curtis A. Warfield
Kathleen M. Widmer
James R. Zarley

Fees Earned
or Paid in
Cash ($)

Grant Date
Fair Value of
Stock Awards
($)(1)

113,500(2)
4,833(4)
51,500
39,500
59,306(4)

346,416
293,835
284,556
275,277
293,771

Total  ($)

459,916
298,668
336,056
314,777
353,077

(1) The non-employee directors were  granted the following restricted stock units on January 8,  2019,

each  of which vest over a one year period and were  outstanding on December  31, 2019 (other than as
more particularly described in footnote (3) below):

(i) each director received a base grant of 4,250 restricted stock units;

(ii) the Lead Independent director for the  Board received a grant of 500  restricted stock units;

(iii) the chairperson of the audit committee received a grant of 350  restricted stock units;

(iv) the chairperson of the compensation committee received a grant  of  150 restricted  stock units;

(v)

the chairperson of the nominating and corporate  governance committee received a  grant of 150
restricted stock units;

(vi) each director  serving on the audit  committee received  a  grant of 150 restricted stock units;

12

(vii) each director  serving on the compensation committee received  a grant  of  100 restricted stock

units; and

(viii)each director serving on the nominating and corporate  governance committee received a grant of

100 restricted stock units.

In addition to the foregoing, Mr. Zarley received a  grant of 143 restricted stock units  on February 13,
2019 relating to his partial year service as the chairperson of the compensation committee, which  vest
concurrently with the restricted stock  units granted in the immediately  preceding  paragraph.

For the restricted stock units described  in this  footnote  (1), fair value  is equal  to  the closing price of
the Company’s common stock on the trading  day immediately preceding  the date of  the grant, which
was $61.86 for the grants to the non-employee  directors on January  8, 2019 and $64.44 for the
additional grant to Mr. Zarley on February 13, 2019. The amounts listed  above represent  the grant
date  fair value determined in accordance  with Financial Accounting Standards Board  Accounting
Standards Codification Topic 718 (‘‘ASC 718’’) of restricted stock units  granted  under the  Company’s
2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan. Detailed  information under ASC 718  is set  forth in Note 14 to the
consolidated financial statements included in  the Company’s Annual  Report on  Form  10-K for  the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.  No other  equity  awards were  granted to the  non-employee
directors during the period of time covered by this table nor were  any outstanding  at the end of the
2019 fiscal year. The Company cautions that  the amounts reported  in the Director Compensation
Table for these awards may not represent the  amounts  that  the non-employee  directors will actually
realize from the awards. Whether, and to what extent, a  non-employee  director realizes value  will
depend  on fluctuation in the Company’s  stock  price and the non-employee director’s continued
service on the Board.

Additionally, in January 2018, the compensation  committee agreed that beginning  with the 2018 fiscal
year, the total compensation for any non-employee director may not exceed $500,000, which amount
shall be  calculated by adding (i) the total cash compensation to be paid for services  rendered  by  a
non-employee director in any given fiscal year  to  (ii) the  grant date  value of  any restricted  stock units
granted to such non-employee director  in that fiscal year.

Further, in November 2019, the compensation committee and the Board elected  to  restructure the
equity component for each non-employee  director’s total compensation. Accordingly and  in lieu of
the restricted stock unit schedule set  forth in  the table above  for board  and committee service, the
compensation committee and the Board agreed  that with respect to each  non-employee director’s
2020 fiscal year service, each shall receive an annual grant  of restricted stock units  equal to $185,000
divided by the closing sales price of the Company’s common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select
Market on the trading day immediately  preceding the date  of  the grant,  with such  quotient rounded
up or down to the  nearest 100 shares. With respect to each non-employee  director’s 2020 fiscal year
service, the Company made the annual grant  on January 8, 2020.

(2) This amount includes a $20,000 annual fee for serving as  the Lead Independent director, a $20,000

annual fee for serving as the chairperson of the audit  committee, and a $20,000 annual fee for serving
as the International Liaison.

(3) Mr.  Parker passed away on January  26,  2019. All of the  amounts listed in the table above reflect

compensation relating to Mr. Parker’s  2019 year service. Of the  4,750 restricted stock  units granted to
Mr. Parker on January 8, 2019 for his  2019 year service, he only vested in 234 restricted stock units
upon his death and the remainder were forfeited.

(4) The chairperson of the compensation committee receives an annual fee of $10,000.  The  amounts for
each  of Mr. Parker and Mr. Zarley includes  a prorated  portion of such  annual fee corresponding to
their respective service as the chairperson of the  compensation  committee during the  2019 fiscal year.

13

All non-employee  directors each received the following cash compensation relating  to  their  2019 fiscal

year service:

(i) each non-employee director received a base fee of $25,000;

(ii) the Lead Independent director received a fee  of  $20,000;

(iii) the chairperson of the audit committee  received  a fee of $20,000;

(iv) the chairperson of the compensation committee received  a  fee of $10,000;

(v) the International Liaison received  a fee of $20,000;

(vi) each non-employee director received  $2,000 for each  Board meeting he or she attended in
person and $500 for each Board meeting he or she participated in telephonically;  and

(vii) each non-employee director received  $1,000  for each committee meeting he or she attended in

person and $500 for each committee meeting he or she participated in  telephonically.

Code of Conduct

The Board has approved and adopted a Code of Conduct  that applies to  all directors, officers and

employees, including the Company’s  principal  executive officer and the principal financial officer. The
Code of Conduct is available in its entirety on  the Company’s website, www.texasroadhouse.com. The
Company intends to post amendments to, or waivers from, its Code of Conduct, if any, that apply  to  the
principal executive officer and the principal financial officer  on its website.

Stock Ownership Guidelines

Our Board has adopted stock ownership guidelines  to  further align the financial interests of the
Company’s executive officers and non-employee directors with the interests of our shareholders.  The
guidelines provide that our Chief Executive  Officer should own, at a minimum, the  lesser of 100,000
shares or $2,500,000 in then-current market  value,  our  President should  own, at a minimum,  the lesser of
40,000 shares or $1,000,000 in then-current  market value, and our  other  executive  officers and  non-
employee directors should own, at a minimum, the lesser  of  10,000 shares or $500,000 in then-current
market value. The executive officers and  non-employee directors  are  expected to achieve the stock
ownership levels under these guidelines within five years of assuming  their  respective positions.

All executive officers and non-employee directors who have been in  their  role for five years are in

compliance with the guidelines. We anticipate that  any people who are  new to their roles within the  last
five years will, to the extent they are not currently in  compliance, be in  compliance with the guidelines
within the required time frame.

Succession Planning

The Board and the Company recognize the importance of continuity  of leadership to ensure  a
smooth transition for its employees, customers, and shareholders. In  furtherance of the  foregoing and as
described in its charter, the nominating  and corporate  governance committee  is responsible for
periodically reporting to the Board the status of succession planning  for  senior management, including
policies and principles regarding succession in the event of an emergency and/or retirement  and the
evaluation of potential successors to  the  executive officers and other key members of senior management.
As a part of this process, both the Board  and the nominating and corporate governance committee meet
with certain members of management to review the top  and emerging talent internally, their level  of
readiness and development needs.

14

Mandatory Retirement Age for Board  Service

In November 2019, the Board and the nominating and corporate governance  committee determined

that it is advisable and in the best interest  of  the Company to establish a  mandatory retirement age for
the non-employee directors on the Board. In  furtherance of  the  foregoing, in  no event  shall  any
non-employee be elected, re-elected and/or  appointed to the Board  if such non-employee is 75  years  or
older at the time of such election, re-election  and/or appointment; provided, however, any director  who
began serving on the Board prior to  2006  shall be permitted  to  be  re-elected to the  Board so long as  he is
not 80 years or older at the time of such re-election.

15

STOCK OWNERSHIP INFORMATION

The following table sets forth as of March  1, 2020 certain  information  with respect  to  the beneficial

ownership of the Company’s common  stock of (i) each executive officer  named in  the Summary
Compensation Table (the ‘‘Named Executive Officers’’), (ii) each non-employee director or nominee for
director of the Company, (iii) all directors  and  current executive officers as a group,  and (iv) each
shareholder known by the Company  to  be  the owner  of 5% or  more of the Company’s common stock.

Name

Directors, Nominees and Named Executive Officers:
W. Kent Taylor(2)
Scott  M. Colosi(3)
S. Chris Jacobsen
Gregory N. Moore
Tonya R. Robinson
Doug W. Thompson
Curtis A. Warfield
Kathleen M. Widmer
James R. Zarley
Directors and All Executive Officers  as a  Group (9  Persons)
Other 5% Beneficial Owners**
Blackrock, Inc.(4)

55 East 52nd Street
New York, New York 10022

The Vanguard Group(5)

100 Vanguard Boulevard
Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355

Common Stock(1)

Common
Stock
Ownership(2)

Percent

3,898,101
12,063
27,787
75,850
14,560
66,276
6,263
16,850
160,543
4,278,293

5.61%
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
6.16%

9,354,330

13.5%

6,135,997

8.84%

* Represents beneficial ownership  of less than 1.0% of  the outstanding shares of class.

** This information is based on stock ownership reports on Schedule 13G filed  by  each  of these

shareholders with the SEC as of March 1,  2020.

(1) Based upon information furnished to the Company  by the  named  persons and  information contained

in filings with the SEC. Under the rules of the SEC, a person is  deemed  to  beneficially own shares
over which the person has or shares  voting or investment power or has  the right to acquire  beneficial
ownership within 60 days, and such shares are deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of
computing the percentage beneficially  owned by such person or group.  However,  we do not consider
shares of which beneficial ownership  can be acquired within  60 days to be outstanding when we
calculate the percentage ownership of any other person. As of March  1, 2020, no director  or
executive officer has the right to acquire  any beneficial  ownership within 60  days. ‘‘Common Stock
Ownership’’ includes (a) stock held in joint tenancy, (b) stock  owned as tenants in common, (c) stock
owned or held by spouse or other members of the reporting person’s  household, and (d) stock in
which  the reporting person either has or shares voting  and/or investment  power,  even though the
reporting person disclaims any beneficial interest in such stock.

(2) Mr.  Taylor’s address is c/o Texas Roadhouse, Inc.,  6040 Dutchmans Lane, Louisville,  Kentucky 40205.

(3) Scott M. Colosi retired from his executive officer position effective June 20,  2019. The stock

ownership information listed above was provided to the Company by  Mr. Colosi.

16

(4) As reported on the Schedule 13G/A filed  by Blackrock, Inc. with  the SEC on February 4,  2020, it has

sole voting power with respect to 8,897,182  shares and sole dispositive power with  respect to
9,354,330 shares.

(5) As reported on the Schedule 13G/A filed  by The Vanguard Group with the SEC  on February 12,
2020, it has sole voting power with respect to 138,931 shares,  shared  voting power with respect to
14,518 shares, sole dispositive power with  respect to 5,991,158 shares,  and  shared  dispositive power
with respect to 144,839 shares.

Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires  the Company’s directors and  executive  officers, and
persons who beneficially own more than  10% of a registered class of  the  Company’s equity  securities, to
file with the SEC initial reports of stock  ownership and reports of changes in  stock ownership and  to
provide the Company with copies of all such filed forms. Based  solely on its review  of  such copies or
written representations from reporting  persons, the Company  believes  that all reports were filed on a
timely basis during the fiscal year ended  December 31, 2019, with the exception of  a Form 4 for
Mr. Jacobsen that was filed on August 2,  2019 reporting the  sale of 2,500 shares  on July 30, 2019 pursuant
to a written non-discretionary Rule 10b5-1  plan.

17

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

2019 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The following is an executive summary of our  compensation program for our 2019 fiscal year:

Compensation Philosophy

(cid:129) We believe that our approach to the  compensation program for  our Named  Executive Officers

provides our Named Executive Officers with a compensation package which promotes  the sustained
profitability of the Company and aligns the interests of our  Named Executive  Officers  with those  of
our  shareholders. The compensation  packages  also reflect a pragmatic response to external market
conditions; that is, total compensation that is  competitive with comparable positions in  similar
industries, including the casual dining sector of the restaurant  industry,  but which  is reasonable and
in the best interests of our shareholders.

Pay Objectives

(cid:129) Our primary objective in setting and evaluating  the compensation for  our  Named Executive

Officers is to promote the sustained profitability of the Company. Our compensation  program is
designed to achieve this objective in  the following manner:

(cid:129) The creation of a more direct relationship between  the compensation for  our Named

Executive Officers and shareholder value since a  significant portion of our Named  Executive
Officer’s performance based restricted stock units and cash bonuses are based upon the
achievement of defined performance goals  to  be  established by  the compensation committee.

(cid:129) The attraction and retention of top talent,  while also  encouraging our  Named Executive

Officers to keep their focus on both  long-term business  development and short-term financial
growth.

(cid:129) The featuring of restricted stock unit awards, the value of which is dependent upon the

performance of the Company and the price  of our common stock.

(cid:129) The opportunity by the compensation committee to adjust a significant portion of the

compensation for the Named Executive Officers through the annual  grant of service based
restricted stock units and/or performance based restricted  stock  units  to  more  accurately reflect
the overall performance of the Company.

Key Pay Components

(cid:129) The compensation packages for our  Named Executive Officers  are divided into the following three

key components:

(cid:129) Base Salary: Designed to provide a secure base of compensation and serve to motivate and

retain our Named Executive Officers.

18

(cid:129) Cash Bonus: Designed to reward our Named Executive Officers for the success of the

Company as measured by growth in the Company’s  earnings per diluted  share and its overall
pre-tax profit, and for each Named Executive Officer’s individual contribution to that success.

(cid:129) Restricted Stock Unit Grants: Designed to offer the Named Executive Officers  a financial

interest in the long-term success of the  Company and  align their  interests with those of our
shareholders.

(cid:129) The compensation packages for our  Named Executive Officers  include the following types of

restricted stock units:

(cid:129) Service Based Restricted Stock Units, which grant the  Named Executive Officers the

conditional right to receive shares of our common  stock  that vest after a  defined period of
service;

(cid:129) ‘‘Retention’’ Restricted Stock Units, which  vest upon the completion of the  term of an

individual Named Executive Officer’s agreement  or such longer date as determined by the
compensation committee; and

(cid:129) Performance Based Stock Units, which are calculated  based on  the achievement of  certain
Company performance targets established by the compensation committee and vest  over a
period of service.

(cid:129) Our Board has adopted stock ownership guidelines  to  further align the financial interests of the

Company’s executive officers with the interests of our shareholders. The guidelines provide  that  our
Chief Executive Officer should own, at a minimum,  the lesser of 100,000  shares or $2,500,000 in
then-current market value, our President should  own, at a minimum, the  lesser  of 40,000 shares or
$1,000,000 in then-current market value,  and our other executive officers  should own, at a
minimum, the lesser of 10,000 shares or $500,000 in  then-current market value.  The executive
officers  are expected to achieve these levels within  five  years  of assuming their respective  positions.

Setting Compensation

(cid:129) The compensation program for our  Named Executive Officers are  determined by the compensation

committee.

(cid:129) The compensation committee evaluates the  stock  compensation  for  each Named  Executive Officer

on an annual basis to determine the  right  combination of rewards and incentives through the
issuance of service based restricted stock  units and/or performance  based restricted stock  units to
drive company performance without encouraging unnecessary or excessive risk  taking by all of the
Named Executive Officers as a whole.

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

The Company’s compensation committee reviews and establishes executive compensation in
connection with each executive officer’s employment agreement. We entered into new employment
agreements with W. Kent Taylor, Scott  M.  Colosi, and S. Chris Jacobsen, each a Named Executive  Officer,
on December 26, 2017, each of which has  an  effective date of  January 8, 2018 and  expires on January 7,
2021. We entered into an employment agreement with Tonya R. Robinson,  also a Named Executive
Officer, on June 11, 2018 and having  an  effective date of May 18,  2018, and  with Doug  W. Thompson,

19

also a Named Executive Officer, on August 23, 2018, each of which expires on  January 7, 2021.  In
connection with Ms. Robinson’s appointment to Chief Financial Officer,  the Company  and Mr. Colosi
entered into an amendment to his 2018 Employment  Agreement on May  17, 2018 to reflect  his
resignation as Chief Financial Officer of  the Company  while still  remaining as President of the Company.
As used herein, the employment agreements, as amended  (as and if applicable), with Messrs. Taylor,
Colosi, Jacobsen, and Thompson, and  Ms.  Robinson shall be referred to collectively as  the ‘‘2018
Employment Agreements’’ and with respect to any Named  Executive Officer, as  a ‘‘2018 Employment
Agreement’’. As more particularly described below, on  July 3, 2019, the Company entered into a
Consulting Agreement and General Release of  Claims  (the  ‘‘Colosi Consulting Agreement’’) with
Mr. Colosi relating to Mr. Colosi’s retirement as President of the Company effective as of June 20,  2019.

To assist in setting compensation under the 2018  Employment Agreements and pursuant to the

authority granted under its charter, the compensation committee engaged Willis  Towers Watson as an
independent compensation consultant  in  2017 to advise the  compensation  committee on compensation for
the executive officers and the non-employee directors, together with analysis and  services related to such
executive and director compensation. Specifically, the  compensation  committee asked the consultant  to
provide market data, review the design  of  the  executive  and director compensation packages, and provide
guidance on cash and equity compensation for the  Company’s executive officers and the non-employee
directors. Willis Towers Watson does  not  currently provide any other services to the  Company, and the
compensation committee has determined that Willis Towers Watson has  sufficient independence from  us
and our executive officers to allow it  to  offer objective information and advice. All  fees  paid to Willis
Towers Watson during fiscal year 2017  were  in connection with their engagement  by  the compensation
committee for the above services.

Each  2018 Employment Agreement establishes a  base  salary throughout  the term of the  agreement,

and a cash incentive bonus amount based  on the achievement of defined  goals to be established  by  the
compensation committee. In addition  to  cash compensation, the 2018  Employment Agreements  also
provide the compensation committee  with  an opportunity to make annual stock awards to the Named
Executive Officers, the types and amounts of which are subject to the  compensation  committee’s
discretion based on their annual review  of  the performance of  the  Company and of the individual Named
Executive Officers. The types of stock awards contemplated by the  2018 Employment Agreements are
(i) restricted stock units, which grant the  Named  Executive Officers the conditional right  to  receive shares
of our common stock that vest after  a defined  period of service,  (ii) ‘‘retention’’ restricted stock units,
which  vest upon the completion of the  term of an  individual Named Executive Officer’s agreement or
such longer date as determined by the compensation committee, and  (iii)  performance stock units, which
are calculated based on the achievement  of  certain Company performance targets  established by the
compensation committee and vest over  a period  of  service. As of the date of  this proxy statement and  as
more particularly described below, each Named  Executive Officer  has received an annual  grant of
restricted stock units relating to their 2018 year  service (which were granted in  2017 or 2018  [as
applicable]), their 2019 year service (which  were  granted in 2019),  and their 2020 year service (which were
granted in 2020). Additionally, each of  Messrs.  Taylor, Colosi, Jacobsen, and Thompson, and
Ms. Robinson have received grants of performance  stock units relating to their 2018, 2019  and/or
2020 year service (as applicable). Moreover, each of Messrs. Colosi, Jacobsen, and  Thompson, and
Ms. Robinson have received ‘‘retention’’ grants of restricted stock  units under  their respective 2018
Employment Agreements, which vest upon  the completion of the term  of the agreement on the condition
that the applicable Named Executive Officer is  still serving the  Company on  the vesting date. Finally,
Mr. Taylor’s 2018 Employment Agreement  also  provides for  a long-term ‘‘retention’’ grant  of restricted
stock units, which vest on January 8,  2023 on the  condition  that Mr.  Taylor is still serving  the Company on
the vesting date.

Under the 2018 Employment Agreements, each Named Executive Officer  has agreed not to compete

with us during the term of his or her employment and for a period of two years following his  or her

20

termination of employment, unless the Named Executive  Officer’s employment  is terminated without
cause  following a change in control, in  which  case the Named Executive Officer has agreed not to
compete with us through the date of the last payment  of  the Named  Executive Officer’s severance
payments. Finally, the 2018 Employment  Agreements also  contain a ‘‘clawback’’ provision that enables the
Company to seek reimbursement to the Company of  any compensation paid  to  any Named Executive
Officer which is required to be recovered by any law, governmental regulation or  order, or  stock exchange
listing requirement.

The compensation packages for our  Named Executive Officers  offer base salaries and  target  cash

bonus  amounts and feature restricted stock unit awards,  the value  of  which is dependent  upon the
performance of the Company and the price  of our common stock. The compensation committee evaluates
the stock compensation for each specific  Named Executive  Officer on an  annual basis to determine  the
right combination of rewards and incentives  through the issuance of  service based restricted stock units
and/or performance based restricted stock  units to drive company performance without  encouraging
unnecessary or excessive risk taking by all of the Named Executive Officers as a  whole. Under this
approach, the Named Executive Officers  receive a  combination of service based  restricted stock units  and
performance based restricted stock units,  with a significant portion  of  some  of  the Named Executive
Officer’s compensation being tied to the grant of  such performance  based restricted  stock  units. By
conditioning a  significant portion of  the Named Executive Officer’s performance based  restricted stock
unit grants upon the achievement of defined performance goals  to  be  established by the compensation
committee, combined with the stock ownership guidelines  for  our Named Executive  Officers  more
particularly described above, we have created  a more direct  relationship between  compensation  and
shareholder value. Additionally, by only providing one  year’s  worth of restricted  stock units to our Named
Executive Officers in the 2018 Employment  Agreements, the compensation committee has  the opportunity
to adjust a significant portion of the compensation for the  Named  Executive Officers on an  annual basis
to more  accurately reflect the overall performance  of  the Company, which may include  the issuance of
service based restricted stock units and/or  performance  based restricted  stock units. Overall,  we believe
this  approach provides the Named Executive Officers with  a compensation package which  promotes the
sustained profitability of the Company and aligns the  interests of our Named  Executive Officers with
those of our shareholders. The compensation packages  also reflect a  pragmatic response to external
market conditions; that is, total compensation that is  competitive  with comparable positions in  similar
industries, including the casual dining sector of the restaurant  industry,  but which  is reasonable and in the
best interests of our shareholders.

We  believe that the overall design of the  compensation  packages, along with the culture  and values of
our  Company, allows us to attract and retain top  talent, while also keeping the Named Executive Officers
focused on both long-term business development and short-term financial  growth.

In deciding to continue and modify many of our existing  executive compensation practices,  our
compensation committee considered that  the  holders  of approximately 82% of the votes  cast  at our 2019
annual meeting on an advisory basis approved  the compensation of our Named Executive Officers as
disclosed in the proxy statement for  the 2019  annual  meeting.  None of the Named Executive  Officers,
including Mr. Taylor, participated in the  creation of their own compensation packages.

Elements of Compensation

Base Salary. Base salaries for our Named Executive Officers  are designed to provide a secure  base

of compensation which will be effective  in  motivating  and retaining key executives.

21

Each  Named Executive Officer’s 2018  Employment Agreement establishes an annual salary for the

years shown in the table below.

W. Kent Taylor(i)

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President

Scott M. Colosi(ii)
Former President

S. Chris Jacobsen

Chief Marketing Officer

Tonya R. Robinson

Chief Financial Officer

Doug W. Thompson

Chief Operating Officer

2018
(through
January 7,
2019)
($)

2019
(through
January 7,
2020)
($)

2020
(through
January 7,
2021)
($)

525,000

525,000

525,000

450,000

450,000

450,000

300,000

315,000

325,000

275,000

300,000

325,000

450,000

450,000

450,000

(i) As more particularly described above,  in connection  with  Mr. Colosi’s retirement  from the
Company on June 2019, the Board appointed Mr. Taylor as President of the  Company
effective as of June 24, 2019 while still remaining as the Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of the Company. The Board and the compensation committee did not increase
Mr. Taylor’s compensation following  his appointment to President.

(ii) As described above, Mr. Colosi retired as President of the Company  on June 20,  2019.
Mr. Colosi received a portion of the  base  salary for his partial 2019  fiscal year service
through his retirement date and received  additional compensation in accordance  with the
terms of the Colosi Consulting Agreement.

Incentive Bonus.

Incentive bonuses are designed to reward  our  Named  Executive Officers  for the

success of the Company, as measured  by growth in the  Company’s  earnings per diluted share (‘‘EPS’’) and
overall pre-tax profit, and for each Named  Executive Officer’s individual contribution to that success. It is
our  belief that a significant amount of each  Named Executive  Officer’s  compensation  should be tied to
the performance of the Company.

Pursuant to the terms of the Texas Roadhouse, Inc. Cash Bonus  Plan (the ‘‘Cash  Bonus Plan’’), the
compensation committee may award  an  annual cash incentive  to  the  Named  Executive Officers, which is
the grant of a right to receive a payment  of cash that is  subject  to  targets and  maximums, and that is
contingent on achievement of performance objectives during  the Company’s fiscal  year. These cash
incentives are also subject to the terms  and  conditions of the 2018 Employment Agreements and reflect
each  Named Executive Officer’s job responsibilities and individual contribution to the success  of the
Company.

Under the Cash Bonus Plan, the compensation  committee established a two-pronged approach  to
tying the incentive compensation to the Company’s performance.  Under  this approach, 50% of the  target
incentive bonus is awarded based on  whether the  Company achieves an annual EPS growth target of 10%
(the ‘‘EPS Performance Goal’’). The other 50%  is based  on  a profit  sharing pool (the ‘‘Profit Sharing
Pool’’) comprised of 1.5% of the Company’s pre-tax profits (income before taxes  minus income
attributable to non-controlling interests, as reported in our  audited  consolidated  financial statements),
which  pool is distributed among our  Named Executive Officers and certain other  members of the
Company’s director-level management based on a pre-determined  percentage interest in the  pool and
subject to certain pre-determined maximum  amounts. After the end of the fiscal year, the compensation
committee determines whether and to what extent  the EPS Performance Goal has been met, and the

22

portion of the Profit Sharing Pool to which  each Named Executive Officer is entitled. Depending on the
level  of  achievement of the EPS Performance Goal each  year, 50% of the incentive bonus  may be reduced
to a minimum of $0 or increased to a  maximum of two times  the target amount. Each 1% change from
the EPS Performance Goal results in  an increase or  decrease of 10%  of the portion of  the target bonus
amount attributable to the achievement of  the EPS Performance Goal. For example,  if we achieve 11%
EPS growth, the bonus payable would be 110%  of the portion  of the target bonus attributable to the
achievement of the EPS Performance  Goal. Conversely, if  we achieve 9% EPS  growth, the bonus payable
would be 90% of the portion of the  target  bonus  attributable to the achievement  of the EPS  Performance
Goal. The remaining 50% of the Named Executive Officers’  incentive bonus will  fluctuate directly with
Company pre-tax profits at fixed participation percentages  and  maximum amounts which are determined
within 60 days following the commencement of the Company’s fiscal year. The annual profit sharing
component allows the Named Executive Officers  to  participate in a profit sharing pool  with other
members of the Company’s director-level  management team.  By  allowing  this level of participation in  the
Company’s overall profits, the compensation committee encourages responsible growth  and aligns  the
interests of the Named Executive Officers  with those  of other management  employees of the  Company.
This portion of the incentive bonus may be reduced  to  a minimum of $0 if the Company  ceases  to  be
profitable or for other reasons that the compensation committee determines, and may be increased to a
maximum of two times the target amount established  for each individual participant. Both portions of the
incentive bonus can be adjusted downward  (but not upward) by the  compensation  committee in  its
discretion. Cash incentive bonuses with  respect to fiscal  year 2019  were paid at  124.6% of the total target
amount for all or a portion of the fiscal year in  which a Named Executive Officer served in such role,
based on actual EPS growth of 11.9%  and  an actual Profit Sharing Pool of  $3,102,743 calculated  on fiscal
year 2019 pre-tax profit of $206,849,534.

The actual amounts earned by each Named  Executive Officer  for fiscal year 2019  are more fully

described in ‘‘Executive Compensation.’’  The target  bonus amount, along  with the minimum and
maximum bonus amounts, are set forth below:

Executive Incentive Compensation for Fiscal  Year 2019

W. Kent Taylor

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President

Scott M. Colosi(i)

Former President

S. Chris Jacobsen

Chief Marketing Officer

Tonya R. Robinson

Chief Financial Officer

Doug W. Thompson

Chief Operating Officer

Target
Bonus
($)

Minimum Maximum

Bonus
($)

Bonus
($)

525,000

350,000

200,000

200,000

480,000

0

0

0

0

0

1,050,000

700,000

400,000

400,000

960,000

(i) As described above, Mr. Colosi retired as  President of the Company  on June 20,  2019.

Upon his retirement, Mr. Colosi forfeited his  right to receive  his bonus for his 2019 fiscal
year service.

Stock Awards. We make equity awards in the form of restricted  stock  units, which represent the
conditional right to receive one share of  our common  stock  upon satisfaction of the vesting requirements.
Restricted stock units offer the Named  Executive Officers a financial  interest in the Company and  align
their interests with those of our shareholders.  We  also believe that the market price of our publicly traded

23

common stock represents the most appropriate metric for determining the value of the  equity portion of
our  Named Executive Officers’ compensation packages. The  overall compensation  packages for  our
Named Executive Officers offer base salaries and target cash bonus amounts  and feature restricted stock
unit awards, the value of which is dependent upon the performance of the  Company and the price of  our
common stock. The compensation committee evaluates  the stock compensation for each specific Named
Executive Officer on an annual basis to determine the  right combination of rewards and  incentives
through the issuance of service based  restricted stock  units and/or  performance based restricted stock
units to drive company performance without  encouraging unnecessary or excessive risk taking by all of the
Named Executive Officers as a whole.  Under this approach,  the Named Executive Officers receive  a
combination of service based restricted stock units  and performance based  restricted stock units,  with a
significant portion of some of the Named Executive Officer’s compensation being tied  to  the grant of such
performance based restricted stock units.  We believe  that  the service based  restricted stock awards are
inherently performance based since their  value varies in response  to  investor sentiment regarding overall
Company performance at the time of  vesting.  Moreover, by  only  providing one year’s worth  of restricted
stock units to our Named Executive  Officers  in the 2018  Employment Agreements,  the compensation
committee has the opportunity to adjust  a  significant portion  of the total compensation for the Named
Executive Officers on an annual basis  to  more  accurately reflect the overall performance of  the Company,
which  may include the issuance of service  based  restricted stock units and/or restricted  stock  units based
on the achievement of defined goals  to  be  established by the compensation committee for  any and/or all
of our Named  Executive Officer. Additionally,  each 2018 Employment  Agreement for Messrs.  Colosi,
Jacobsen and Thompson, and Ms. Robinson provide for a  ‘‘retention’’ grant of restricted stock units,
which  vest upon completion of the term  of their 2018 Employment Agreement on  the condition that the
applicable Named Executive Officer  is still  serving the Company on the  vesting date, and Mr. Taylor’s
2018 Employment Agreement provides  for a long-term  ‘‘retention’’  grant of restricted  stock  units, which
vest on January 8, 2023 on the condition that  Mr. Taylor  is still serving  the Company on the vesting date.

In addition, the 2018 Employment Agreements for  Messrs.  Taylor, Colosi, Thompson,  and Jacobsen
and Ms. Robinson contain bifurcated  awards of service  based restricted stock  units and performance based
restricted stock units for all or a portion  of the term  of  their respective 2018  Employment Agreements.
For the performance based awards, the  compensation  committee has  established a two-pronged approach
which  mirrors the approach used for  annual cash  incentive  bonuses. Under this approach, a  percentage of
the target equity award is based on whether the  Company achieves the  annual EPS Performance Goal,
and a percentage is based on the Profit Sharing Pool  comprised of 1.5% of the Company’s pre-tax profits
(income before taxes minus income attributable to non-controlling interests, as reported in our  audited
financial statements). After the end of the  fiscal year, the  compensation  committee determines whether
and to what extent the EPS Performance Goal has been met, and the portion of  the Profit  Sharing Pool
to which each officer is entitled. Each  1% change from  the EPS Performance Goal  results in  an increase
or decrease of 10% of the portion of  the target  amount  attributable  to  the achievement  of the EPS
Performance Goal. For example, if we achieve 11%  EPS growth, the number of shares  awarded  would be
110% of the portion of the target amount  attributable to the achievement of the EPS Performance Goal.
Conversely, if we achieve 9% EPS growth,  the award would be 90% of the portion  of the target amount
attributable to the achievement of the EPS Performance Goal. The remaining percentage  of  the Named
Executive Officers’ equity award will fluctuate directly with  Company pre-tax profits at  fixed  participation
percentages and maximum amounts which are determined within  60 days following the commencement of
the Company’s fiscal year. Both portions of  the performance based equity award may be reduced to a
minimum of $0 or increased to a maximum of two times the  target amount for  each individual participant.
Both portions of the performance based  equity award can also be adjusted downward (but not upward) by
the compensation committee in its discretion. Performance  based equity awards with respect to fiscal year
2019 were paid at 124.6% of the total  target amount for all or a portion of the fiscal  year in which a
Named Executive Officer served in such  role,  based on actual EPS growth of  11.9% and  an actual Profit
Sharing Pool of $3,102,743 calculated on  fiscal  year  2019 pre-tax profit of $206,849,534. For discussion  of

24

the percentages assigned by the compensation committee  to each component of the  performance based
equity awards for Messrs. Taylor, Colosi,  Jacobsen, and Thompson,  and  Ms. Robinson,  refer  to  the
associated tables below.

The number of restricted stock units  granted to each Named Executive Officer  reflects each Named

Executive Officer’s job responsibilities and individual contribution to the success of the Company.

Service Based Restricted Stock Units. Except as noted below, the number of service based restricted

stock units granted under the 2018 Employment  Agreements are shown in the table  below and are  subject
to the Named Executive Officer still serving  the Company on the  vesting  date.

Service
Based
Restricted
Stock Units
vesting on
January 8,
2019
pursuant to
2018

Service
Based
Restricted
Stock Units
vesting on
June 11,
2019
pursuant to
2018

Service
Based
Restricted
Stock Units
vesting on
August 27,
2019
pursuant to
2018

Service
Based
Restricted
Stock Units
vesting on
January 8,
2020
pursuant to
2018

Employment Employment Employment Employment
Agreements
Agreements

Agreements

Agreements

Service Based
Service Based
Restricted
Restricted
Stock  Units
Stock Units
vesting on
vesting on
January 8,
January 8,
2023 pursuant
2021 pursuant
to 2018
to 2018
Employment
Employment
Agreements(1) Agreements(2)

Total
Service
Based
Restricted
Stock Units
granted
pursuant to
2018
Employment
Agreements

W. Kent Taylor

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer,
President
Scott  M. Colosi

10,000

10,000

Former President

S. Chris Jacobsen

Chief Marketing Officer

Tonya R. Robinson

Chief Financial  Officer

Doug  W.  Thompson

Chief Operating  Officer

—(4)

—

—

—

—

—

7,000

—

—

—

—

—

2,000

10,000

10,000

75,000

105,000

10,000(3)

15,000(3)

5,000

10,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

22,500

—

—

—

—

35,000

20,000

37,000

34,500

(1) With respect to Messrs. Colosi, Jacobsen,  and Thompson and  Ms.  Robinson,  this number includes a

retention grant of restricted stock units which will vest on January  8, 2021,  provided the  applicable
Named Executive Officer is still serving the Company  on the vesting date.

(2) With respect to Mr. Taylor, this  number  represents a retention grant of restricted  stock units which

will vest on January 8, 2023 provided Mr.  Taylor is still serving  the Company on the vesting date.

(3) As previously described, Mr. Colosi retired as President  of the Company on June 20, 2019.  Upon his
retirement, Mr. Colosi forfeited his right to receive the 10,000 service based  restricted stock units
relating to his 2019 fiscal year service  vesting on  January 8,  2020 and the 15,000  retention  restricted
stock units vesting on January 8, 2021.

(4) With respect to Mr. Jacobsen, because Mr. Jacobsen’s prior employment  agreement included  a grant
of restricted stock units relating to his 2018 fiscal year service,  his 2018 Employment Agreement did
not include an initial grant of restricted stock units; provided,  however, for his 2018 fiscal year
service, Mr. Jacobsen received a grant of 10,000 restricted stock units,  together with a  retention  grant
of 5,000 restricted stock units, previously granted under  his prior employment  agreement.

Performance Based Restricted Stock Units. The number of performance based restricted stock units

granted to Messrs. Taylor, Colosi, Thompson  and Jacobsen for the 2019 fiscal  year under their 2018

25

Employment Agreement, and the number of shares of common stock which actually vested  based on the
Company’s performance, are shown in the  table  below:

Minimum
Number of
Performance

Maximum
Number of
Performance

Target Number of
Performance Based Based Restricted Based Restricted Actual Number of
Shares  Issued for
2019 following
Certification  of
2019 Performance
Goals(1)

Restricted Stock
Units Granted for
2019 pursuant to
2018 Employment
Agreements

Stock Units
pursuant to
2018
Employment
Agreements

Stock Units
pursuant to
2018
Employment
Agreements

W. Kent Taylor

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer,
President
Scott M. Colosi

Former President
Doug W. Thompson

Chief Operating Officer

S. Chris Jacobsen

Chief Marketing Officer

50,000

40,000

20,000

7,000

0

0

0

0

100,000

62,303

80,000

0(2)

40,000

24,921

14,000

8,722

(1) The shares underlying the performance based restricted stock  units  attributable to the 2019  fiscal year

were issued on February 28, 2020. The compensation committee determined that 50% of the
performance based restricted stock unit  award for  the 2019 fiscal year  would be based  on an EPS
growth target of 10%, which portion would be reduced or  increased by  10% for  every  1% of annual
growth in EPS less than or in excess of the 10% goal, and that 50% of the  performance based
restricted stock unit award for the 2019 fiscal  year would be based on a pre-tax profit target
opportunity equal to the percentage payout  of  1.5% of pre-tax earnings divided by the bonus  pool
target set by the compensation committee for the performance period.

(2) As described above, Mr. Colosi retired as  President of the Company  on June 20,  2019. Upon his
retirement, Mr. Colosi forfeited his right to receive any performance based restricted stock units
relating to his 2019 fiscal year service.

The number of performance based restricted stock units granted in  2020 to Messrs. Taylor,

Thompson, and Jacobsen, and Ms. Robinson under  their  respective  2018 Employment  Agreements for the
2020 fiscal year is shown in the table below. The actual  number of shares that will be issued to each of
Messrs. Taylor, Thompson, and Jacobsen,  and  Ms. Robinson for fiscal year 2020 based on achievement of
the performance goals assigned to these  grants by the compensation committee will  not  be  calculated until
the first quarter of 2021.

26

Target Number of
Performance

Based Restricted Minimum Number Maximum Number
of Performance
Based Restricted
Stock Units
pursuant to 2018
Employment
Agreements

of Performance
Based  Restricted
Stock  Units
pursuant to 2018
Employment
Agreements

Stock Units
vesting on
January 8, 2021
pursuant to 2018
Employment
Agreements(1)

W. Kent Taylor
Doug W. Thompson
S. Chris Jacobsen
Tonya R. Robinson

50,000
20,000
7,000
2,000

0
0
0
0

100,000
40,000
14,000
4,000

(1) The compensation committee determined that  50% of the performance  based restricted stock  unit

award for  2020 would be based on an  EPS growth target  of 10%,  which portion  would be reduced or
increased by 10% for every 1% of annual growth in  EPS less  than or in excess of the  10% goal, and
that 50% of the performance based restricted  stock  unit award for 2019 would be based on  a pre-tax
profit target opportunity equal to the percentage payout of 1.5% of pre-tax earnings divided by the
bonus  pool target set by the compensation  committee for the performance  period. The  performance
based restricted stock unit award for  Messrs. Taylor, Thompson, and Jacobsen and  Ms. Robinson with
respect to fiscal year 2020 will be certified  in the first quarter  of 2021.

The 2018 Employment Agreements further provide that  the  compensation  committee may,  in its

discretion, grant additional performance based restricted  stock  units  to  Messrs. Taylor, Thompson, and
Jacobsen, and Ms. Robinson with respect  to  future  performance periods.

Separation and Change in Control Arrangements

Except in the event of a change in control, the 2018  Employment Agreement with Mr. Taylor

provides that no severance would be  paid  to him upon termination of employment, but he  would be
entitled to receive a gift of a crisp $100 bill  if his employment were to be terminated by the Company
without cause before the end of the term. The 2018 Employment  Agreement for each of Messrs. Colosi,
Jacobsen, and Thompson, and Ms. Robinson provides  that,  except in the  event of a change in control, if
the Company terminates their employment without  cause  before the end  of  the term and the applicable
Named Executive Officer signs a release  of all claims against the  Company, then the  Company will pay a
severance payment equal to any bonus for  a year  already ended  (even if not yet paid at termination), plus
the Named Executive Officer’s base salary for a period of  180 days, and payment  of a fixed sum  ($175,000
for Mr. Colosi, $100,000 for Mr. Jacobsen, $225,000 for Mr.  Thompson, and  $100,000 for  Ms. Robinson).
Similar payments are due to the Named  Executive  Officers under the 2018 Employment Agreements if
employment was or is terminated by  reason of  death or  disability before the end of the  term. The
Company provides these severance payments to allow for a  period  of  transition  and in exchange  for a  full
release of claims against the Company. The salary component of  the  severance payments is subject  to
deductions and withholdings and is to be paid to the Named Executive Officers in  periodic installments in
accordance with our normal payroll practices. The  fixed  sum  is paid in  a single lump  sum, and any bonus
component of the severance payments for a performance period that ended  before  termination is to be
paid on the same date as the payment would have been  made  had  his or her employment not been
terminated.

The 2018 Employment Agreements also provide that if the Named  Executive Officer’s employment is

terminated other than for cause following  a change in  control, or  if the Named  Executive Officer resigns
for good reason following a change in  control because  he  or she is  required  to  relocate, and the
Company’s successor does not agree  to  be  bound by  the agreement,  or the Named Executive  Officer’s
responsibilities, pay or total benefits are reduced, then  in such an event  each such Named Executive
Officer will receive severance payments in  an amount equal to the Named Executive  Officer’s  base  salary

27

and incentive bonus through the end of the  term of the agreement but not less than one  year. In addition,
the Named Executive Officer’s unvested stock awards, if any,  will become vested as  of  the date  of
termination. Moreover, with respect to each  of the Named Executive Officers  under their respective  2018
Employment Agreements, if his or her employment is terminated  under such  circumstances and  the
Named Executive Officer has not yet  been  granted service based restricted stock units  or performance
based restricted stock units, as applicable under the respective  Named Executive Officer’s 2018
Employment Agreements, for either  or  both of the  second and third years of  his or her employment
agreement, the Named Executive Officer  will  be  issued  the target number of service based restricted stock
units and/or performance based restricted  stock units  (as applicable)  set  forth above for each of these
years. The payments and acceleration of  vesting of the stock awards are contingent upon the Named
Executive Officer signing a full release of claims against the Company.  The  salary component of the
severance payments is subject to deductions and withholdings and  is to be paid  to  the Named  Executive
Officers in periodic installments in accordance with  our  normal payroll practices or in  a lump sum at the
discretion of the compensation committee and in compliance with  Section 409A of  the Internal Revenue
Code. The bonus component of the severance  payments to the Named Executive  Officers  is to be paid on
the same date as the payment would have been made had his or  her employment not been terminated.

According to the terms of the 2018 Employment  Agreements, a change  in control means  that  one of

the following events has taken place: (1)  the shareholders of the Company approve (a) a  merger or
statutory plan of exchange involving the Company (‘‘Merger’’) in which the  Company is  not  the continuing
or surviving corporation or pursuant to  which  the Common Stock,  $0.001 par value (‘‘Common Stock’’)
would be converted into cash, securities  or other property, other  than a Merger involving  the Company in
which  the holders of Common Stock immediately prior  to  the Merger have substantially the same
proportionate ownership of common stock  of the  surviving corporation after the  Merger, or  (b) a  sale,
lease, exchange, or other transfer (in one  transaction or a  series of related  transactions)  of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Company  or the adoption of  any plan or proposal for the liquidation
or dissolution; (2) during any period of 12  months or  less, individuals who at the beginning of such  period
constituted a majority of the Board cease  for any  reason  to  constitute  a majority  thereof  unless the
nomination or election of such new directors was approved by a vote  of  at least two-thirds of  the directors
then still in office  who were directors at the  beginning  of  such period; (3) a tender or exchange offer
(other than one made by (a) the Company, or  (b)  Mr.  Taylor  or  any corporation, limited liability
company, partnership, or other entity in  which Mr. Taylor owns a direct or indirect ownership of 50% or
more, or controls 50% or more of the  voting  power  [collectively, the ‘‘Taylor  Parties’’])  is made for  the
Common Stock (or securities convertible  into Common Stock) and such offer results in a portion of those
securities being purchased and the offeror after the consummation of the offer  is the beneficial  owner (as
determined pursuant to Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended [the ‘‘Exchange
Act’’]), directly or indirectly, of securities representing in  excess  of  the greater of at least 20% of the
voting power of outstanding securities  of  the Company  or the percentage  of the voting  power  of  the
outstanding securities of the Company collectively held by all of the  Taylor Parties;  or (4)  any person
other than a Taylor Party becomes the  beneficial owner  of securities representing  in excess of the  greater
of 20% of the aggregate voting power of the outstanding  securities of the  Company as disclosed in a
report on Schedule 13D of the Exchange Act or the  percentage of the  voting power of the  outstanding
securities of the Company collectively  held  by  all  of the Taylor Parties.  No change of control  will be
deemed to have occurred for purposes of an individual  2018 Employment Agreement by virtue of any
transaction which results in the affected  Named Executive Officer, or a group of persons  which includes
the affected Named Executive Officer, acquiring, directly or indirectly, securities representing 20% or
more of the voting power of outstanding securities of  the Company.

The estimated amounts that would have been payable to a Named Executive Officer under the 2018

Employment Agreements are more fully described in ‘‘Termination, Change of Control  and Change  of
Responsibility Payments.’’

28

Additionally, on June 20, 2019, Mr. Colosi and the Company  announced that Mr. Colosi would  be
retiring as President of the Company effective as of June 20, 2019.  On July 3, 2019,  the Company entered
into the Colosi Consulting Agreement with  Mr.  Colosi. Under the Colosi  Consulting  Agreement, which
expired on March 1, 2020, the Company  agreed  to  pay Mr. Colosi an  aggregate sum of  $500,000 in
bi-weekly installments over the term  of  the  Colosi Consulting  Agreement. In addition, the Company
agreed to pay Mr. Colosi an aggregate  sum  of $1,400,000, payable on  March 1, 2020.  Under  the terms of
the Colosi Consulting Agreement, Mr. Colosi agreed  to  be  available upon  reasonable  notice  to  consult on
matters assigned by the Company. The  Colosi Consulting Agreement  also provided a general release of
claims through June 20, 2019. Finally,  the Colosi  Consulting Agreement reaffirmed certain obligations of
Mr. Colosi under his 2018 employment agreement,  including, without limitation, obligations pertaining to
non-competition, non-hire, and non-solicitation.

Hedging and Pledging Policies

The Company has an insider trading policy  that,  among other things,  prohibits all of our employees

(including our executive officers) and  our  directors from  engaging  in speculative  trading in  the Company’s
shares, which prohibition includes any  arrangement by which  a  shareholder or option holder changes his
or her economic exposure to changes  in the  price of the  stock.  Prohibited arrangements include buying
standardized put or call options, writing  put or call options,  selling stock short, buying  or selling  securities
convertible into other securities, or merely engaging in  a private arrangement where the value of the
agreement varies in relation to the price  of the  underlying  security. Such arrangements are  prohibited
because these transactions may give the appearance  of  improper  trades and  look disloyal. In addition, our
insider trading policy strongly discourages employees (including  our executive officers) and our directors
from holding the Company’s securities in  a  margin account or otherwise pledging these securities as
collateral for a loan. As of the date of this  proxy statement, none of our  Named Executive Officers and
non-employee directors hold the Company’s  securities in  a  margin account  or have otherwise  pledged
them as collateral for a loan.

Compensation Committee Report

The compensation committee has reviewed and discussed the ‘‘Compensation Discussion  and
Analysis’’ required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K with  management. Based on such review  and
discussions, the compensation committee  recommended to the Board that the ‘‘Compensation  Discussion
and Analysis’’ be included in this proxy  statement  and incorporated by  reference into the Company’s
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year  ended December 31, 2019.

All members of the compensation committee concur in this report.

James R. Zarley, Chair
Gregory N. Moore
Curtis A. Warfield
Kathleen M. Widmer

29

Summary Compensation Table

The following table sets forth the total  compensation earned with respect  to  the fiscal years 2019,
2018, and 2017 for Mr. Taylor, our Chairman, Chief  Executive Officer,  and President, and  Ms. Robinson,
our  Chief Financial Officer. It also includes such information  for  each of our three other most highly
compensated executive officers during fiscal year 2019, as and if  applicable.

Grant Date
Fair Value of

Non-equity
Incentive
Plan

All Other

Name  and Principal Position

Year Salary ($)

Bonus Stock Awards Compensation Compensation
($)(1)

($)(2)(3)

($)

($)

W. Kent Taylor

Chairman, Chief Executive
Officer, President

2019 525,000 — 3,711,600
2018 525,000 —
2017 525,000 — 7,314,300

654,181
— 829,316
710,240

Tonya R. Robinson

Chief Financial Officer

2019 298,077
2018 250,633

200
200

1,237,200
626,775

249,212
208,601

8,961
8,782
8,670

1,161
982

Total
($)(3)

4,899,742
1,363,098
8,558,210

1,785,850
1,087,191

Scott M. Colosi

Former President

S. Chris Jacobsen

Chief Marketing Officer

Doug W. Thompson

Chief Operating Officer

2019 219,808 — 4,020,900
2018 450,000
2017 450,000

2,709,000

200
200

— 552,877
473,494

— 1,727,455(4) 5,968,163
1,011,859
8,782
3,641,364
8,670

2019 314,481
2018 300,000
2017 300,000

2019 450,000
2018 450,000

200
200
200

200
200

742,320

541,800

249,212
— 315,930
236,747

2,629,050
1,271,240

598,108
659,430

8,961
8,782
8,670

8,961
8,782

1,315,174
624,912
1,087,417

3,686,319
2,389,652

(1) This column represents holiday bonus awards paid to the Named  Executive Officers for the fiscal

years ended December 31, 2019, December 25,  2018, and  December  26, 2017.

(2) Reflects the grant date fair value  computed in  accordance with  FASB  ASC  Topic  718 of performance

based restricted stock units and service based restricted stock units  granted pursuant to the
Company’s long term incentive plan using the  closing  price of the  Company’s common stock on the
last trading day immediately preceding the grant  date. These  are  not amounts  paid to or received by
the Named Executive Officers.

The Company cautions that the amounts  reported in the  Summary Compensation Table for these
awards may not represent the amounts that  the Named Executive  Officers  will actually realize  from
the awards. Whether, and to what extent, a Named Executive Officer realizes  value will depend on
the Company’s actual operating performance, stock price  fluctuations and the Named Executive
Officer’s continued service with the Company. Additional information on  all  outstanding stock awards
is reflected in the ‘‘Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table’’ and the  ‘‘Outstanding Equity  Awards at
Fiscal Year End Table.’’

(3) With respect to Mr. Taylor, (i) amounts for the  2019 fiscal year include the  performance based

restricted stock units and service based restricted stock units  granted to Mr. Taylor  during the 2019
fiscal year relating to his 2019 year service, and (ii) amounts for  the 2017  fiscal  year  include (a) the
performance based restricted stock units  and  service  based restricted  stock units granted to
Mr. Taylor during the 2017 fiscal year relating  to  his 2018  year service, and (b) the ‘‘retention’’
restricted stock units granted under his 2018  Employment  Agreement as  more particularly described
above.

With respect to Mr. Colosi, (i) amounts for the 2019  fiscal year  include  (a) the  performance based
restricted stock units and service based restricted stock units  granted to Mr. Colosi  during the 2019
fiscal year relating to his 2019 year service, and (b) the ‘‘retention’’ restricted stock units  granted to
Mr. Colosi during the 2019 fiscal year,  and  (ii)  amounts for the 2017 fiscal year include the
performance based restricted stock units  and  service  based restricted  stock units granted to

30

Mr. Colosi during the 2017 fiscal year  relating to his 2018 year  service. With respect to the restricted
stock units granted to Mr. Colosi for  the 2019  fiscal year, upon  his retirement, he forfeited his right
to receive such units which had a grant date fair value of $4,020,900.

With respect to Mr. Jacobsen, (i) amounts for  the 2019 fiscal  year include the  performance based
restricted stock units and service based restricted stock units  granted to Mr. Jacobsen during the  2019
fiscal year relating to his 2019 year service, and (ii) amounts for  the 2017  fiscal  year  include the
‘‘retention’’ restricted stock units granted to Mr. Jacobsen under his  2018 Employment Agreement as
more particularly described above.

With respect to Ms. Robinson, (i) amounts  for the  2019 fiscal year include (a) the service based
restricted stock units granted to Ms. Robinson  during  the 2019 fiscal year relating to her  2019 year
service, and (b) the ‘‘retention’’ restricted stock units granted to Ms. Robinson  during  the 2019 fiscal
year, and (ii) amounts for the 2018 fiscal year include the service based restricted stock units granted
to Ms. Robinson during the 2018 fiscal year relating to her 2018  year service.

With respect to Mr. Thompson, (i) amounts for  the 2019 fiscal year  include (a) the  performance
based restricted stock units and service based restricted stock units  granted to Mr. Thompson during
the 2019 fiscal year relating to his 2019 year service, and  (b) the ‘‘retention’’ restricted stock  units
granted to Mr. Thompson during the  2019 fiscal year, and (ii) amounts  for  the 2018 fiscal year
include the service based restricted stock units  granted to Mr. Thompson during the  2018 fiscal year
relating to his 2018 year service.

(4) With respect to Mr. Colosi’s all  other compensation amount described for  2019, Mr. Colosi received

(i) approximately $323,529 under the Colosi  Consulting Agreement for the  period commencing on the
start of the Colosi Consulting Agreement through December 31,  2019, (ii) $1,400,000 on March  1,
2020 following the conclusion of his consulting service under the Colosi Consulting  Agreement, and
(iii) $3,926 for other amounts earned  during  fiscal year 2019 prior to his retirement; provided,
however, the column does not include  approximately $176,471  that Mr.  Colosi earned  under the
Colosi Consulting Agreement for the  period commencing on January 1, 2020 and continuing through
March 1, 2020.

31

Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Fiscal Year 2019

The following table presents information with respect to grants  of  stock  awards to the applicable

Named Executive Officers during fiscal year 2019.

Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table

Estimated Future Payouts
Under Equity Incentive Plan
Awards(1)

All Other Stock
Awards: Number
of Shares of Stock Option Awards

Grant Date
Fair Value of
Stock and

Name

Grant Date

Minimum Target

Maximum

or Units(2)

($)(3)

W. Kent  Taylor
Service Based RSUs vesting on

January  8, 2020

January  8,  2019 —

—

—

10,000

618,600

Performance Based RSUs vesting

on January 8, 2020

January  8,  2019 — 50,000(4) 100,000

—

3,093,000

Scott M. Colosi
Service Based RSUs vesting on

January  8, 2020

January  8,  2019 —

Service Based RSUs vesting on

January  8, 2021

January  8,  2019 —

Performance Based RSUs vesting

—

—

—

—

10,000

15,000

618,600

927,900

on January 8, 2020

January  8,  2019 — 40,000(4)

80,000

—

2,474,400

S. Chris Jacobsen
Service Based RSUs vesting on

January  8, 2020

January  8,  2019 —

—

—

5,000

Performance Based RSUs vesting

on January 8, 2019

January  8,  2019 —

7,000(4)

14,000

—

Tonya R. Robinson
Service Based RSUs vesting on

January  8, 2020

January  8,  2019 —

Service Based RSUs vesting on

January  8, 2021
Doug W. Thompson
Service Based RSUs vesting on

January  8,  2019 —

January  8, 2020

January  8,  2019 —

Service Based RSUs vesting on

January  8, 2021

January  8,  2020 —

Performance Based RSUs vesting

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

10,000

10,000

10,000

12,500

309,300

433,020

618,600

618,600

618,600

773,250

on January 8, 2020

January  8,  2019 — 20,000(4)

40,000

—

1,237,200

(1) These  amounts  reflect the  minimum, target, and  maximum number of  shares  issuable under  performance
awards. The related  performance targets  and  certain results are  described  in detail  in the ‘‘Compensation
Discussion and  Analysis.’’

(2) Each stock  award consists of restricted  stock units, where  each  unit  represents  the  conditional right  to

receive one share of our  common stock  upon  satisfaction of vesting  requirements.  See  the  ‘‘Compensation
Discussion and  Analysis’’ for the conditions  of accelerated  vesting  upon  termination  of  employment other
than for cause.

(3) Reflects  the  grant date fair value computed  in accordance with ASC 718 of the target number  of  performance

based units  and  restricted stock units granted to the Named Executive Officers  using  the  closing  price of  the
Company’s common stock  on the last trading day immediately preceding  the  grant date,  which  was $61.86.
These are not  amounts  paid  to or received  by the Named Executive Officers.  For discussion  of  the  assumptions
used in determining these values, see Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements  in  the  Company’s
Annual Report  on Form 10-K for the fiscal year  ended  December  31, 2019.

(4) The amount included in the table  above  represents the target award  opportunity.  Performance  based  equity

awards with respect  to fiscal  year 2019 were  paid  at  124.6%  of  the  total  target  amount for  all or  a portion

32

of the fiscal year in which a Named Executive  Officer  served in  such role,  based  on actual  EPS growth of
11.9% and an actual Profit  Sharing  Pool of  $3,102,743  calculated on fiscal  year 2019  pre-tax  profit  of
$206,849,534.

Outstanding Equity Awards

The following table presents information with respect to outstanding stock  option awards, stock
awards, and equity incentive plan awards as of  December 31, 2019  by the Named  Executive Officers
(other than Mr. Colosi).

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End  Table

Name

W. Kent Taylor

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President

S. Chris Jacobsen

Chief Marketing Officer

Tonya R. Robinson

Chief Financial Officer

Doug W. Thompson

Chief Operating Officer

Stock Awards

Equity Incentive Plan
Awards

Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock
That
Have Not
Vested
(#)

Market
Value
of Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
($)(1)

Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock
That
Have Not
Vested
(#)

Market
Value
of Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have  Not
Vested
($)(1)

85,000(2) 4,787,200

50,000(3) 2,816,000

15,000(4)

844,800

7,000(5)

394,240

20,000(6) 1,126,400

—

—

22,500(7) 1,267,200

20,000(8) 1,126,400

(1) Market value was computed using  the Company’s closing stock price on the last trading  day of our

fiscal year ended December 31, 2019,  which  was  $56.32.

(2) The vesting schedule is as follows: 10,000  shares on January 8,  2020, and  75,000 shares  on January 8,

2023.

(3) Consists of performance awards which  will vest  and be earned, if at  all, at  the time  of  a

determination by our compensation committee that certain  Company performance  measures have
been satisfied. If and to the extent earned, the  vesting schedule is as  follows: 50,000 shares on
January 8, 2020.

(4) The vesting schedule is as follows: 5,000  shares on January 8,  2020, and  10,000 shares  on January 8,

2021.

(5) Consists of performance awards which  will vest  and be earned, if at  all, at  the time  of  a

determination by our compensation committee that certain  Company performance  measures have
been satisfied. If and to the extent earned, the  vesting schedule is as  follows: 7,000 shares on
January 8, 2020.

(6) The vesting schedule is as follows: 10,000  shares on January 8,  2020, and  10,000 shares  on January 8,

2021.

(7) The vesting schedule is as follows: 10,000  shares on January 8,  2020, and  12,500 shares  on January 8,

2021.

(8) Consists of performance awards which  will vest  and be earned, if at  all, at  the time  of  a

determination by our compensation committee that certain  Company performance  measures have
been satisfied. If and to the extent earned, the  vesting schedule is as  follows: 20,000 shares on
January 8, 2020.

33

See the ‘‘Compensation Discussion and  Analysis’’ for the  conditions of accelerated vesting upon

termination of employment other than  for cause.

Stock Vested

The following table presents information with respect to stock awards vested during the  fiscal  year

ended December 31, 2019 by the Named Executive Officers.

Stock Vested Table

Name

W. Kent Taylor

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President

Scott M. Colosi

Former President

S. Chris Jacobsen

Chief Marketing Officer

Tonya R. Robinson

Chief Financial Officer

Doug W. Thompson

Chief Operating Officer

Number of
Shares Acquired
on Vesting (#)

Value Realized
on Vesting
($)(1)

88,983

5,504,488(i)

73,186

4,527,286(ii)

15,000

10,000

927,900(iii)

563,310(iv)

22,000

1,338,860(v)

(1) The value realized upon vesting  of  restricted stock units represents the fair value of the

underlying shares based on the closing price  of  the Company’s common stock on the trading
day immediately preceding the vesting date, which is in accordance with  the following:

(i) $61.86 with respect to the 10,000 service based  restricted stock  units which  vested on
January 8, 2019, and $61.86 with respect to the  78,983 performance based  restricted
stock units which vested on January 8,  2019 but  became reportable on  February 22,
2019.

(ii) $61.86 with respect to the 10,000 service based  restricted stock  units which  vested on
January 8, 2019, and $61.86 with respect to the  63,186 performance based  restricted
stock units which vested on January 8,  2019 but  became reportable on  February 22,
2019.

(iii) $61.86 with respect to the 15,000 restricted stock  units which vested  on  January 8, 2019.

(iv) $62.52 with respect to the 1,500 restricted stock units which  vested on February 26,

2019, $54.72 with respect to 1,500 restricted  stock  units which vested on  May 6, 2019,
and $55.35 with respect to 7,000 restricted stock units which  vested on June 11, 2019.

(v) $61.86 with respect to the 20,000  restricted stock units which  vested on January 8, 2019,
and $50.83 with respect to 2,000 restricted stock units which  vested on August 27,  2019.

Termination, Change of Control and Change of Responsibility Payments

If a  Named Executive Officer had resigned  or been terminated for cause prior  to  the expiration of
the term of his or her 2018 Employment  Agreement,  the Named Executive  Officer would have received
payment of his or her annual base salary then  in effect through the date of resignation or  termination.

If a  Named Executive Officer had been terminated prior  to the expiration of the term of his or  her

2018 Employment Agreement as a result of death or disability, such Named Executive Officer’s
beneficiary or estate would have been entitled  to  receive an amount equal to such officer’s annual  base
salary then in effect through the date of termination due  to death or disability, plus any earned  but
unpaid  bonus, plus the amount of such Named Executive Officer’s annual  base  salary then in effect  for

34

180 days following the termination, plus a  fixed bonus  amount as follows:  for Mr. Taylor, $262,500; for
Mr. Colosi, $175,000; for Mr. Jacobsen, $100,000; for  Ms. Robinson,  $100,000; and, for Mr. Thompson,
$225,000.

Except as otherwise noted with respect  to  Mr. Colosi, the following table  lists the  estimated amounts

payable to a Named Executive Officer pursuant to the 2018  Employment Agreements if his or her
employment had been terminated without  cause unrelated to a  change of control on  December 31, 2019,
the last day of our fiscal year, provided  that  each Named  Executive Officer signed a full release  of all
claims against us.

Termination Payments Table

Name

W. Kent Taylor

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President

Scott M. Colosi

Former President

S. Chris Jacobsen

Chief Marketing Officer

Tonya R. Robinson

Chief Financial Officer

Doug W. Thompson

Chief Operating Officer

Total
Estimated
Cash
Payments
($)(1)

100

1,900,000(2)

504,554

497,157

1,045,026

(1) Mr. Taylor is entitled to a crisp $100  bill upon  the termination of his  employment without

cause. If the employment of Mr. Jacobsen had been  terminated under those circumstances,
he  would have received any bonus for a year  already  ended (even  if not  yet paid  at
termination), plus  the proportionate share of his annual base salary then in  effect  ($315,000)
for 180 days, plus $100,000. If the employment of  Ms. Robinson  had been terminated under
those circumstances, she would have received any bonus for a  year already ended (even  if
not yet  paid at termination), plus the proportionate share of her annual  base salary  then in
effect ($300,000) for 180 days, plus $100,000. If the  employment of  Mr. Thompson had  been
terminated under those circumstances, he  would have received  any bonus  for a  year  already
ended (even if not yet paid at termination), plus the  proportionate share  of his annual base
salary then in effect ($450,000) for 180 days, plus $225,000.

(2) As more particularly described above, this amount includes the  actual amount paid by the
Company to Mr. Colosi pursuant to the Colosi Consulting  Agreement and is comprised of
(i) an aggregate sum of $500,000 in bi-weekly  installments over  the term  of  the Colosi
Consulting Agreement, and (ii) $1,400,000 paid to Mr. Colosi  on March 1, 2020.  As
previously discussed, upon his retirement, Mr. Colosi forfeited  his  right to all outstanding
equity awards and he reaffirmed certain  obligations under  his 2018 employment agreement,
including, without limitation, obligations pertaining to non-competition, non-hire, and
non-solicitation

The following table lists the estimated  amounts payable  to  a Named  Executive Officer (other than
Mr. Colosi) if his or her employment had  been terminated without  cause  following a  change of control, or
if any of the officers had resigned his or her position for  good reason following  a change of control, on
December 31, 2019, the last day of our fiscal  year,  provided that each Named Executive  Officer  signed a
full release of claims against us.

35

Change in Control, Change in Responsibilities Payments Table

Name

W. Kent Taylor

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President

S. Chris Jacobsen

Chief Marketing Officer

Tonya R. Robinson

Chief Financial Officer

Doug W. Thompson

Chief Operating Officer

Estimated
Cash
Payments
($)(1)

Estimated Value of
Newly Vested
Stock Awards
($)(2)

Total
($)

1,714,249

10,982,400

12,696,649

770,253

1,914,880

2,685,133

754,965

1,689,600

2,444,565

1,536,738

4,083,200

5,629,938

(1) If the employment of any of the  Named Executive Officers listed  above had been  terminated without
cause  following a change of control, or  if any of  the Named Executive Officers listed above  had
resigned his or her position for good reason  following  a change of control, the Named Executive
Officer would have received the amount  of his or  her then  current base salary and target incentive
bonus  through the end of the term of  the Named Executive Officer’s employment  agreement, but not
less  than one year. Had a Named Executive Officer’s employment been so terminated  on
December 31, 2019, each of Messrs. Taylor,  Jacobsen, and Thompson, and  Ms. and Robinson  would
have received payment through January 7,  2021.

The table below details the estimated payment for each Named Executive  Officer.

Name

W. Kent Taylor

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President

S. Chris Jacobsen

Chief Marketing Officer

Tonya R. Robinson

Chief Financial Officer

Doug W. Thompson

Chief Operating Officer

Salary ($)

Bonus ($)

Total
Estimated
Payments
($)

535,068

1,179,181

1,714,249

321,041

449,212

770,253

305,753

449,212

754,965

458,630

1,078,108

1,536,738

(2) Each Named Executive Officer’s  restricted stock units would have become immediately  vested upon a
termination of his or her employment  without cause following a change of  control,  or if any  of  the
Named Executive Officers had resigned his or her  position  for good reason  following a  change of
control. In addition, if any of Messrs.  Taylor, Colosi, Jacobsen, and Thompson, and Ms.  Robinson had
not yet been granted performance based restricted  stock units for the third year of their respective
employment agreement, they would be  issued  the target number of units set forth in  their  respective
2018 Employment Agreements and as more particularly identified in the  Grants of Plan-Based
Awards Table above for each such year. The amounts shown in this column represent the value of the
restricted stock units at the closing price of our common stock on the last trading  day of our fiscal
year ended December 31, 2019, which was $56.32.  The  number of restricted stock units  which would
have vested on that date are shown in  ‘‘Outstanding Equity  Awards.’’

CEO Pay Ratio

Under Section 953(b) of the Dodd Frank Wall  Street Reform and  Consumer Protection Act, a U.S.
publicly traded corporation is required to disclose the  ratio between their Chief Executive  Officer’s  annual
total compensation to the total compensation  of  such corporation’s  median  employee after excluding  the
Chief Executive Officer’s compensation. To  identify our median employee, we used the 2019  total cash

36

compensation for all individuals (other than  Mr. Taylor,  our CEO) who were  employed by us as  of
December 31, 2019, the last day of our 2019  fiscal year. For  the purposes of calculating our employee’s
total cash compensation, we used our employee’s  base  wages identified  on our employees’ W-2  forms.  As
a part of our calculation, we included all  employees,  whether  employed by us on a full-time or  part-time
basis, and we annualized the compensation of  any employee  whom we hired during our 2019  fiscal  year
and who  was working for us at the end of our fiscal year. As of December 31, 2019,  approximately 72% of
our  employees were part-time employees  and our average employee worked approximately 23  hours  per
week.

We  identified our median employee as  a part-time server in  Bismarck, North Dakota  who worked  an

average of 15 hours per week. After  identifying our  median employee, we calculated the annual total
compensation for such employee as $13,483, which is determined using  the same methodology  we used for
our  Named Executive Officers as set  forth  in the  2019 Summary Compensation  Table described above.

As more particularly described in the 2019 Summary Compensation Table, the annual total compensation

for Mr. Taylor, our CEO, for our 2019 fiscal year is  $4,900,645  and the ratio  between  the compensation
for our  CEO and the compensation for our median employee  is 363 to 1.  Note that since  the SEC rules
allow companies to use various methodologies  and  assumptions, apply certain exclusions, and make
reasonable estimates relating to a specific  company’s  employee  base  when  identifying the  median
employee, the CEO pay ratio disclosed by other companies may not be comparable with  the CEO  pay
ratio disclosed in this paragraph. Additionally, the pay ratio between our  CEO and  our  median employee
may vary year to year based, in part, on the grant  date value of any restricted stock  units granted to our
CEO in any given year.

37

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

The audit committee of the Board (the ‘‘Committee’’)  is currently composed of  three directors,  all  of

whom meet the criteria for independence under  the applicable  NASDAQ and  Securities  & Exchange
Commission (the ‘‘SEC’’) rules and the  Sarbanes-Oxley Act.  The Committee  acts  under a  written  charter
adopted by the Board, a copy of which is  available on  the Company’s website at www.texasroadhouse.com.

The Committee has prepared the following report on its activities  and with respect to the  Company’s

audited consolidated financial statements for the  fiscal  year  ended December  31, 2019 (the ‘‘Audited
Financial Statements’’).

(cid:129) The Committee met 14 times during  fiscal year 2019, which were  comprised of six regular  meetings

of the Committee and two meetings per quarter relating to the Committee’s review of the
Company’s filings with the SEC. The Committee’s meetings included private sessions  with the
Company’s independent auditors and internal auditors, as well  as executive sessions  consisting of
only Committee members. The Committee  also met  periodically in private sessions with
management, including Named Executive Officers (as needed);

(cid:129) The Committee reviewed the acknowledgement process for the Company’s  Code of Conduct, and

the corresponding results;

(cid:129) The Committee reviewed the scope,  plans and  results of the testing  performed by the  Company’s
internal auditors and independent auditors in  their assessments of internal control over financial
reporting and the consolidated financial statements;

(cid:129) The Committee reviewed matters submitted to it  via the Company’s whistleblower  hotline and/or
other reporting mechanisms regarding concerns  about allegedly questionable financial,  accounting
and/or auditing matters (if any);

(cid:129) The Committee reviewed with management, including the internal  auditors  and the  Company’s

Vice President of Legal, and the independent  auditors, the  Company’s practices with respect to risk
assessment and risk management. The overall  adequacy and  effectiveness of the Company’s legal,
regulatory and ethical compliance programs were also reviewed,  as well as the Company’s
cybersecurity controls and system standards;

(cid:129) The Committee reviewed with the Company’s Vice President of Legal the  Company’s disclosures

with respect to current lawsuits (as and if applicable);

(cid:129) The Committee reviewed comment  letters received  from the SEC, if any, together with management’s

response to such letters;

(cid:129) The Committee pre-approved all audit, audit-related and  permissible non-audit  services provided to
the Company by KPMG LLP, the Company’s independent auditors,  for  the 2019 fiscal year, before
management engaged the independent auditors  for those purposes, pursuant to and in  accordance
with the Texas Roadhouse, Inc. Policy for Pre-Approval  of Services  Provided by External Audit
Firm (which is available on the Company’s website, www.texasroadhouse.com);

(cid:129) On a  quarterly basis, the Committee discussed with KPMG  LLP  the  matters required to be
discussed by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Auditing Standard No.  1301,
Communications with Committees;

(cid:129) The Committee discussed with KPMG LLP their written disclosures and letter  required by the

Public Company Accounting Oversight Board  regarding the  independent auditor’s communications
with the Committee concerning independence;

(cid:129) The Committee reviewed the selection,  application  and disclosure of critical  accounting policies;

38

(cid:129) The Committee reviewed with KPMG LLP the selection  and  disclosure  of  the critical audit  matters

set forth in the independent auditor’s report  of the Company’s  Form  10-K;

(cid:129) The Committee reviewed the Company’s  quarterly earnings press  releases prior to issuance;

(cid:129) The Committee reviewed and discussed the Company’s Audited Financial Statements  for the  2019

fiscal year with management and the independent  auditors;

(cid:129) As mentioned above, the Committee reviewed the  Company’s Quarterly and  Annual Reports  on

Form 10-Q and Form 10-K prior to filing  with the SEC;

(cid:129) The Committee evaluated the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of KPMG LLP.
In connection with such appointment,  the Committee  evaluated  the service level  of the incumbent
independent auditor, which included  criteria such  as prior  year quality  of service, industry and
technical expertise, independence, resource availability,  and reasonableness  and competitiveness of
fees, as  well as solicited the input of key management employees during its evaluation; and

(cid:129) Based on the review and discussion referred to above, and  in reliance  thereon, the Committee

recommended to the Board that the  Audited Financial Statements be included in  the Company’s
Annual  Report on Form 10-K for the  fiscal  year  ended December 31, 2019,  for filing with  the SEC.

All members of the Committee concur  in this report.

Gregory N. Moore, Chair
Curtis A. Warfield
James R. Zarley

Related Party Transactions

The Committee’s charter provides that the Committee will review  and  approve  any transactions
between us and any of our executive  officers, non-employee directors, and 5% shareholders,  or any
members of their immediate families,  in  which  the amount involved exceeds the  threshold limits
established by the regulations of the  SEC.  In  reviewing a related-party  transaction, the Committee
considers the material terms of the transaction, including whether the  terms are generally  available to an
unaffiliated third party under similar circumstances. Unless specifically noted, the transactions described
below were entered into before our initial public offering and the subsequent formation of the
Committee.

Grants of Franchise or License Rights

We  have licensed or franchised restaurants  to  companies owned in  part by certain  Named Executive

Officers. The licensing or franchise fees  paid by these companies  to  us range from 0.0%  to  4.0% of
restaurant sales, which is the amount we  typically charge to franchisees. We believe that allowing certain
Named Executive Officers with ownership  interests  in our restaurants that pre-dated our initial  public
offering to continue to maintain those  ownership interests adds  an  ongoing  benefit to the Company  by
making those Named Executive Officers more invested in  the overall success  of  the brand. Ownership of

39

franchised restaurants by our current  and/or former Named Executive Officers as  of  the end of the  2019
fiscal year is listed below.

Restaurant

Billings, MT

Everett, MA
Fargo,  ND
Lexington, KY
McKinney, TX
Muncie, IN
Omaha, NE
Port Arthur, TX

Wichita, KS

Name and
Ownership

Initial
Franchise
Fee

Royalty
Rate

Royalties
Paid to
Us in
Fiscal Year
2019
($)

Management,
Supervision  or
Accounting Fees
Paid to Us  in
Fiscal Year
2019
($)

W. Kent Taylor (27.5%)
Scott M. Colosi (2.0%)
W. Kent Taylor (28.75%)
Scott M. Colosi (5.05%)
W. Kent Taylor (3.33%)
Scott M. Colosi (2.0%)
W. Kent Taylor (4.91%)
Scott M. Colosi (10.99%)
W. Kent Taylor (15.0%)
Scott M. Colosi (3.0%)
W. Kent Taylor (24.05%)
Scott M. Colosi (4.0%)

—

—
—
—
—
—
—
—

—

4.0% 222,294

27,787

4.0% 277,760
4.0% 204,383
2.0% 112,338
4.0% 286,599
—
50,000
4.0% 231,165
4.0% 236,302

34,720
25,548
23,724
35,825
—
28,896
29,538

4.0% 330,413

41,302

For the 2019 fiscal year, the total amount of distributions received by Mr. Taylor  and Mr. Colosi
relating to their ownership interests in  the above-referenced franchised  restaurants were $1,525,985 and
$192,308, respectively. These amounts  do not  reflect compensation paid by the Company to Mr. Taylor
and/or Mr. Colosi during the 2019 fiscal year; rather, these amounts were paid  by  the applicable franchise
entity and reflect a return on investment in  these  separate restaurant locations.

On March 19, 2004, we entered into a  preliminary franchise agreement with a  company which  is 95%

owned by Mr. Taylor to develop a restaurant  at a  location which is to be determined.  The terms of the
preliminary franchise agreement provide  for no  initial franchise fees and royalties of 3.5% of  restaurant
sales. During fiscal year 2019, we received no payment  from  this franchise restaurant,  as none was due.

The franchise agreements and preliminary franchise agreement  that we have  entered into with  our

Named Executive Officers contain the  same terms and conditions as  those  agreements that we  enter into
with our other domestic franchisees except, in  some instances,  the initial franchise fees and the royalty
rates, which are currently $40,000 and 4.0%, respectively, for our other domestic  franchisees.  We have  the
contractual right, but not the obligation, to acquire  the restaurants owned by our Named Executive
Officers based on a pre-determined valuation formula  which is the same as  the formula  contained in the
domestic franchise agreements that we  have  entered into with  other franchisees with whom we have such
rights. A preliminary agreement for a  franchise may be terminated if  the franchisee does not identify  and
obtain our approval of its restaurant  management personnel, locate and  obtain our approval  of a suitable
site for the restaurant or does not demonstrate  to  us that it has secured necessary  capital and  financing to
develop the restaurant. Once a franchise  agreement has been  entered into, it may be terminated  if  the
franchisee defaults in the performance of  any  of its  obligations under  the agreement, including its
obligations to operate the restaurant in  strict accordance  with our standards  and specifications. A
franchise agreement may also be terminated if  a franchisee becomes insolvent, fails  to  make its required
payments, creates a threat to the public  health or safety,  ceases to operate the  restaurant or misuses  the
Texas Roadhouse trademarks.

Ownership Interest in Majority-Owned Joint  Venture  Entities

Upon his appointment to Chief Operating  Officer, Mr. Thompson held an  ownership  interest  in the
Texas Roadhouse restaurant in Gilbert-East, AZ, which  is a restaurant that is owned by an entity that the

40

Company controls and in which the Company holds a 52.5%  ownership interest.  The Company believes
that allowing certain Named Executive  Officers to have ownership interests in restaurants provides an
ongoing benefit to the Company by making these persons  more invested in the overall success of the
brand. As of the end of the 2019 fiscal  year,  Mr. Thompson held a 35.5% ownership interest in the
Gilbert-East, AZ restaurant, which entity paid $260,055  to  us for management and supervision  fees.
Additionally, for the 2019 fiscal year,  the  total amount of  distributions  received by Mr. Thompson relating
to his ownership interest in the Gilbert-East, AZ restaurant was $476,090.  These amounts do  not  reflect
compensation paid by the Company to Mr.  Thompson during the 2019  fiscal year; rather, these amounts
were paid by the applicable entity and  reflect a return on investment in  this  restaurant location.

Other Related Transactions

We  entered into real estate lease agreements  for franchise restaurants located  in Everett, MA, of
which  Mr. Taylor beneficially owns 28.75%, and Fargo, ND, of which Mr.  Colosi owns 5.05%, before  our
granting franchise rights for those restaurants. We have  subsequently assigned  the leases to the
franchisees, but we remain contingently  liable if a franchisee defaults under the terms  of a lease. The
Everett lease expires in February 2023, and the Fargo lease  expires  in July  2021.

We  previously entered into real estate  lease agreements for the  Company restaurants  located  in
Gilbert-East, AZ. We subsequently assigned the lease to a  joint  venture  operating entity, but  we remain
contingently liable if the entity defaults under  the terms of the  lease. The Gilbert-East lease expires in
July 2023.

41

PRESENTATION OF PROPOSALS

PROPOSAL 1

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

The Company’s bylaws provide for not less than one and  not more than 15 directors. Our  Board

currently consists of five directors. At the Annual Meeting,  we  are  electing five directors  to  hold  office
until the Annual Meeting of Shareholders in 2021  and  until a successor is elected and  qualified. Although
it is not anticipated that any of the nominees listed below will  decline or be unable  to  serve, if that should
occur, the proxy holders may, in their discretion, vote for a substitute  nominee.

Nominees for Election as Directors

Set forth below are the Board members who will stand for re-election  at  the  Annual Meeting,

together with their age, all Company positions and offices  they  currently hold, and the year in  which they
joined the Board.

Name

Gregory N. Moore
W. Kent Taylor
Curtis A. Warfield
Kathleen M. Widmer
James R. Zarley

Recommendation

Age

Position or Office

Director

70
64 Director; Chairman & CEO
51
58
75

Director
Director
Director

Director
Since

2005
2004
2018
2013
2004

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT  SHAREHOLDERS  VOTE ‘‘FOR’’ THE ELECTION OF THE

NOMINEES FOR THE DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY SET  FORTH ABOVE.

42

PROPOSAL 2

RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT  AUDITORS

As more particularly described in this  proxy statement, the audit committee  is directly responsible for

managing the Company’s independent  auditors, which includes, without limitation, (i) pre-approving all
audit and permitted non-audit services  provided by our independent auditors, and (ii)  the appointment,
compensation, retention and oversight  of  the Company’s  independent auditors. In connection with the
audit committee’s appointment of the Company’s independent auditors,  the audit  committee evaluates the
service level of the incumbent independent auditor on  an annual  basis, which includes criteria such  as
prior year quality of service, industry and technical  expertise, independence, resource availability, and
reasonableness and competitiveness of fees, as  well as  solicits the input of key management  employees
during its evaluation.

In connection with the same and pursuant to its charter, the audit committee has appointed the firm

of KPMG LLP to serve as the independent auditors to audit the consolidated financial statements and the
internal control over financial reporting of  the Company for the fiscal year which ends on December 29,
2020. The Board and the audit committee  jointly  agree  that the continued retention of KPMG LLP is in
the best interest of the Company and  its shareholders. Accordingly, a  resolution  will be presented at the
Annual Meeting to ratify the appointment of  KPMG LLP. If the shareholders  fail to ratify the
appointment of KPMG LLP, the audit committee will take this result into account when appointing an
independent auditor for the 2020 fiscal year.  Even if the  appointment is ratified, the audit committee in
its  discretion may direct the appointment  of a  different  independent registered public accounting  firm  as
the Company’s independent auditors  at any  time during the year if the audit committee believes that such
a change would be in the best interests  of  the Company  and its shareholders.  One or  more representatives
of KPMG LLP are expected to be present  at the Annual Meeting, will  have the opportunity to make  a
statement if they desire to do so, and will  be  available  to  respond to appropriate questions.

Fees Paid to the Independent Auditors

We  incurred the following fees to KPMG LLP for fiscal  years 2019  and 2018:

Audit Fees
Audit-related Fees
Tax  Fees
All Other Fees

Audit Fees

2019($)

2018($)

761,380
—
24,938
1,500

789,676
7,375
20,903
1,500

787,818

819,454

KPMG LLP charged $761,380 in fiscal  year 2019  and $789,676 in fiscal  year 2018  for audit fees.

These include professional services in  connection  with the  audit of the Company’s annual consolidated
financial statements and its internal control over  financial reporting. They also include  reviews of the
Company’s consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Quarterly and Annual Reports on
Form 10-Q and Form 10-K and for services that are  normally  provided  by the  accountant in connection
with statutory and regulatory filings or  engagements for the fiscal years shown. Additionally, the  fees  for
fiscal years 2019 and 2018 contain approximately  $41,380 and $55,676, respectively, related to statutory
audits. Finally, the fees for fiscal years 2019 and 2018 contain approximately $20,000  and $69,000,
respectively, related to the adoption of  new  accounting  pronouncements.

Audit-Related Fees. KPMG LLP charged $7,375 in fiscal year 2018  for audit-related services in  fiscal

year 2018.

43

Tax Fees. KPMG LLP charged $24,938 in fiscal year 2019  and $20,903 in fiscal year 2018  for

consulting and compliance services.

All Other Fees. KPMG LLP charged $1,500 in each fiscal year 2019  and  fiscal  year 2018 for access to

their Accounting Research Online tool.

Pre-approval Policies and Procedures

The audit committee pre-approved all  audit, audit-related and permissible  non-audit services  provided

to the Company by KPMG LLP before  management engaged the auditors for  those purposes. The policy
of the audit committee is to review all engagement letters for accounting firms for non-audit services.

Recommendation

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE  ‘‘FOR’’ THE RATIFICATION OF KPMG LLP AS THE

COMPANY’S INDEPENDENT AUDITORS FOR THE 2020  FISCAL YEAR.

44

ADVISORY VOTE ON APPROVAL OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

PROPOSAL 3

The Board requests shareholder approval of the  compensation  of  the Company’s Named  Executive
Officers as described in the ‘‘Compensation  Discussion  and Analysis,’’ the  Executive Compensation section
and the other related executive compensation  tables and related discussions  in this proxy statement. As an
advisory vote, the outcome of the voting  on this proposal is  not binding upon the Company; however, the
compensation committee, which is responsible  for establishing  and administering the  Company’s executive
compensation program, values the opinions  expressed by shareholders on this proposal and will consider
the outcome of the vote when making future  compensation  decisions for  the Company’s executive officers.
Additionally, the compensation committee  invites shareholders to express any questions or  concerns
regarding the Company’s compensation  philosophy for our executive officers by correspondence addressed
to Texas Roadhouse, Inc. Compensation  Committee, 6040 Dutchmans Lane, Louisville, Kentucky  40205.

The objective of the compensation committee in  setting and evaluating the  compensation  of our
executive officers is to promote the sustained profitability of the  Company. Compensation for the Named
Executive Officers is divided into three  key  components:  (1) base salary, which provides  a secure base  of
compensation and serves to motivate  and  retain our Named  Executive Officers;  (2) a  cash bonus, which
rewards our Named Executive Officers for  the  success of the Company  as measured by growth in  the
Company’s earnings per diluted share and its overall  pre-tax  profit,  and for each Named Executive
Officer’s individual contribution to that  success;  and (3) grants of restricted stock units, which offer the
Named Executive Officers a financial interest in  the long-term success of the Company  and align their
interests with those of our shareholders.  The  types of restricted stock  units are (i) restricted stock  units,
which  grant the Named Executive Officers the  conditional right to receive shares of our common stock
that vest after a defined period of service,  (ii) ‘‘retention’’ restricted stock  units, which  vest upon the
completion of the term of an individual Named Executive  Officer’s  agreement or such longer  date as
determined by the  compensation committee, and  (iii)  performance stock units, which are calculated based
on the achievement of certain Company performance targets established by  the compensation committee
and vest over a period of service. The  compensation packages for  our Named Executive  Officers  offer
base salaries and target cash bonus amounts and feature  restricted stock unit  awards,  the value  of which is
dependent upon the performance of  the Company and the price of our common  stock.

The compensation committee evaluates the  stock  compensation  for  each specific  Named Executive

Officer on an annual basis to determine the right  combination of rewards  and incentives through the
issuance of service based restricted stock  units and/or performance  based restricted stock  units to drive
company performance without encouraging unnecessary or excessive risk taking by all of the  Named
Executive Officers as a whole. Under this  approach, the Named Executive Officers receive a combination
of service based restricted stock units and performance based  restricted stock units, with a significant
portion of some of the Named Executive  Officers’ compensation being tied  to  the grant of such
performance based restricted stock units.  By conditioning  a  significant  portion of certain Named Executive
Officer’s performance based restricted  stock unit grants upon the achievement of defined performance
goals to be established by the compensation  committee, combined  with the  stock ownership guidelines for
our  Named Executive Officers more particularly described above, we  have created a  more direct
relationship between compensation and  shareholder  value. Additionally, by only providing one year’s
worth of  restricted stock units to our Named Executive  Officers, the compensation committee has the
opportunity to adjust a significant portion of  the total compensation for the Named Executive Officers on
an annual basis to more accurately reflect  the  overall performance of the Company, which may include
the issuance of service based restricted stock units  and/or performance based restricted  stock units.
Overall, we believe this approach provides  the Named Executive Officers with a  compensation  package
which  promotes the sustained profitability of the Company  and aligns  the interests of our Named
Executive Officers with those of our shareholders. The compensation packages also reflect a pragmatic
response to external market conditions;  that is, total compensation that  is competitive with  comparable

45

positions in similar industries, including the  casual  dining  sector of  the  restaurant industry, but  which is
reasonable and in the best interests of  our shareholders.

This structure, along with the culture  and  values of our  Company, allows the Company to attract and

retain top talent, while also encouraging  our Named Executive Officers to  keep their focus on both
long-term business development and short-term financial  growth. The Board  was pleased to receive
shareholder approval of the compensation  packages of  our Named Executive  Officers  in the advisory vote
at the 2019 annual meeting and again requests approval  of the compensation packages of our Named
Executive Officers.

Recommendation

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT  SHAREHOLDERS  VOTE ‘‘FOR’’ THE EXECUTIVE

COMPENSATION DETAILED IN THIS  PROXY STATEMENT.

46

SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS

Under Rule 14a-8 promulgated under the Exchange Act, shareholders may present proposals to be
included in the Company proxy statement  for  consideration at the next annual meeting of its shareholders
by submitting their proposals to the Company in  a timely manner.  Any  such proposal  must  comply with
Rule 14a-8.

The Company’s bylaws, a copy of which is available  on the Company’s website,

www.texasroadhouse.com, require shareholders who intend to propose business for  consideration by
shareholders at the 2021 annual meeting, other  than shareholder  proposals that are included in  the proxy
statement, to deliver written notice to  the principal executive offices  of  the Company  on or  before
December 4, 2020 (reflecting 120 calendar  days  prior to the one  year anniversary  of  the date  of  the
Company’s proxy statement issued in  connection  with the prior  year’s  annual  meeting). This notice must
include a description of the business desired to be brought  before  the annual  meeting, the name and
address of the shareholder proposing  such business and of the beneficial owner, if  any, on whose behalf
the business is being brought, the class,  series and  number  of shares  of  the Company which are
beneficially owned by the shareholder  and such other  beneficial owner and any material interest of the
shareholder and such other beneficial  owner in such business. Similar requirements  are set forth  in the
Company’s bylaws  with respect to shareholders desiring to nominate candidates  for election  as director.
Exchange Act rules permit management  to  vote proxies in its discretion in  certain cases if the shareholder
does not comply with these deadlines,  and  in certain  other  cases notwithstanding the  shareholder’s
compliance with these deadlines. If a  shareholder submitting a matter to be raised at the Company’s next
annual meeting desires that such matter  be  included in  the Company’s proxy  statement  for that meeting,
such matter must be submitted to the Company  no later than December 4, 2020.

The rules of the SEC set forth standards for  what shareholder  proposals the Company  is required to

include in a proxy statement for an annual meeting.

SHAREHOLDERS’ COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE  BOARD

Shareholders that want to communicate in writing with the Board,  or specific directors  individually,

may send proposed communications  to the  Company’s Corporate Secretary, Christopher C. Colson,  at
6040 Dutchmans Lane, Louisville, Kentucky 40205. The proposed communication will be reviewed by
Mr. Colson and by the audit committee.  If the communication  is appropriate and serves  to  advance  or
improve the Company or its performance,  then it  will  be  forwarded to the Board or the appropriate
director.

FORM 10-K

The Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended  December 31, 2019,

accompanies this proxy statement. The Company’s Annual Report  does not  form any  part of the  material
for solicitation of proxies.

Any shareholder who wishes to obtain, without charge, a copy  of the  Company’s Annual Report on

Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended  December 31, 2019, which  includes financial statements, and  is
required to be filed with the SEC, may access it at www.texasroadhouse.com in the Investors section or
may send a written request to Christopher  C. Colson, Corporate  Secretary, Texas Roadhouse, Inc.,  6040
Dutchmans Lane, Louisville, Kentucky  40205.

The Board is not aware of any other matters to be presented at  the Annual Meeting  other  than those

set forth herein and routine matters incident to the conduct of the meeting.  If any other matters  should
properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or  postponement thereof,  the persons

OTHER BUSINESS

47

named in the proxy, or their substitutes, intend to vote on  such matters in accordance with their best
judgment.

By Order of the Board of Directors,

Christopher C. Colson
Corporate Secretary

14MAR202012522110

Louisville, Kentucky
April 3, 2020

Please vote your shares through any of  the  methods described on the proxy card as  promptly as possible,
whether  or not you plan to attend the Annual  Meeting in person. If you  do attend  the Annual Meeting, you
may still vote in person, since the proxy may be revoked at any time before  its exercise  by delivering a  written
revocation of the proxy to the Company’s  Corporate Secretary.

48

UNITED STATES 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 
Washington, D.C. 20549 
FORM 10-K 

(Mark One)   

☒ 

☐ 

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 
OR 

For the transition period from                          to                          

Commission File Number 000-50972 
Texas Roadhouse, Inc. 
(Exact name of registrant specified in its charter) 

Delaware 

(State or other jurisdiction of 
incorporation or organization) 

20-1083890 
(IRS Employer 
Identification Number) 

6040 Dutchmans Lane 
Louisville, Kentucky 40205 
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) 
(502) 426-9984 
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: 

Title of each class 
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes   No . 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes  

Name of each exchange on which registered 
NASDAQ Global Select Market 

Trading Symbol(s) 
TXRH 

No . 

Indicate by check mark whether registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act 
of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to 
such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒  No ☐. 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to 

Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required 
to submit such files). Yes ☒  No ☐. 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting 
company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and 
"emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. 
Large accelerated filer  

Non-accelerated filer  

Accelerated filer  

Smaller reporting company ☐
Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying 

with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐  No . 
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of the last day of the second fiscal quarter ended 
June 25, 2019 was $3,496,055,254 based on the closing stock price of $53.10. Shares of voting stock held by each officer and director have been 
excluded in that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates. This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination 
for other purposes. The market value calculation was determined using the closing stock price of our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select 
Market. 

The number of shares of common stock outstanding were 69,405,753 on February 19, 2020. 
Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for the registrant’s 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which is expected to be 
filed pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days of the registrant’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, are incorporated by reference into 
Part III of the Form 10-K. With the exception of the portions of the Proxy Statement expressly incorporated by reference, such document shall not 
be deemed filed with this Form 10-K. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Page 

PART I 
Item 1. 
Item 1A. 
Item 1B. 
Item 2. 
Item 3. 
Item 4. 
PART II 
Item 5. 

Item 6. 
Item 7. 
Item 7A. 
Item 8. 
Item 9. 
Item 9A. 
Item 9B. 
PART III 
Item 10. 
Item 11. 
Item 12. 

Item 13. 
Item 14. 
PART IV 
Item 15. 
Item 16. 

Business  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   5 
Risk Factors  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   16 
Unresolved Staff Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   30 
Properties  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   30 
Legal Proceedings  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   31 
Mine Safety Disclosures  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   31 

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer 
Purchases of Equity Securities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   32 
Selected Financial Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   34 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations . . . . . . . . .   36 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   51 
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   51 
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure . . . . . . . . .   51 
Controls and Procedures  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   52 
Other Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   52 

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   53 
Executive Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   53 
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related 
Stockholder Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   53 
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   53 
Principal Accounting Fees and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   53 

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   54 
Form 10-K Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   56 
Signatures 

2 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains statements about future events and expectations that constitute 

forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and 
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs, 
assumptions and expectations of our future financial and operating performance and growth plans, taking into account 
the information currently available to us. These statements are not statements of historical fact. Forward-looking 
statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results to differ materially from the expectations of 
future results we express or imply in any forward-looking statements. In addition to the other factors discussed under 
"Risk Factors" elsewhere in this report, factors that could contribute to these differences include, but are not limited to: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

our ability to successfully execute our growth strategies; 

our ability to successfully open new restaurants, acquire franchise restaurants and/or execute other strategic 
initiatives; 

our ability to increase and/or maintain sales and profits at our existing restaurants; 

our ability to integrate the franchise or other restaurants which we acquire or develop; 

the continued service of key management personnel; 

health concerns about our food products; 

our ability to attract, motivate and retain qualified employees; 

the impact of federal, state or local government laws and regulations relating to our employees and the sale of 
food and alcoholic beverages; 

the impact of litigation, including remedial actions, payment of damages and expenses and negative publicity; 

the cost of our principal food products; 

labor shortages or increased labor costs, such as health care, market wage levels and workers’ compensation 
insurance costs; 

inflationary increases in the costs of construction and/or real estate; 

changes in consumer preferences and demographic trends; 

the impact of initiatives by competitors and increased competition generally; 

our ability to successfully expand into new and existing domestic and international markets; 

risks associated with partnering in markets with franchisees or other investment partners with whom we have 
no prior history and whose interests may not align with ours; 

risks associated with developing and successfully operating new concepts; 

security breaches of confidential customer information in connection with our electronic processing of credit 
and debit card transactions or the failure of our information technology systems; 

the rate of growth of general and administrative expenses associated with building a strengthened corporate 
infrastructure to support our initiatives; 

negative publicity regarding food safety, health concerns and other food or beverage related matters, including 
the integrity of our or our suppliers’ food processing; 

our franchisees’ adherence to the terms of the franchise agreement; 

3 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

potential fluctuation in our quarterly operating results due to seasonality and other factors; 

supply and delivery shortages or interruptions; 

our ability to adequately protect our intellectual property; 

our ability to raise capital in the future; 

volatility of actuarially determined self-insurance losses and loss estimates; 

adoption of new, or changes in existing, accounting policies and practices; 

changes in and/or interpretations of federal and state tax laws; 

adverse weather conditions which impact guest traffic at our restaurants; and 

unfavorable general economic conditions in the markets in which we operate that adversely affect consumer 
spending. 

The words "believe," "may," "should," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "objective," "seek," "plan," 
"strive," "goal," "projects," "forecasts," "will" or similar words or, in each case, their negative or other variations or 
comparable terminology, identify forward-looking statements. We qualify any forward-looking statements entirely by 
these cautionary factors. 

Other risks, uncertainties and factors, including those discussed under "Risk Factors," or those currently deemed 

immaterial or unknown, could cause our actual results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking 
statements we make. 

We assume no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason or to update 
the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new 
information becomes available in the future, except as required by applicable law. 

4 

 
 
ITEM 1—BUSINESS 

PART I 

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. (the "Company") was incorporated under the laws of the state of Delaware in 2004. The 

principal executive office is located in Louisville, Kentucky. 

General Development of Business 

The Company is a growing restaurant company operating predominately in the casual dining segment. Our founder, 

chairman and chief executive officer, W. Kent Taylor, started the business in 1993 with the opening of the first Texas 
Roadhouse restaurant in Clarksville, Indiana. Since then, we have grown to 611 restaurants in 49 states and ten foreign 
countries. Our mission statement is "Legendary Food, Legendary Service®." Our operating strategy is designed to 
position each of our restaurants as the local hometown favorite for a broad segment of consumers seeking high quality, 
affordable meals served with friendly, attentive service. As of December 31, 2019, we owned and operated 
514 restaurants and franchised an additional 69 domestic restaurants and 28 international restaurants.  

Financial Information about Operating Segments 

We consider our restaurant and franchising operations as similar and have aggregated them into a single reportable 
segment. The majority of the restaurants operate in the U.S. within the casual dining segment of the restaurant industry, 
providing similar products to similar customers, and possessing similar pricing structures, resulting in similar long-term 
expected financial performance characteristics. Each of our 514 company restaurants is considered an operating 
segment.   

Narrative Description of Business 

Of the 514 restaurants we owned and operated at the end of 2019, we operated 484 as Texas Roadhouse restaurants 
and 28 as Bubba’s 33 restaurants. In addition, we operated two restaurants outside of the casual dining segment. In 2020, 
we plan to open at least 30 company restaurants.  While the majority of our restaurant growth in 2020 will be Texas 
Roadhouse restaurants, we currently expect to open as many as seven Bubba’s 33 restaurants.  Throughout this report, 
we use the term "restaurants" to include Texas Roadhouse and Bubba’s 33, unless otherwise noted. 

Texas Roadhouse is a moderately priced, full-service, casual dining restaurant concept offering an assortment of 
specially seasoned and aged steaks hand-cut daily on the premises and cooked to order over open grills. In addition to 
steaks, we also offer our guests a selection of ribs, seafood, chicken, pork chops, pulled pork and vegetable plates, and 
an assortment of hamburgers, salads and sandwiches. The majority of our entrées include two made-from-scratch side 
items, and we offer all our guests a free unlimited supply of roasted in-shell peanuts and fresh baked yeast rolls. 

Bubba’s 33 is a family-friendly, sports restaurant concept featuring scratch-made food, ice cold beer and signature 

drinks. Our menu features burgers, pizza and wings as well as a wide variety of appetizers, sandwiches and dinner 
entrées. Our first Bubba’s 33 restaurant opened in May 2013 in Fayetteville, North Carolina. 

The operating strategy that underlies the growth of our concepts is built on the following key components: 

•  Offering high quality, freshly prepared food.  We place a great deal of emphasis on providing our guests with 
high quality, freshly prepared food. As part of our process, we have developed proprietary recipes to provide 
consistency in quality and taste throughout all restaurants. We expect a management level employee to inspect 
every entrée before it leaves the kitchen to confirm it matches the guest’s order and meets our standards for 
quality, appearance and presentation. In addition, we employ a team of product coaches whose function is to 
provide continual, hands-on training and education to our kitchen staff for the purpose of promoting consistent 
adherence to recipes, food preparation procedures, food safety standards, food appearance, freshness and 
portion size.  At our Texas Roadhouse restaurants, we hand-cut all but one of our assortment of steaks and 
make our sides from scratch.   

5 

•  Offering performance-based manager compensation.  We offer a performance-based compensation program to 
our individual restaurant managers and multi-restaurant operators, who are called "managing partners" and 
"market partners," respectively. Each of these partners earns a base salary plus a performance bonus, which 
represents a percentage of each of their respective restaurant’s pre-tax income. By providing our partners with 
a significant stake in the success of our restaurants, we believe that we are able to attract and retain talented, 
experienced and highly motivated managing and market partners. 

•  Focusing on dinner.  In a high percentage of our restaurants, we limit our operating hours to dinner only during 
the weekdays with approximately one half of our restaurants offering lunch on Friday. By focusing on dinner, 
our restaurant teams have to prepare for and manage only one shift per day during the week. We believe this 
allows our restaurant teams to offer higher quality, more consistent food and service to our guests.  

•  Offering attractive price points.  We offer our food and beverages at moderate price points that we believe are 
as low as or lower than those offered by many of our competitors in any given market. Within each menu 
category, we offer a choice of several price points with the goal of fulfilling each guest’s budget and value 
expectations. For example, at our Texas Roadhouse restaurants, our steak entrées, which include the choice of 
two side items, generally range from $10.99 for our 6-ounce Sirloin to $26.99 for our 23-ounce Porterhouse 
T-Bone. The per guest average check for the Texas Roadhouse restaurants we owned and operated in 2019 was 
$17.57. Per guest average check represents restaurant sales divided by the number of guests served. We 
consider each sale of an entrée to be a single guest served. Our per guest average check is higher as a result of 
our weekday dinner only focus.  At our Bubba’s 33 restaurants, our entrées range from $9.79 for our Classic 
Cheeseburger to $19.99 for our 16-inch Meaty Meaty pizza.   

•  Creating a fun and comfortable atmosphere with a focus on high quality service.  We believe the service 

quality and atmosphere we establish in our restaurants is a key component for fostering repeat business. We 
focus on keeping our table-to-server ratios low to allow our servers to truly focus on their guests and serve their 
needs in a personal, individualized manner. Our Texas Roadhouse restaurants feature a rustic southwestern 
lodge décor accentuated with hand-painted murals, neon signs, and southwestern prints, rugs and artifacts. 
Additionally, we offer jukeboxes, which continuously play upbeat country hits.  Our Bubba’s 33 restaurants 
feature walls lined with televisions playing sports events and music videos and are decorated with sports 
jerseys, neon signs and other local flair.   

Unit Prototype and Economics 

We design our restaurant prototypes to provide a relaxed atmosphere for our guests, while also focusing on 

restaurant-level returns over time. Our current prototypical Texas Roadhouse restaurants consist of a freestanding 
building with approximately 7,200 to 7,600 square feet of space constructed on sites of approximately 1.5 to 2.2 acres or 
retail pad sites, with seating of approximately 58 to 68 tables for a total of 270 to 300 guests, including 18 bar seats, and 
parking for approximately 160 vehicles either on-site or in combination with some form of off-site cross parking 
arrangement. Our current prototypes are adaptable to in-line and end-cap locations and/or spaces within an enclosed mall 
or a shopping center.  Our prototypical Bubba’s 33 restaurant remains under development as we continue to open 
additional restaurants.  We expect most future Bubba’s 33 restaurants to be approximately 7,500 square feet depending 
on the location with seating for approximately 270 guests. 

6 

As of December 31, 2019, we leased 368 properties and owned 146 properties. Our 2019 average unit volume for 

all Texas Roadhouse company restaurants open before June 26, 2018 was $5.6 million. The time required for a new 
Texas Roadhouse restaurant to reach a steady level of cash flow is approximately three to six months. For 2019, the 
average capital investment, including pre-opening expenses and a capitalized rent factor, for the 19 Texas Roadhouse 
company restaurants opened during the year was $5.5 million, broken down as follows: 

      Average Cost       

Land(1)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $  1,295,000   $ 
   2,290,000  
Building(2)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Furniture and Equipment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
   1,255,000  
Pre-opening costs  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
 665,000  
Other(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
 10,000  
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $  5,515,000  

High 

Low 
 700,000   $  1,760,000 
   3,610,000 
   1,370,000 
 915,000 
 90,000 

   1,710,000  
   1,100,000  
 535,000  
—  

(1)  Represents 10x’s initial base rent in the event the land is leased or the average cost for land acquisitions. 
(2)  Includes site work costs. 
(3)  Primarily liquor licensing costs, where applicable. This cost varies based on the licensing requirements in each state. 

Our average capital investment for the Texas Roadhouse restaurants opened in 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $5.5 
million, $5.2 million and $5.3 million, respectively. The increase in our 2019 average capital investment was primarily 
due to higher building costs. We expect our average capital investment for restaurants to be opened in 2020 to be 
approximately $5.6 million.  

Our average capital investment for the Bubba’s 33 restaurants opened in 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $6.7 million, 

$7.1 million and $6.1 million, respectively. The increase in our 2018 average capital investment for our Bubba’s 
33 restaurants was primarily due to higher costs at one urban site in New Jersey as well as higher rent and pre-opening 
costs. Excluding this site, the average capital investment would have been $6.6 million.  We expect our average capital 
investment for restaurants to be opened in 2020 to be approximately $6.7 million.   

We remain focused on driving sales and managing restaurant investment costs in order to maintain our restaurant 

development in the future.  Our capital investment (including cash and non-cash costs) for new restaurants varies 
significantly depending on a number of factors including, but not limited to: the square footage, layout, scope of required 
site work, type of construction labor (union or non-union), local permitting requirements, our ability to negotiate with 
landowners and/or landlords, cost of liquor and other licenses and hook-up fees and geographical location. 

Site Selection 

We continue to refine our site selection process. In analyzing each prospective site, our real estate team, as well as 

our restaurant market partners, devotes significant time and resources to the evaluation of local market demographics, 
population density, household income levels and site-specific characteristics such as visibility, accessibility, traffic 
generators, proximity of other retail activities and competitors, traffic counts and parking. We work actively with 
experienced real estate brokers in target markets to select high quality sites and to maintain and regularly update our 
database of potential sites. We typically require three to six months to locate, approve and control a restaurant site and 
typically six to 12 additional months to obtain necessary permits. Upon receipt of permits, we require approximately 
five months to construct, equip and open a restaurant. 

7 

 
     
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
 
   
 
 
Existing Restaurant Locations 

As of December 31, 2019, we had 514 company restaurants and 97 franchise restaurants in 49 states and ten foreign 

countries as shown in the chart below. 

Number of Restaurants 

     Company      Franchise       Total 

Alabama  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Alaska . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Arizona  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Arkansas  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Colorado  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Connecticut  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Delaware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Florida . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Georgia  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Idaho . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Illinois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Indiana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Iowa  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Kansas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Kentucky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Louisiana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Maine  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Maryland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Massachusetts  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Michigan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Minnesota  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Mississippi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Missouri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Montana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Nebraska . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Nevada. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
New Hampshire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
New Jersey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
New Mexico  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
New York  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
North Carolina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
North Dakota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Ohio  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Oklahoma  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Oregon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Pennsylvania  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Rhode Island  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
South Carolina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
South Dakota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Tennessee  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Utah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Vermont . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Virginia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Washington  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
West Virginia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Wisconsin  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Wyoming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Total domestic restaurants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Bahrain  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
China . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
South Korea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Kuwait . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Mexico. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Philippines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Qatar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Saudi Arabia  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Taiwan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
United Arab Emirates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Total international restaurants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Total system-wide restaurants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    

8 

 8    
 2    
 18    
 6    
 4    
 16    
 5    
 2    
 39    
 10    
 5    
 16    
 21    
 9    
 6    
 13    
 10    
 3    
 8    
 10    
 14    
 4    
 3    
 17    
—    
 3    
 2    
 3    
 9    
 5    
 20    
 19    
 2    
 32    
 8    
 2    
 25    
 3    
 3    
 2    
 15    
 69    
 9    
 1    
 17    
 1    
 3    
 10    
 2    
 514    
—   
—   
—   
—    
—   
—    
—    
—    
—   
—   
—    
 514    

—    
—    
—    
—    
 8    
 1    
—    
 2    
—    
 5    
—    
—    
 8    
—    
 1    
 2    
 1    
—    
 6    
 1    
 3    
—    
—    
—    
 1    
 1    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
 1    
 2    
—    
—    
 6    
—    
 6    
—    
 2    
 5    
 1    
—    
—    
—    
 3    
 3    
—    
 69    
 1   
 1   
 1   
 3    
 1   
 5    
 2    
 5    
 3   
 6   
 28    
 97    

 8 
 2 
 18 
 6 
 12 
 17 
 5 
 4 
 39 
 15 
 5 
 16 
 29 
 9 
 7 
 15 
 11 
 3 
 14 
 11 
 17 
 4 
 3 
 17 
 1 
 4 
 2 
 3 
 9 
 5 
 20 
 19 
 3 
 34 
 8 
 2 
 31 
 3 
 9 
 2 
 17 
 74 
 10 
 1 
 17 
 1 
 6 
 13 
 2 
 583 
 1 
 1 
 1 
 3 
 1 
 5 
 2 
 5 
 3 
 6 
 28 
 611 

 
 
 
 
Food 

Menu.  Our restaurants offer a wide variety of menu items at attractive prices that are designed to appeal to a broad 

range of consumer tastes. At Texas Roadhouse restaurants, our dinner entrée prices generally range from $8.99 to 
$26.99. We offer a broad assortment of specially seasoned and aged steaks, all cooked over open grills and all but one 
hand-cut daily on the premises. We also offer our guests a selection of ribs, seafood, chicken, pork chops, pulled pork 
and vegetable plates, and an assortment of hamburgers, salads and sandwiches. Entrée prices include unlimited peanuts, 
fresh baked yeast rolls and most include the choice of two made-from-scratch sides.  Other menu items include specialty 
appetizers such as the "Cactus Blossom®" and "Rattlesnake Bites®". We also provide a "12 & Under" menu for children 
that includes a selection of smaller-sized entrées served with one side item and a beverage at prices generally between 
$3.99 and $8.99.  At Bubba’s 33 restaurants, our menu prices, excluding appetizers, generally range from $9.79 to 
$19.99.  We offer a broad assortment of wings, burgers, pizzas, salads and sandwiches.  In addition, we also offer our 
guests a selection of chicken, beef and seafood entrées.  Our Bubba’s 33 restaurants also offer an extensive selection of 
draft beer.  We provide a "12 & Under" menu for children at our Bubba’s 33 restaurants that includes a selection of 
items, including a beverage, at prices generally between $3.99 and $5.99. 

Most of our restaurants feature a full bar that offers an extensive selection of draft and bottled beer, major brands of 

liquor and wine as well as made in-house margaritas. Managing partners are encouraged to tailor their beer selection to 
include regional and local brands. Alcoholic beverages at our Texas Roadhouse restaurants accounted for 10.6% of 
restaurant sales in fiscal 2019. 

We always strive to maintain a consistent menu at our restaurants. We continually review our menu to consider 

enhancements to existing menu items or the introduction of new items. We change our menu only after guest feedback 
and an extensive study of the operational and economic implications. To maintain our high levels of food quality and 
service, we generally remove one menu item for every new menu item introduced to facilitate our ability to execute high 
quality meals on a focused range of menu items. 

Food Quality and Safety.  We are committed to serving a varied menu of high quality, great tasting food items with 
an emphasis on freshness. We have developed proprietary recipes to promote consistency in quality and taste throughout 
all restaurants and provide a unique flavor experience to our guests. At each domestic Texas Roadhouse restaurant, a 
trained meat cutter hand cuts our steaks and other restaurant employees prepare our side items and yeast rolls from 
scratch in the restaurants daily. At both Texas Roadhouse and Bubba’s 33 restaurants, we assign individual kitchen 
employees to the preparation of designated food items in order to focus on quality, consistency, speed and food safety. 
Additionally, we expect a management level employee to inspect every entrée before it leaves the kitchen to confirm it 
matches the guest’s order and meets our standards for quality, appearance and presentation. 

We employ a team of product coaches whose function is to provide continual, hands-on training and education to 

the kitchen staff in our restaurants for the purpose of reinforcing food quality, recipe consistency, food preparation 
procedures, food safety and sanitation standards, food appearance, freshness and portion size. The product coach team 
supports substantially all restaurants system-wide. 

Food safety and sanitation is of utmost importance to us. We currently utilize several programs to help facilitate 
adherence to proper food preparation procedures and food safety standards including our daily taste and temperature 
procedures. We have a food team whose function, in conjunction with our product coaches, is to develop, enforce and 
maintain programs designed to promote compliance with food safety guidelines. As a requirement of our quality 
assurance process, primary food items purchased from qualified vendors have been inspected by reputable, outside 
inspection services confirming that the vendor is compliant with United States Food and Drug Administration and 
United States Department of Agriculture guidelines.   

We perform food safety and sanitation audits on our restaurants each year and these results are reviewed by various 

members of operations and management. To maximize adherence to food safety protocols, we have incorporated 
HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) principles and critical procedures (such as hand washing) in each 
recipe. All restaurant managers are required to complete the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Certified 
Food Manager training. In addition, most of our product coaches and food team members have obtained or are in the 
process of obtaining their Certified Professional-Food Safety designation from the National Environmental Health 
Association. 

9 

Purchasing.  Our purchasing philosophy is designed to supply fresh, quality products to the restaurants at 
competitive prices while maximizing operating efficiencies. We negotiate directly with suppliers for substantially all 
food and beverage products to maximize quality and freshness and obtain competitive prices.  

Food and supplies are ordered by and shipped directly to the domestic restaurants. Most food products used in the 

operation of our restaurants are distributed to individual restaurants through an independent national distribution 
company. We strive to qualify more than one supplier for all key food items and believe that beef of comparable quality 
as well as all other essential food and beverage products are available, upon short notice, from alternative qualified 
suppliers. 

Service 

Service Quality.  We believe that guest satisfaction and our ability to continually evaluate and improve the guest 
experience at each of our restaurants is important to our success. We employ a team of service coaches whose function is 
to provide consistent, hands-on training and education to our managers and service staff in our restaurants for the 
purpose of reinforcing service quality and consistency, team work and staff attentiveness and manage interaction in the 
dining room.  The service coach team supports substantially all restaurants system-wide. 

Guest Satisfaction.  Through the use of guest surveys, our websites, "texasroadhouse.com" and "bubbas33.com," a 

toll-free guest response telephone line, emails, letters, social media, and personal interaction in the restaurant, we receive 
valuable feedback from guests. Additionally, we employ an outside service to administer a "Secret Shopper" program 
whereby trained individuals periodically dine and comprehensively evaluate the guest experience at each of our domestic 
restaurants. Particular attention is given to food, beverage and service quality, cleanliness, staff attitude and teamwork, 
and manager visibility and interaction. The resulting reports are used for follow up training and providing feedback to 
both staff and management. We continue to evaluate and implement processes relating to guest satisfaction, including 
reducing guest wait times and improving host interaction with the guest.  

Atmosphere.  The atmosphere of our restaurants is intended to appeal to broad segments of the population including 

children, families, couples, adults and business persons. Substantially all Texas Roadhouse restaurants are of our 
prototype design, reflecting a rustic southwestern lodge atmosphere. The interiors feature wood walls and stained 
concrete floors and are decorated with hand-painted murals, neon signs, southwestern prints, rugs and artifacts. The 
restaurants contain jukeboxes that continuously play upbeat country hits. Guests may also view a display-baking area, 
where our fresh baked yeast rolls are prepared, and a meat cooler displaying fresh cut steaks. While waiting for a table, 
guests can enjoy complimentary roasted in-shell peanuts and upon being seated at a table, guests can enjoy fresh baked 
yeast rolls along with roasted in-shell peanuts.  Our Bubba’s 33 restaurants feature walls lined with televisions playing a 
variety of sports events and music videos and are decorated with sports jerseys, neon signs and other local flair.   

People 

Management Personnel.   Each of our restaurants is generally staffed with one managing partner, one kitchen 
manager, one service manager and one or more additional assistant managers. Managing partners are single restaurant 
operators who have primary responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the entire restaurant.  Kitchen managers have 
primary responsibility for managing operations relating to our food preparation and food quality, and service managers 
have primary responsibility for managing our service quality and guest experiences.  The assistant managers support our 
kitchen and service managers; these managers are collectively responsible for the operations of the restaurant in the 
absence of a managing partner.  All managers are responsible for maintaining our standards of quality and performance. 
We use market partners to oversee the operation of our restaurants. Each market partner oversees a group of varying 
sizes of managing partners and their respective management teams. Market partners are also responsible for the hiring 
and development of each restaurant’s management team and assisting in the site selection process.  Through regular 
visits to the restaurants, the market partners facilitate adherence to all aspects of our concepts, strategies and standards of 
quality. To further facilitate adherence to our standards of quality and to maximize uniform execution throughout the 
system, we employ product coaches and service coaches who regularly visit the restaurants to assist in training of both 
new and existing employees and to grade food and service quality. The attentive service and high quality food, which 
results from each restaurant having a managing partner, at least two to three managers and the hands-on assistance of a 
product coach and a service coach, are critical to our success. 

Training and Development.  All restaurant employees are required to complete varying degrees of training before 

and during employment. Our comprehensive training program emphasizes our operating strategy, procedures and 

10 

standards, including responsible alcohol service, and is conducted individually at our restaurants or in groups in 
Louisville, Kentucky. 

Our managing and market partners are generally required to have significant experience in the full-service 

restaurant industry and are generally hired at a minimum of nine to 12 months before their placement in a new or 
existing restaurant to allow time to fully train in all aspects of restaurant operations. All managing partners, kitchen and 
service managers and other management employees are required to complete an extensive training program of up to 
20 weeks, which includes training for every position in the restaurant. Trainees are validated at pre-determined points 
during their training by a market partner, managing partner, product coach and service coach. 

A number of our restaurants have been certified as training centers by our training department. This certification 

confirms that the training center adheres to established operating procedures and guidelines. Additionally, most 
restaurants are staffed with training coordinators responsible for ongoing daily training needs. 

For new restaurant openings, a full team of designated trainers, each specializing in a specific restaurant position, is 
deployed to the restaurant at least ten days before opening. Formal employee training begins seven days before opening 
and follows a uniform, comprehensive training course as directed by a service coach. 

Marketing 

Our marketing strategy aims to promote our brands while retaining a localized focus. We strive to increase 
comparable restaurant sales by increasing the frequency of visits by our current guests and attracting new guests to our 
restaurants and also by communicating and promoting our brands’ food quality, the guest experience and value. We 
accomplish these objectives through three major initiatives. 

Local Restaurant Marketing.  Given our strategy to be a neighborhood destination, local restaurant marketing is 

integral in developing brand awareness in each market. Managing partners are encouraged to participate in creative 
community-based marketing. We also engage in a variety of promotional activities, such as contributing time, money 
and complimentary meals to charitable, civic and cultural programs. We employ marketing coordinators at the restaurant 
and market level to develop and execute the majority of the local marketing strategies. 

In-restaurant Marketing.  A significant portion of our marketing fund is spent communicating with our guests 
inside our restaurants through point of purchase materials. We believe special promotions such as Valentine’s Day and 
Mother’s Day drive notable repeat business. Our eight-week holiday gift card campaign is one of our most impactful 
promotions. 

Advertising.  Our restaurants do not rely on national television or print advertising to promote our brands. Earned 

media on a local level is a critical part of our strategy that features our products and people. Our restaurants use a 
permission-based email loyalty program, as well as social media and digital marketing, to promote the brand and engage 
with our guests. Our approach to media aligns with our focus on local store marketing and community involvement. 

Restaurant Franchise Arrangements 

Franchise Restaurants.  As of December 31, 2019, we had 26 franchisees that operated 97 Texas Roadhouse 
restaurants in 22 states and ten foreign countries. Domestically, franchise rights are granted for specific restaurants only, 
as we have not granted any rights to develop a territory in the United States.  We are currently not accepting new 
domestic franchisees.  Approximately 75% of our franchise restaurants are operated by ten franchisees and no franchisee 
operates more than 17 restaurants. 

Our standard domestic franchise agreement has a term of ten years with two renewal options for an additional 
five years each if certain conditions are satisfied. Our current form of domestic franchise agreement generally requires 
the franchisee to pay a royalty fee of 4.0% of gross sales. We may, at our discretion, waive or reduce the royalty fee on a 
temporary or permanent basis. "Gross sales" means the total selling price of all services and products related to the 
restaurant. Gross sales do not include: 

• 

• 

employee discounts or other discounts; 

tips or gratuities paid directly to employees by guests; 

11 

• 

• 

any federal, state, municipal or other sales, value added or retailer’s excise taxes; or 

adjustments for net returns on salable goods and discounts allowed to guests on sales. 

Domestic franchisees are currently required to pay 0.3% of gross sales to a national marketing fund for system-wide 

promotions and related marketing efforts. We have the ability under our agreements to increase the required marketing 
fund contribution up to 2.5% of gross sales. We may also charge a marketing fee of 0.5% of gross sales, which we may 
use for market research and to develop system-wide promotional and marketing materials. A franchisee’s total required 
marketing contribution or spending will not be more than 3.0% of gross sales. 

Our standard domestic franchise agreement gives us the right, but not the obligation, to compel a franchisee to 
transfer its assets to us in exchange for shares of our stock, or to convert its equity interests into shares of our stock. The 
amount of shares that a franchisee would receive is based on a formula that is included in the franchise agreement. 

We have entered into area development and franchise agreements for the development and operation of Texas 
Roadhouse restaurants in several foreign countries.  We currently have signed franchise and/or development agreements 
in nine countries in the Middle East as well as Taiwan, the Philippines, Mexico, China and South Korea. As of 
December 31, 2019, we had 17 restaurants open in five countries in the Middle East, three restaurants open in Taiwan, 
five in the Philippines and one each in Mexico, China and South Korea for a total of 28 restaurants in ten foreign 
countries.  For the existing international agreements, the franchisee is generally required to pay us a franchise fee for 
each restaurant to be opened, royalties on the gross sales of each restaurant and a development fee for our grant of 
development rights in the named countries. We anticipate that the specific business terms of any future franchise 
agreement for international restaurants might vary significantly from the standard terms of our domestic agreements and 
from the terms of existing international agreements, depending on the territory to be franchised and the extent of 
franchisor-provided services to each franchisee. 

Any of our franchise agreements, whether domestic or international, may be terminated if the franchisee defaults in 

the performance of any of its obligations under the development or franchise agreement, including its obligations to 
develop the territory or operate its restaurants in accordance with our standards and specifications. A franchise 
agreement may also be terminated if a franchisee becomes insolvent, fails to make its required payments, creates a threat 
to the public health or safety, ceases to operate the restaurant, or misuses the Texas Roadhouse trademarks. 

Franchise Compliance Assurance.  We have various systems in place to promote compliance with our systems and 
standards, both during the development and operation of franchise restaurants. We actively work with our franchisees to 
ensure successful franchise operations as well as compliance with the Texas Roadhouse standards and procedures. 
During the restaurant development phase, we consent to the selection of restaurant sites and make available copies of our 
prototype building plans to franchisees. In addition, we ensure that the building design is in compliance with our 
standards. We provide training to the managing partner and up to three other managers of a franchisee’s first restaurant. 
We also provide trainers to assist in the opening of every domestic franchise restaurant and we provide trainers to assist 
our international franchisees in the opening of their restaurants until such time as they develop an approved restaurant 
opening training program. Finally, on an ongoing basis, we conduct reviews on all franchise restaurants to determine 
their level of effectiveness in executing our concept at a variety of operational levels. Our franchisees are required to 
follow the same standards and procedures regarding equipment and food purchases, preparation and safety procedures as 
we maintain in our company restaurants. Reviews are conducted by seasoned operations teams and focus on key areas 
including health, safety and execution proficiency. 

Management Services.  We provide management services to 24 of the franchise restaurants in which we and/or our 
founder have an ownership interest and six additional franchise restaurants in which neither we nor our founder have an 
ownership interest. Such management services include accounting, operational supervision, human resources, training, 
and food, beverage and equipment consulting for which we receive monthly fees of up to 2.5% of gross sales. We also 
make available to these restaurants certain legal services, restaurant employees and employee benefits on a pass-through 
cost basis.  

Information Technology 

All of our company restaurants utilize computerized management information systems, which are designed to 
improve operating efficiencies, provide restaurant and Support Center management with timely access to financial and 
operating data and reduce administrative time and expense. With our current information systems, we have the ability to 

12 

query, report and analyze this intelligent data on a daily, weekly, period, quarterly and year-to-date basis and beyond, on 
a company-wide, regional or individual restaurant basis. Together, this enables us to closely monitor sales, food and 
beverage costs and labor and operating expenses at each of our restaurants. We have a number of systems and reports 
that provide comparative information that enables both restaurant and Support Center management to supervise the 
financial and operational performance of our restaurants and to recognize and understand trends in the business. Our 
accounting department uses a standard, integrated system to prepare monthly profit and loss statements, which provides 
a detailed analysis of sales and costs. These monthly profit and loss statements are compared both to the 
restaurant-prepared reports and to prior periods. Restaurant hardware and software support for all of our restaurants is 
provided and coordinated from the restaurant Support Center in Louisville, Kentucky. Currently, we utilize cable, digital 
subscriber lines (DSL) or T-1 technology at the restaurant level, which serves as a high-speed, secure communication 
link between the restaurants and our Support Center as well as our credit and gift card processors. We guard against 
business interruption by maintaining a disaster recovery plan, which includes storing critical business information 
off-site, maintaining a redundant data center, testing the disaster recovery plan and providing on-site power backup. 

We accept credit cards and gift cards as payment at our restaurants. We have systems and processes in place that 

focus on the protection of our guests’ credit card information and other private information that we are required to 
protect, such as our employees’ personal information. Our systems have been carefully designed and configured to 
safeguard against data loss or compromise. We submit our systems to regular audit and review, including the 
requirements of Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards. We also periodically scan our networks to assess 
vulnerability.  See Risk Factors in Item 1A of this Form 10-K for a discussion of risks associated with breaches of 
security related to confidential guest and/or employee information. 

We believe that our current systems and practice of implementing regular updates will position us well to support 
current needs and future growth. Information systems projects are prioritized based on strategic, financial, regulatory and 
other business advantage criteria. 

Competition 

Competition in the restaurant industry is intense. We compete with well-established food service companies on the 

basis of taste, quality and price of the food offered, service, atmosphere, location, take-out and delivery options and 
overall dining experience. Our competitors include a large and diverse group of restaurant chains and individual 
restaurants that range from independent local operators that have opened restaurants in various markets to 
well-capitalized national restaurant companies. We also face competition from meal kit delivery services as well as the 
supermarket industry. In addition, improving product offerings of fast casual and quick-service restaurants, together with 
negative economic conditions could cause consumers to choose less expensive alternatives. Although we believe that we 
compete favorably with respect to each of the above factors, other restaurants and retail establishments compete for the 
same casual dining guests, quality site locations and restaurant-level employees as we do. We expect intense competition 
to continue in all of these areas. 

Trademarks 

Our registered trademarks and service marks include, among others, our trade names and our logo and proprietary 
rights related to certain core menu offerings. We have registered all of our significant marks for our restaurants with the 
United States Patent and Trademark Office. We have registered or have registrations pending for our most significant 
trademarks and service marks in 52 foreign jurisdictions. To better protect our brands, we have also registered various 
Internet domain names. We believe that our trademarks, service marks and other proprietary rights have significant value 
and are important to our brand-building efforts and the marketing of our restaurant concepts. 

Government Regulation 

We are subject to a variety of federal, state, local and international laws affecting our business.  For a discussion of 

the risks and potential impact on our business of a failure by us to comply with applicable laws and regulations, see 
Item 1A, Risk Factors. 

13 

Each of our restaurants is subject to permitting and licensing requirements and regulations by a number of 
government authorities, which may include, among others, alcoholic beverage control, health and safety, sanitation, 
labor, zoning and public safety agencies in the state and/or municipality in which each restaurant is located.  The 
development and operation of restaurants depends on selecting and acquiring suitable sites, which are subject to zoning, 
land use, environmental, traffic and other regulations.  In addition to domestic regulations, our international business 
exposes us to additional regulations, including antitrust and tax requirements, anti-boycott legislation, import/export and 
customs regulations and other international trade regulations, the USA Patriot Act and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. 

We are subject to laws and regulations relating to the preparation and sale of food, including regulations regarding 
product safety, nutritional content and menu labeling.  We are or may become subject to laws and regulations requiring 
disclosure of calorie, fat, trans-fat, salt and allergen content.  In 2018, federal regulations went into effect under the 
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 ("PPACA") requiring new menu nutritional labeling requirements.  
As a result, we include calorie information on our menus and make additional nutritional information available at our 
restaurants and on our website.  Future regulatory action may occur which could result in further changes in the federal 
nutritional disclosure requirements. 

In order to serve alcoholic beverages in our restaurants, we must comply with alcoholic beverage control 
regulations which require each of our restaurants to apply to a state authority, and, in certain locations, county or 
municipal authorities, for a license or permit to sell alcoholic beverages on the premises.  These licenses or permits must 
be renewed annually and may be revoked or suspended for cause at any time.  Alcoholic beverage control regulations 
affect numerous aspects of restaurant operations, including minimum age of patrons and employees, hours of operation, 
advertising, training, wholesale purchasing, inventory control and handling, storage and dispensing of alcoholic 
beverages.  State and local authorities in many jurisdictions routinely monitor compliance with alcoholic beverage laws.  
The failure of a restaurant to obtain or retain these licenses or permits would have a material adverse effect on the 
restaurant’s operations.  We are also subject in certain states to "dram shop" statutes, which generally provide a person 
injured by an intoxicated person the right to recover damages from an establishment that wrongfully served alcoholic 
beverages to the intoxicated person.  Consistent with industry standards, we carry liquor liability coverage as part of our 
existing comprehensive general liability insurance as well as excess umbrella coverage.  In 2019, the sale of alcoholic 
beverages accounted for 10.6% of our Texas Roadhouse restaurant sales.   

Our restaurant operations are also subject to federal and state labor laws governing such matters as minimum and 
tipped wage requirements, overtime pay, health benefits, unemployment taxes, workers’ compensation, work eligibility 
requirements, working conditions, safety standards, and hiring and employment practices.  We have many restaurants 
located in states or municipalities where the minimum and/or tipped wage is greater than the federal minimum and/or 
tipped wage.  We anticipate that additional legislation increasing minimum and/or tipped wage standards will be enacted 
in future periods and in other jurisdictions.  Further regulatory action may occur which could result in changes to 
healthcare eligibility, design and cost structure.  

A significant number of our hourly restaurant personnel receive tips as part of their compensation and are paid at or 

above a minimum wage rate after giving effect to applicable tips.  We rely on our employees to accurately disclose the 
full amount of their tip income.  We base our FICA tax reporting on the disclosures provided to us by such tipped 
employees. 

Our facilities must comply with the applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 
("ADA") and related state accessibility statutes.  Under the ADA and related state laws, we must provide equivalent 
service to disabled persons and make reasonable accommodation for their employment.  In addition, when constructing 
or undertaking remodeling of our restaurants, we must make those facilities accessible. 

We are subject to laws relating to information security, privacy, cashless payments and consumer credit protection 

and fraud.  An increasing number of governments and industry groups worldwide have established data privacy laws and 
standards for the protection of personal information, including social security numbers, financial information (including 
credit card numbers), and health information. 

Seasonality 

Our business is also subject to minor seasonal fluctuations. Historically, sales in most of our restaurants have been 
higher during the winter months of each year. Holidays, changes in weather, severe weather and similar conditions may 

14 

 
 
impact sales volumes seasonally in some operating regions. As a result, our quarterly operating results and comparable 
restaurant sales may fluctuate as a result of seasonality. Accordingly, results for any one quarter are not necessarily 
indicative of results to be expected for any other quarter or for any year and comparable restaurant sales for any 
particular future period may decrease. 

Employees 

As of December 31, 2019, we employed approximately 67,900 people. This amount includes 682 executive and 

administrative personnel and 2,526 restaurant management personnel, while the remainder were hourly restaurant 
personnel. Many of our hourly restaurant employees work part-time. None of our employees are covered by a collective 
bargaining agreement. 

Website Access to Reports 

We make our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and 

amendments to those reports, filed or furnished pursuant to section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934, available, free of charge on or through our Internet website, www.texasroadhouse.com, as soon as reasonably 
practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission 
("SEC").  The SEC maintains an internet site at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information 
statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. 

Information about our Executive Officers  

Set forth below are the name, age, position and a brief account of the business experience of each of our executive 
officers.  Executive officers are appointed by our Board of Directors and serve until their successors are elected or until 
resignation or removal, in accordance with their employment agreements. There are no family relationships among any 
of our executive officers. 

Name 
W. Kent Taylor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
S. Chris Jacobsen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Tonya R. Robinson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Douglas W. Thompson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   

Age 
64 
54 
51 
56 

Position 

  Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President 
  Chief Marketing Officer 
  Chief Financial Officer 
  Chief Operating Officer 

W. Kent Taylor.  Mr. Taylor founded Texas Roadhouse in 1993.  He resumed his role as Chief Executive Officer in 

August 2011, a position he held between May 2000 and October 2004, and his role as President in June 2019.  He was 
named Chairman of the Company and Board in October 2004. Before his founding of our concept, Mr. Taylor founded 
and co-owned Buckhead Bar and Grill in Louisville, Kentucky. Mr. Taylor has over 35 years of experience in the 
restaurant industry. 

S. Chris Jacobsen.  Mr. Jacobsen was appointed Chief Marketing Officer in February 2016.  Mr. Jacobsen joined 

Texas Roadhouse in January 2003 and has served as Vice President of Marketing since 2011.  Prior to joining us, 
Mr. Jacobsen was employed by Papa John’s International and Waffle House, Inc. where he held various senior level 
marketing positions.  He has over 25 years of restaurant industry experience. 

Tonya R. Robinson.  Ms. Robinson was appointed Chief Financial Officer in May 2018.  She joined Texas 
Roadhouse in December 1998, during which time she has held the positions of Controller, Director of Financial 
Reporting and Vice President of Finance and Investor Relations.  Ms. Robinson has over 20 years of restaurant industry 
experience. 

Douglas W. Thompson. Mr. Thompson was appointed Chief Operating Officer in August 2018.  He joined Texas 
Roadhouse in 2002 as a Market Partner and has served as our Vice President of Operations since 2015.  Before joining 
the company, Mr. Thompson was a single and multi-unit operator with both Outback Steakhouse, Inc. and Bennigan’s 
Restaurants.  Mr. Thompson has over 30 years of restaurant industry experience. 

15 

 
     
     
 
 
 
ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS 

From time to time, in periodic reports and oral statements and in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we present 

statements about future events and expectations that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of 
Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as 
amended. Forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs, assumptions and expectations of our future financial and 
operating performance and growth plans, taking into account the information currently available to us. These statements 
are not statements of historical fact. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause our 
actual results to differ materially from the expectations of future results we express or imply in any forward-looking 
statements. 

Careful consideration should be given to the risks described below. If any of the risks and uncertainties described in 

the cautionary factors described below actually occurs, our business, financial condition and results of operations, and 
the trading price of our common stock could be materially and adversely affected. Moreover, we operate in a very 
competitive and rapidly changing environment. New factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible to predict 
the impact of all these factors on our business, financial condition or results of operations. 

If we fail to manage our growth effectively, it could harm our business. 

Risks Related to our Growth and Operating Strategy 

Failure to manage our growth effectively could harm our business.  We have grown significantly since our 
inception and intend to continue growing in the future.  Our objective is to grow our business and increase shareholder 
value by (1) expanding our base of company restaurants that are profitable and (2) increasing sales and profits at existing 
restaurants.  While both these methods of achieving our objective are important to us, historically the most significant 
means of achieving our objective has been through opening new restaurants and operating these restaurants on a 
profitable basis.  As we open and operate more restaurants, our rate of expansion relative to the size of our existing 
restaurant base will likely decline, which may make it increasingly difficult to achieve levels of sales and profitability 
growth that we have seen in the past.  In addition, our existing restaurant management systems, field support systems, 
financial and management controls and information systems may not be adequate to support our planned expansion. Our 
ability to manage our growth effectively will require us to continue to enhance these systems, procedures and controls 
and to locate, hire, train and retain management and operating personnel.  We also place a lot of importance on our 
culture, which we believe has been an important contributor to our success. As we grow, we may have difficulty 
maintaining our culture or adapting it sufficiently to meet the needs of our operations, or finding new employees 
(including new employees arising from a strategic initiative) to assimilate to our culture and brand standards.  We cannot 
assure you that we will be able to respond on a timely basis to all of the changing demands that our planned expansion 
will impose on management and on our existing infrastructure. If we are unable to manage our growth effectively, our 
business and operating results could be materially adversely impacted.   

Our growth strategy, which primarily depends on our ability to open new restaurants that are profitable, is subject to 
many factors, some of which are beyond our control. 

We cannot assure you that we will be able to open new restaurants in accordance with our expansion plans. We 
have experienced delays in opening some of our restaurants in the past and may experience delays in the future. Delays 
or failures in opening new restaurants could materially adversely affect our growth strategy. One of our biggest 
challenges in executing our growth strategy is locating and securing an adequate supply of suitable new restaurant sites. 
Competition for suitable restaurant sites in our target markets is intense. Our ability to open new restaurants will also 
depend on numerous other factors, some of which are beyond our control, including, but not limited to, the following: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

our ability to find sufficient suitable locations for new restaurant sites; 

our ability to hire, train and retain qualified operating personnel, especially market partners and managing 
partners; 

our ability to negotiate suitable purchase or lease terms; 

the availability of construction materials and labor; 

our ability to control construction and development costs of new restaurants; 

16 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

our ability to secure required governmental approvals and permits in a timely manner, or at all; 

the delay or cancellation of new site development by developers and landlords; 

our ability to secure liquor licenses; 

general economic conditions; 

the cost and availability of capital to fund construction costs and pre-opening expenses; and 

the impact of inclement weather, natural disasters and other calamities. 

Once opened, we anticipate that our new restaurants will generally take several months to reach planned operating 
levels due to start-up inefficiencies typically associated with new restaurants. We cannot assure you that any restaurant 
we open will be profitable or obtain operating results similar to those of our existing restaurants. Some of our new 
restaurants will be located in areas where we have little or no meaningful experience.  Those new markets may have 
smaller trade areas and different competitive conditions, consumer tastes and discretionary spending patterns than our 
traditional, existing markets, which may cause our new store locations to be less successful than restaurants in our 
existing market areas.  Restaurants opened in new markets may open at lower average weekly sales volume than 
restaurants opened in existing markets and may have higher restaurant-level operating expense ratios than in existing 
markets. Sales at restaurants opened in new markets may take longer to reach average unit volume, if at all, thereby 
affecting our overall profitability.  Additionally, the opening of a new restaurant could negatively impact sales at one or 
more of our existing nearby restaurants, which could adversely affect our financial performance. 

Our ability to operate new restaurants profitably will depend on numerous factors, including those discussed below 

impacting our average unit volume and comparable restaurant sales growth, some of which are beyond our control, 
including, but not limited to, the following: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

competition, either from our competitors in the restaurant industry or our own restaurants; 

consumer acceptance of our restaurants in new domestic or international markets; 

changes in consumer tastes and/or discretionary spending patterns; 

lack of market awareness of our brands; 

the ability of the market partner and the managing partner to execute our business strategy at the new 
restaurant; 

general economic conditions which can affect restaurant traffic, local labor costs, and prices we pay for the 
food products and other supplies we use; 

changes in government regulation; 

road construction and other factors limiting access to the restaurant;  

delays by our landlord or other developers in constructing other parts of a development adjacent to our 
premises in a timely manner; and 

the impact of inclement weather, natural disasters and other calamities. 

Our failure to successfully open new restaurants that are profitable in accordance with our growth strategy could 

harm our business and future prospects.  In addition, our inability to open new restaurants and provide growth 
opportunities for our employees could result in the loss of qualified personnel which could harm our business and future 
prospects. 

17 

You should not rely on past changes in our average unit volume or our comparable restaurant sales growth as an 
indication of our future results of operations because they may fluctuate significantly. 

A number of factors have historically affected, and will continue to affect, our average unit volume and comparable 

restaurant sales growth, including, among other factors: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

consumer awareness and understanding of our brands; 

our ability to execute our business strategy effectively; 

unusual initial sales performance by new restaurants; 

competition, either from our competitors in the restaurant industry or our own restaurants; 

the impact of inclement weather, natural disasters and other calamities; 

consumer trends and seasonality; 

our ability to increase menu prices without adversely impacting guest traffic counts or per person average 
check growth; 

introduction of new menu items; 

negative publicity regarding food safety, health concerns, quality of service, and other food or beverage related 
matters, including the integrity of our or our suppliers’ food processing; 

general economic conditions, which can affect restaurant traffic, local labor costs and prices we pay for the 
food products and other supplies we use; and 

effects of actual or threatened terrorist attacks. 

Our average unit volume and comparable restaurant sales growth may not increase at rates achieved in the past, 

which may affect our sales growth and will continue to be a critical factor affecting our profitability.  In addition, 
changes in our average unit volume and comparable restaurant sales growth could cause the price of our common stock 
to fluctuate substantially. 

The development of new restaurant concepts may not contribute to our growth. 

The development of new restaurant concepts may not be as successful as our experience in the development of the 
Texas Roadhouse concept.  In May 2013, we launched a new concept, Bubba’s 33, a family-friendly, sports restaurant, 
which currently has lower brand awareness and less operating experience than most Texas Roadhouse restaurants and a 
higher initial investment cost.  As a result, the development of the Bubba’s 33 concept may not contribute to our average 
unit volume growth and/or profitability in an incremental way.  As of December 31, 2019, we have expanded the 
concept to 28 restaurants and expect to open as many as seven additional locations in 2020.  However, we can provide 
no assurance that new units will be accepted in the markets targeted for the expansion of this concept or that we will be 
able to achieve our targeted returns when opening new locations.  In the future, we may determine not to move forward 
with any further expansion of Bubba’s 33 or other concepts.  These decisions could limit our overall long-term growth.  
Additionally, expansion of Bubba’s 33 or other concepts might divert our management’s attention from other business 
concerns and could have an adverse impact on our core Texas Roadhouse business. 

18 

Our expansion into international markets presents increased economic, political, regulatory and other risks. 

As of December 31, 2019, our operations include 28 Texas Roadhouse franchise restaurants in ten countries outside 

the United States, and we expect to have further international expansion in the future.  The entrance into international 
markets may not be as successful as our experience in the development of the Texas Roadhouse concept domestically or 
any success we have had in other international markets.  In addition, operating in international markets may require 
significant resources and management attention and will subject us to economic, political and regulatory risks that are 
different from and incremental to those in the United States. In addition to the risks that we face in the United States, our 
international operations involve risks that could adversely affect our business, including: 

• 

• 

• 
• 

• 
• 

• 
• 

• 
• 

• 
• 

• 

• 
• 

• 

the need to adapt our brands for specific cultural and language differences; 

new and different sources of competition; 

the ability to identify appropriate business partners; 

difficulties and costs associated with staffing and managing foreign operations; 

difficulties in adapting and sourcing product specifications for international restaurant locations; 

fluctuations in currency exchange rates, which could impact revenues and expenses of our international 
operations and expose us to foreign currency exchange rate risk; 

difficulties in complying with local laws, regulations, and customs in foreign jurisdictions; 

unexpected changes in regulatory requirements or tariffs on goods needed to construct and/or operate our 
restaurants; 

political or social unrest, economic instability and destabilization of a region;  

effects of actual or threatened terrorist attacks; 

health concerns from global pandemics; 

compliance with U.S. laws such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and similar laws in foreign jurisdictions; 

differences in enforceability and registration of intellectual property and contract rights; 

adverse tax consequences; 

profit repatriation and other restrictions on the transfer of funds; and 

different and more stringent user protection, data protection, privacy and other laws. 

Our failure to manage any of these risks successfully could harm our future international operations and our overall 

business and results of our operations. 

We are also subject to governmental regulations throughout the world impacting the way we do business with our 
international franchisees. These include antitrust and tax requirements, anti-boycott regulations, import/export/customs, 
tariffs and other international trade regulations, the USA Patriot Act and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Failure to 
comply with any such legal requirements could subject us to monetary liabilities and other sanctions, which could 
adversely impact our business and financial performance. 

Acquisition of existing restaurants from our domestic franchisees and other strategic initiatives may have 
unanticipated consequences that could harm our business and our financial condition. 

We plan to opportunistically acquire existing restaurants from our domestic franchisees over time.  Additionally, 
from time to time, we evaluate potential mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures or other strategic initiatives to acquire or 
develop additional concepts and/or change the business strategy regarding an existing concept.  To successfully execute 

19 

any acquisition or development strategy, we will need to identify suitable acquisition or development candidates, 
negotiate acceptable acquisition or development terms and possibly obtain appropriate financing.  

Any acquisition or future development that we pursue, including the on-going development of new concepts, 

whether or not successfully completed, may involve risks, including: 

•  material adverse effects on our operating results, particularly in the fiscal quarters immediately following the 

acquisition or development as the restaurants are integrated into our operations; 

• 

• 

• 

• 

risks associated with entering into new domestic or international markets or conducting operations where we 
have no or limited prior experience; 

risks associated with successfully integrating new employees (including new employees arising from a 
strategic initiative); 

risks inherent in accurately assessing the value, future growth potential, strengths, weaknesses, contingent and 
other liabilities and potential profitability of acquisition candidates, and our ability to achieve projected 
economic and operating synergies; and 

the diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns. 

Future acquisitions of existing restaurants from our franchisees or other strategic partners, which may be 
accomplished through a cash purchase transaction, the issuance of shares of common stock or a combination of both, 
could have a dilutive impact on holders of our common stock, and result in the incurrence of debt and contingent 
liabilities and impairment charges related to goodwill and other tangible and intangible assets, any of which could harm 
our business and financial condition.  

Additionally, we may evaluate other means to leverage our competitive strengths, including the expansion of our 

products across other strategic initiatives or business opportunities.  The expansion of our products may damage our 
reputation if products bearing our brands are not of the same quality or value that guests associate with our brands.  In 
addition, we may experience dilution of the goodwill associated with our brands as it becomes more common and 
increasingly accessible. 

We are subject to all of the risks associated with leasing space subject to long-term non-cancelable leases, as well as 
risks related to renewal. 

The majority of our company-owned restaurants are located on leased premises. Payments under our operating 
leases account for a significant portion of our operating expenses. Additional sites that we lease are likely to be subject 
to similar long-term non-cancelable leases. In connection with the relocation, other operational changes, or closure of 
any restaurant, we may nonetheless be committed to perform on our obligations under the applicable lease including, 
among other things, paying the base rent for the balance of the lease term. 

In addition, as each of our leases expires, there can be no assurance we will be able to renew our expiring leases 
after the expiration of all remaining renewal options, either on commercially acceptable terms or at all. As a result, at the 
end of the lease term and expiration of all renewal periods, we may be unable to renew the lease without substantial 
additional cost, if at all. As a result, we may be required to relocate or close a restaurant, which could subject us to 
construction and other costs and risks, and may have an adverse effect on our operating performance. 

Approximately 13% of our company restaurants are located in Texas and, as a result, we are sensitive to economic 
and other trends and developments in that state. 

As of December 31, 2019, we operated a total of 69 company-owned restaurants in Texas. As a result, we are 
particularly susceptible to adverse trends and economic conditions in this state, including declines in oil prices that may 
increase levels of unemployment and cause other economic pressures that may result in lower sales and profits at our 
restaurants in oil regions of Texas and surrounding areas. In addition, given our geographic concentration in this state, 
negative publicity regarding any of our restaurants in Texas could have a material adverse effect on our business and 

20 

 
 
operations, as could other occurrences in Texas such as local strikes, energy shortages or extreme fluctuations in energy 
prices, droughts, earthquakes, fires or other natural disasters. 

Changes in consumer preferences and discretionary spending could adversely affect our business. 

Our success depends, in part, upon the popularity of our food products. Continued social concerns or shifts in 
consumer preferences away from our restaurants or cuisine, particularly beef, would harm our business. Also, our 
success depends to a significant extent on discretionary consumer spending, which is influenced by general economic 
conditions and the availability of discretionary income. Accordingly, we may experience declines in sales during 
economic downturns or during periods of uncertainty. Any material decline in the amount of discretionary spending 
could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition or liquidity. 

Our quarterly operating results may fluctuate significantly and could fall below the expectations of securities analysts 
and investors due to a number of factors, some of which are beyond our control, resulting in a decline in our stock 
price. 

Our quarterly operating results may fluctuate significantly because of several factors, including: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

the timing of new restaurant openings and related expenses; 

restaurant operating costs for our newly-opened restaurants, which are often materially greater during the first 
several months of operation than thereafter; 

labor availability and costs for hourly and management personnel including mandated changes in federal and/or 
state minimum and tipped wage rates, overtime regulations, state unemployment taxes, or health benefits; 

profitability of our restaurants, particularly in new markets; 

changes in interest rates; 

the impact of litigation, including negative publicity; 

increases and decreases in average unit volume and comparable restaurant sales growth; 

impairment of long-lived assets, including goodwill, and any loss on restaurant relocations or closures; 

general economic conditions which can affect restaurant traffic, local labor costs, and prices we pay for the 
food products and other supplies we use; 

negative publicity regarding food safety and other food and beverage related matters, including the integrity of 
our, or our suppliers’ food processing; 

negative publicity regarding health concerns and/or global pandemics; 

negative publicity relating to the consumption of beef or other products we serve; 

changes in consumer preferences and competitive conditions; 

expansion to new domestic and/or international markets; 

adverse weather conditions which impact guest traffic at our restaurants; 

increases in infrastructure costs; 

adoption of new, or changes in existing, accounting policies or practices; 

changes in and/or interpretations of federal and state tax laws; 

actual self-insurance claims varying from actuarial estimates; 

21 

• 

• 

• 

fluctuations in commodity prices; 

competitive actions; and 

the impact of inclement weather, natural disasters and other calamities. 

Our business is also subject to minor seasonal fluctuations. Historically, sales in most of our restaurants have been 
higher during the winter months of each year. Holidays, changes in weather, severe weather and similar conditions may 
impact sales volumes seasonally in some operating regions. As a result, our quarterly operating results and comparable 
restaurant sales may fluctuate as a result of seasonality. Accordingly, results for any one quarter are not necessarily 
indicative of results to be expected for any other quarter or for any year and comparable restaurant sales for any 
particular future period may decrease. In the future, operating results may fall below the expectations of securities 
analysts and investors. In that event, the price of our common stock could decrease. 

Changes in food and supply costs could adversely affect our results of operations. 

Risks Related to the Restaurant Industry 

Our profitability depends in part on our ability to anticipate and react to changes in food and supply costs. Any 
increase in food prices, particularly proteins, could adversely affect our operating results. In addition, we are susceptible 
to increases in food costs as a result of factors beyond our control, such as food supply constrictions, weather conditions, 
food safety concerns, product recalls, global market and trade conditions, and government regulations. We cannot 
predict whether we will be able to anticipate and react to changing food costs by adjusting our purchasing practices and 
menu prices, and a failure to do so could adversely affect our operating results. Extreme and/or long term increases in 
commodity prices could adversely affect our future results, especially if we are unable, primarily due to competitive 
reasons, to increase menu prices.  Additionally, if there is a time lag between the increasing commodity prices and our 
ability to increase menu prices or if we believe the commodity price increase to be short in duration and we choose not 
to pass on the cost increases, our short-term results could be negatively affected. Also, if we adjust pricing there is no 
assurance that we will realize the full benefit of any adjustment due to changes in our guests’ menu item selections and 
guest traffic. 

We currently purchase the majority of our beef from three beef suppliers under annual contracts. While we maintain 

relationships with additional suppliers, if any of these vendors were unable to fulfill its obligations under its contracts, 
we could encounter supply shortages and incur higher costs to secure adequate supplies, either of which would harm our 
business. 

Our business could be adversely affected by increased labor costs or labor shortages. 

Labor is a primary component in the cost of operating our business.  We devote significant resources to recruiting 

and training our restaurant managers and hourly employees.  Increased labor costs due to competition, unionization, 
increased minimum and tipped wages, changes in hour and overtime pay, state unemployment rates or employee benefits 
costs (including workers’ compensation and health insurance), company staffing initiatives, or otherwise would 
adversely impact our operating expenses.  

Increased competition for qualified employees caused by a shortage in the labor pool exerts upward pressure on 
wages paid to attract and retain such personnel, resulting in higher labor costs, together with greater recruitment and 
training expense.  We could suffer from significant indirect costs, including restaurant disruptions due to management or 
hourly labor turnover and potential delays in new restaurant openings.  A shortage in the labor pool could also cause our 
restaurants to be required to operate with reduced staff which could negatively impact our ability to provide adequate 
service levels to our guests resulting in adverse guest reactions and a possible reduction in guest traffic counts.   

We have many restaurants located in states or municipalities where the minimum and/or tipped wage is greater than 

the federal minimum and/or tipped wage.  We anticipate that additional legislation increasing minimum and/or tipped 
wage standards will be enacted in future periods and in other jurisdictions.  In addition, regulatory actions which result in 
changes to healthcare eligibility, design and cost structure could occur.  Any increases in minimum or tipped wages or 
increases in employee benefits costs will result in higher labor costs. 

Our operating margin will be adversely affected to the extent that we are unable or are unwilling to offset any 

22 

 
 
increase in these labor costs through higher prices on our products.  Our distributors and suppliers also may be affected 
by higher minimum wage and benefit standards which could result in higher costs for goods and services supplied to us.  
Our success depends on our ability to attract, motivate and retain qualified employees to keep pace with our growth 
strategy.  If we are unable to do so, our results of operations may also be adversely affected. 

Our objective to increase sales and profits at existing restaurants could be adversely affected by macroeconomic 
conditions. 

During 2020 and beyond, the U.S. and global economies could suffer from a downturn in economic activity. 

Recessionary economic cycles, higher interest rates, higher fuel and other energy costs, inflation, increases in 
commodity prices, higher levels of unemployment, higher consumer debt levels, higher tax rates and other changes in 
tax laws or other economic factors that may affect consumer spending or buying habits could adversely affect the 
demand for our products. As in the past, we could experience reduced guest traffic or we may be unable or unwilling to 
increase the prices we can charge for our products to offset higher costs or fewer transactions, either of which could 
reduce our sales and profit margins. Also, landlords or other tenants in the shopping centers in which some of our 
restaurants are located may experience difficulty as a result of macroeconomic trends or cease to operate, which could in 
turn negatively affect guest traffic at our restaurants. All of these factors could have a material adverse impact on our 
business, results of operations, financial condition or liquidity. 

Our success depends on our ability to compete with many food service businesses. 

The restaurant industry is intensely competitive. We compete with many well-established food service companies 

on the basis of taste, quality and price of products offered, guest service, atmosphere, location, take-out and delivery 
options and overall guest experience. Our competitors include a large and diverse group of restaurant chains and 
individual restaurants that range from independent local operators that have opened restaurants in various markets to 
well-capitalized national restaurant companies. We also face competition from meal kit delivery services as well as the 
supermarket industry. In addition, improving product offerings of fast casual and quick-service restaurants, together with 
negative economic conditions could cause consumers to choose less expensive alternatives.  As our competitors expand 
their operations, we expect competition to intensify. We also compete with other restaurant chains and other retail 
establishments for quality site locations and employees. 

The food service industry is affected by litigation and publicity concerning food quality, health and other issues, 
which can cause guests to avoid our restaurants and result in significant liabilities or litigation costs. 

Food service businesses can be adversely affected by litigation and complaints from guests, consumer groups or 
government authorities resulting from food quality, illness, injury or other health concerns or operating issues stemming 
from one restaurant or a limited number of restaurants. Adverse publicity about these allegations may negatively affect 
us, regardless of whether the allegations are true, by discouraging guests from eating at our restaurants. We could also 
incur significant liabilities if a lawsuit or claim results in a decision against us or litigation costs regardless of the result. 

Our business could be adversely affected by our inability to respond to or effectively manage social media. 

As part of our marketing strategy, we utilize social media platforms to promote our brands and attract and retain 
guests.  Our strategy may not be successful, resulting in expenses incurred without improvement in guest traffic or brand 
relevance.  In addition, a variety of risks are associated with the use of social media, including improper disclosure of 
proprietary information, negative comments about us, exposure of personally identifiable information, fraud, or 
dissemination of false information.  The inappropriate use of social media vehicles by our guests or employees could 
increase our costs, lead to litigation or result in negative publicity that could damage our reputation and adversely affect 
our results of operations. 

Given the marked increase in the use of social media platforms along with smart phones in recent years, individuals 

have access to a broad audience of consumers and other interested persons. The availability of information on social 
media platforms is virtually immediate as is its impact. Many social media platforms immediately publish the content 
their subscribers and participants post, often without filters or checks on the accuracy of the content posted. Information 
concerning our Company may be posted on such platforms at any time.  If we are unable to quickly and effectively 
respond to such reports, we may suffer declines in guest traffic.  The impact may be immediate without affording us an 
opportunity for redress or correction. These factors could have a material adverse effect on our business. 

23 

Health and social concerns relating to the consumption of beef or other food products could affect consumer 
preferences and could negatively impact our results of operations. 

Like other restaurant chains, consumer preferences could be affected by health concerns about the consumption of 

beef, the key ingredient in many of our menu items, or negative publicity concerning food quality and food safety, 
including food-borne illnesses.  In addition, consumer preferences may be impacted by current and future menu-labeling 
requirements.  In 2018, federal disclosure requirements went into effect under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care 
Act of 2010 requiring new menu nutritional labeling requirements.  As a result, we include calorie information on our 
menus and make additional nutritional information available at our restaurants and on our website.   However, future 
regulatory action may occur which could result in further changes in the nutritional disclosure requirements. We cannot 
make any assurances regarding our ability to effectively respond to changes in consumer health perceptions and to adapt 
our menu offerings to trends in eating habits. The imposition of menu-labeling laws could have an adverse effect on our 
results of operations and financial position, as well as the restaurant industry in general. The labeling requirements and 
any negative publicity concerning any of the food products we serve may adversely affect demand for our food and 
could result in a decrease in guest traffic to our restaurants. If we react to the labeling requirements or negative publicity 
by changing our concepts or our menu offerings or their ingredients, we may lose guests who do not prefer the new 
concept or products, and we may not be able to attract sufficient new guests to produce the revenue needed to make our 
restaurants profitable. In addition, we may have different or additional competitors for our intended guests as a result of 
a change in our concept and may not be able to compete successfully against those competitors. A decrease in guest 
traffic to our restaurants as a result of these health concerns or negative publicity or as a result of a change in our menu 
or concept could materially harm our business. 

Food safety and sanitation, food-borne illness and health concerns may have an adverse effect on our business by 
reducing demand and increasing costs. 

Food safety and sanitation is a top priority, and we dedicate substantial resources to help our guests enjoy safe, 
quality food products. However, food-borne illnesses and food safety issues occur in the food industry from time to time. 
Any report or publicity, whether true or not, linking us to instances of food-borne illness or other food safety issues, 
including food tampering or contamination, could adversely affect our brands and reputation as well as our revenue and 
profits. In addition, instances of food-borne illness, food tampering or food contamination occurring solely at restaurants 
of our competitors could result in negative publicity about the food service industry generally and adversely impact our 
revenue and profits. 

Furthermore, our reliance on third-party food suppliers and distributors increases the risk that food-borne illness 
incidents could be caused by factors outside of our control and that multiple locations would be affected rather than a 
single restaurant. We cannot assure that all food items are properly maintained during transport throughout the supply 
chain and that our employees will identify all products that may be spoiled and should not be used in our restaurants. If 
our guests become ill from food-borne illnesses, we could be forced to temporarily close some restaurants. Furthermore, 
any instances of food contamination, whether or not at our restaurants, could subject us or our suppliers to a food recall. 

The United States and other countries have experienced, or may experience in the future, outbreaks of viruses, such 
as Hepatitis A, Norovirus, Ebola, Avian Flu, SARS and H1N1. To the extent that a virus is food-borne, future outbreaks 
may adversely affect the price and availability of certain food products and cause our guests to eat less of a product. To 
the extent that a virus is transmitted by human-to-human contact, our employees or guests could become infected, or 
could choose, or be advised or required, to avoid gathering in public places, any one of which could adversely affect our 
business.  We may also be adversely affected if jurisdictions in which we have restaurants impose mandatory closures, 
seek voluntary closures, impose restrictions on operations and/or require public notification.  Even if such measures are 
not implemented and a virus or other disease does not spread significantly, the perceived risk of infection or significant 
health risk may materially adversely affect our business.   

The possibility of future misstatement exists due to inherent limitations in our control systems, which could adversely 
affect our business. 

We cannot be certain that our internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures will 

prevent all possible error and fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only 
reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Because of inherent limitations in 
all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of error 
or fraud, if any, in our Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in 

24 

decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake, which could have an 
adverse impact on our business. 

We rely heavily on information technology, and any material failure, weakness or interruption could prevent us from 
effectively operating our business. 

We rely heavily on information systems in all aspects of our operations, including point-of-sale systems, financial 

systems, marketing programs, cyber-security and various other processes and transactions.  Our point-of-sale processing 
in our restaurants includes payment of obligations, collection of cash, credit and debit card transactions and other 
processes and procedures. Our ability to efficiently and effectively manage our business depends significantly on the 
reliability, security and capacity of these systems.  As our business needs continue to evolve, these systems will require 
upgrading and maintenance over time, consequently requiring significant future commitments of resources and capital.  
The failure of these systems to operate effectively, maintenance problems, upgrading or transitioning to new platforms 
or a material breach in the security of these systems could result in delays in guest service and reduce efficiency in our 
operations.  

Additionally, our corporate systems and processes and corporate support for our restaurant operations are handled 
primarily at our restaurant support center.  We have disaster recovery procedures and business continuity plans in place 
to address most events of a crisis nature, including tornadoes and other natural disasters, and back up off-site locations 
for recovery of electronic and other forms of data information.  However, if we are unable to fully implement our 
disaster recovery plans, we may experience delays in recovery of data, inability to perform vital corporate functions, 
tardiness in required reporting and compliance, failures to adequately support field operations and other breakdowns in 
normal communication and operating procedures that could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, 
results of operations and exposure to administrative and other legal claims. 

We outsource certain business processes to third-party vendors that subject us to risks, including disruptions in 
business and increased costs. 

Some business processes are currently outsourced to third parties.  Such processes include information technology 
processes, gift card tracking, credit card authorization and processing, insurance claims processing, payroll tax filings, 
check payment processing, and other accounting processes.  We also continue to evaluate our other business processes to 
determine if additional outsourcing is a viable option to accomplish our goals.  We make a diligent effort to validate that 
all providers of outsourced services maintain customary internal controls, such as redundant processing facilities and 
adequate security frameworks to guard against breaches or data loss; however, there are no guarantees that failures will 
not occur.  Failure of third parties to provide adequate services or internal controls over their processes could have an 
adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or ability to accomplish our financial and management 
reporting. 

We may incur costs and adverse revenue consequences resulting from breaches of security related to confidential 
guest and/or employee information or the fraudulent use of credit cards. 

The nature of our business involves the receipt and storage of information about our guests and employees. 
Hardware, software or other applications we develop and procure from third parties may contain defects in design or 
manufacture or other problems that could unexpectedly compromise information security. Unauthorized parties may also 
attempt to gain access to our systems and facilities through fraud, trickery or other forms of deceiving our employees or 
vendors. In addition, we accept electronic payment cards for payment in our restaurants. During 2019, approximately 
80% of our transactions were by credit or debit cards, and such card usage could increase. Other retailers have 
experienced actual or potential security breaches in which credit and debit card along with employee information may 
have been stolen. We may in the future become subject to claims for purportedly fraudulent transactions arising out of 
alleged theft of guest and/or employee information, and we may also be subject to lawsuits or other proceedings relating 
to these types of incidents. Any such claim or proceeding could cause us to incur significant unplanned expenses in 
excess of our insurance coverage, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of 
operations. Further, adverse publicity resulting from these allegations may result in material adverse revenue 
consequences for us and our restaurants. 

25 

We may not be able to obtain and maintain licenses and permits necessary to operate our restaurants and compliance 
with governmental laws and regulations could adversely affect our operating results. 

The restaurant industry is subject to various federal, state and local government regulations, including those relating 
to the sale of food and alcoholic beverages. Such regulations are subject to change from time to time, sometimes without 
notice to us. The failure to obtain and maintain these licenses, permits and approvals, including liquor licenses, could 
adversely affect our operating results. Difficulties or failure to obtain the required licenses and approvals could delay or 
result in our decision to cancel the opening of new restaurants. Local authorities may revoke, suspend or deny renewal of 
our liquor licenses if they determine that our conduct violates applicable regulations. 

In addition to our having to comply with these licensing requirements, various federal and state labor laws govern 

our relationship with our employees and affect operating costs. These laws include minimum and tipped wage 
requirements, overtime pay, health benefits, unemployment taxes, workers’ compensation, work eligibility requirements 
and working conditions. A number of factors could adversely affect our operating results, including: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

additional government-imposed increases in minimum and/or tipped wages, hour and overtime pay, paid leaves 
of absence, sick leave, and mandated health benefits; 

increased tax reporting and tax payment requirements for employees who receive gratuities; 

any failure of our employees to comply with laws and regulations governing work authorization or residency 
requirements resulting in disruption of our work force and adverse publicity; 

a reduction in the number of states that allow gratuities to be credited toward minimum wage requirements; and 

increased litigation including claims under federal and/or state wage and hour laws. 

The federal Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in public 
accommodations and employment. Although our restaurants and other places of accommodation are designed to be 
accessible to the disabled, we could be required to make modifications to provide service to, or make reasonable 
accommodations, for disabled persons. 

Our failure or inability to enforce our trademarks or other proprietary rights could adversely affect our competitive 
position or the value of our brand. 

We own certain common law trademark rights and a number of federal and international trademark and service 

mark registrations, including our trade names and logos, and proprietary rights relating to certain of our core menu 
offerings. We believe that our trademarks and other proprietary rights are important to our success and our competitive 
position. Therefore, we devote appropriate resources to the protection of our trademarks and proprietary rights.  
However, the protective actions that we take may not be enough to prevent unauthorized usage or imitation by others, 
which could harm our image, brand or competitive position and, if we commence litigation to enforce our rights, cause 
us to incur significant legal fees. Our inability to register or protect our marks and other propriety rights in foreign 
jurisdictions could adversely affect our competitive position in international markets. 

We cannot assure you that third parties will not claim that our trademarks or menu offerings infringe upon their 
proprietary rights. Any such claim, whether or not it has merit, could be time-consuming, result in costly litigation, cause 
delays in introducing new menu items in the future or require us to enter into royalty or licensing agreements. As a 
result, any such claim could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition or 
liquidity. 

We are subject to increasing legal complexity and could be party to litigation that could adversely affect us. 

Increasing legal complexity will continue to affect our operations and results.  We could be subject to legal 
proceedings that may adversely affect our business, including class actions, administrative proceedings, government 
investigations, employment and personal injury claims, claims alleging violations of federal and state laws regarding 
consumer, workplace and employment matters, wage and hour claims, discrimination and similar matters, 
landlord/tenant disputes, disputes with current and former suppliers, claims by current and former franchisees, and 
intellectual property claims (including claims that we infringed upon another party’s trademarks, copyrights or patents).  

26 

Inconsistent standards imposed by governmental authorities can adversely affect our business and increase our exposure 
to litigation which could result in significant judgments, including punitive and liquidated damages, and injunctive relief. 

Occasionally, our guests file complaints or lawsuits against us alleging that we are responsible for an illness or 
injury they suffered as a result of a visit to our restaurants, or that we have problems with food quality or operations.  As 
a Company, we take responsible alcohol service seriously.  However, we are subject to "dram shop" statutes. These 
statutes generally allow a person injured by an intoxicated person to recover damages from an establishment that 
wrongfully served alcoholic beverages to the intoxicated person. Some litigation against restaurant chains has resulted in 
significant judgments, including punitive damages, under dram shop statutes. Because a plaintiff may seek punitive 
damages, which may not be covered by insurance, this type of action could have an adverse impact on our financial 
condition and results of operations.  

Litigation involving our relationship with franchisees and the legal distinction between our franchisees and us for 
employment law purposes, if determined adversely, could increase costs, negatively impact the business prospects of our 
franchisees and subject us to incremental liability for their actions.  We are also subject to the legal and compliance risks 
associated with privacy, data collection, protection and management, in particular as it relates to information we collect 
when we provide optional technology-related services to franchisees. 

Our operating results could also be affected by the following: 

•  The relative level of our defense costs and nature and procedural status of pending proceedings; 

•  The cost and other effects of settlements, judgments or consent decrees, which may require us to make 

disclosures or to take other actions that may affect perceptions of our brands and products; 

•  Adverse results of pending or future litigation, including litigation challenging the composition and preparation 
of our products, or the appropriateness or accuracy of our marketing or other communication practices; and 

•  The scope and terms of insurance or indemnification protections that we may have. 

Regardless of whether any claims against us are valid or whether we are liable, claims may be expensive to defend 

and may divert time, attention and money away from our operations and hurt our performance.  A judgment significantly 
in excess of any applicable insurance coverage could materially adversely affect our financial condition or results of 
operations.  Further, adverse publicity resulting from these claims may hurt our business. 

Our current insurance may not provide adequate levels of coverage against claims. 

We currently maintain insurance customary for businesses of our size and type. However, there are types of losses 
we may incur that cannot be insured against or that we believe are not economically reasonable to insure. Such damages 
could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and/or liquidity. In addition, we self-insure a 
significant portion of expected losses under our health, workers’ compensation, general liability, employment practices 
liability and property insurance programs. Unanticipated changes in the actuarial assumptions and management 
estimates underlying our reserves for these losses could result in materially different amounts of expense under these 
programs, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity. 

Decreased cash flow from operations, or an inability to access credit could negatively affect our business initiatives or 
may result in our inability to execute our revenue, expense, and capital allocation strategies. 

Our ability to fund our operating plans and to implement our capital allocation strategies depends on sufficient cash 

flow from operations and/or other financing, including the use of funding under our amended revolving credit facility.  
We also may seek access to the debt and/or equity capital markets.  There can be no assurance, however, that these 
sources of financing will be available on terms favorable to us, or at all.  Our capital allocation strategies include, but are 
not limited to, new restaurant development, payment of dividends, refurbishment or relocation of existing restaurants, 
repurchases of our common stock and franchise acquisitions.  If we experience decreased cash flow from operations, our 
ability to fund our operations and planned initiatives, and to take advantage of growth opportunities, may be delayed or 
negatively affected.  In addition, these disruptions or a negative effect on our revenues could affect our ability to borrow 
or comply with our covenants under our amended revolving credit facility.  If we are unable to raise additional capital, 
our growth could be impeded. 

27 

Our existing credit facility limits our ability to incur additional debt. 

The lenders’ obligation to extend credit under our amended revolving credit facility depends on our maintaining 

certain financial covenants, including a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio of 2.00 to 1.00 and a 
maximum consolidated leverage ratio of 3.00 to 1.00. If we are unable to maintain these ratios, we would be unable to 
obtain additional financing under this amended revolving credit facility. The amended revolving credit facility permits 
us to incur additional secured or unsecured indebtedness outside the revolving credit facility, except for the incurrence of 
secured indebtedness that in the aggregate is equal to or greater than $125.0 million and 20% of our consolidated 
tangible net worth or circumstances where the incurrence of secured or unsecured indebtedness would prevent us from 
complying with our financial covenants.  If we are unable to borrow additional capital or have sufficient liquidity to 
either repay or refinance the then outstanding balance at the expiration of our amended revolving credit facility, or upon 
violation of the covenants, our growth could be impeded and our financial performance could be materially adversely 
affected. 

We may be required to record additional impairment charges in the future. 

In accordance with accounting guidance as it relates to the impairment of long-lived assets, we make certain 

estimates and projections with regard to Company restaurant operations, as well as our overall performance in 
connection with our impairment analyses for long-lived assets. When impairment triggers are deemed to exist for any 
Company-owned restaurant, the estimated undiscounted future cash flows for the restaurant are compared to its carrying 
value. If the carrying value exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, an impairment charge would be recorded equal to the 
difference between the carrying value and the estimated fair value. 

We also review the value of our goodwill on an annual basis and when events or changes in circumstances indicate 

that the carrying value of goodwill or other intangible assets may exceed the fair value of such assets. The estimates of 
fair value are based upon the best information available as of the date of the assessment and incorporate management 
assumptions about expected future cash flows and contemplate other valuation measurements and techniques. 

The estimates of fair value used in these analyses require the use of judgment, certain assumptions and estimates of 
future operating results. If actual results differ from our estimates or assumptions, additional impairment charges may be 
required in the future. If impairment charges are significant, our results of operations could be adversely affected. 

Failure to retain the services of our key management personnel, or to successfully execute succession planning and 
attract additional qualified personnel could harm our business. 

Our future success depends on the continued services and performance of our key management personnel. Our 

future performance will depend on our ability to motivate and retain these and other key officers and managers, 
particularly regional market partners, market partners and managing partners. Competition for these employees is 
intense. The loss of the services of members of our senior management team or other key officers or managers or the 
inability to attract additional qualified personnel as needed could materially harm our business.  In addition, our business 
could suffer from the misconduct of any of our key personnel. 

Our franchisees could take actions that could harm our business. 

Both our domestic and international franchisees are contractually obligated to operate their restaurants in 
accordance with Texas Roadhouse standards. We also provide training and support to franchisees. However, most 
franchisees are independent third parties that we do not control, and these franchisees own, operate and oversee the daily 
operations of their restaurants. As a result, the ultimate success and quality of any franchise restaurant rests with the 
franchisee. If franchisees do not successfully operate restaurants in a manner consistent with our standards, the Texas 
Roadhouse image and reputation could be harmed, which in turn could adversely affect our business and operating 
results. 

Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure, Our Stock Ownership and Our Common Stock 

Provisions in our charter documents and Delaware law may delay or prevent our acquisition by a third party. 

Our certificate of incorporation and by-laws contain several provisions that may make it more difficult for a third 

party to acquire control of us without the approval of our Board of Directors. These provisions include, among other 
things, advance notice for raising business or making nominations at meetings and "blank check" preferred stock. Blank 

28 

check preferred stock enables our Board of Directors, without approval of the shareholders, to designate and issue 
additional series of preferred stock with such dividend, liquidation, conversion, voting or other rights, including the right 
to issue convertible securities with no limitations on conversion, as our Board of Directors may determine. The issuance 
of blank check preferred stock may adversely affect the voting and other rights of the holders of our common stock as 
our Board of Directors may designate and issue preferred stock with terms that are senior to our common stock. These 
provisions may make it more difficult or expensive for a third party to acquire a majority of our outstanding common 
stock. These provisions also may delay, prevent or deter a merger, acquisition, tender offer, proxy contest or other 
transaction that might otherwise result in our stockholders receiving a premium over the market price for their common 
stock.  If we issue preferred shares in the future that have a preference over our common stock with respect to dividends 
or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, or if we issue preferred shares with voting rights that dilute the voting 
power of our common stock, the rights of our common stockholders or the market price of our common stock may be 
adversely affected. 

The Delaware General Corporation Law prohibits us from engaging in "business combinations" with "interested 

shareholders" (with some exceptions) unless such transaction is approved in a prescribed manner. The existence of this 
provision could have an anti-takeover effect with respect to transactions not approved in advance by the Board of 
Directors, including discouraging attempts that might result in a premium over the market price for our common stock. 

There can be no assurance that we will continue to pay dividends on our common stock or repurchase our common 
stock up to the maximum amounts permitted under our previously announced repurchase program. 

Payment of cash dividends on our common stock or repurchases of our common stock are subject to compliance 

with applicable laws and depends on, among other things, our results of operations, financial condition, level of 
indebtedness, capital requirements, business prospects and other factors that our Board of Directors may deem relevant.  
Although we have paid dividends and repurchased our common stock in the past, there can be no assurance that we will 
continue to pay dividends or repurchase our common stock in the future. 

Our business could be negatively affected as a result of actions of activist shareholders, and such activism could 
impact the trading value of our common stock. 

We value constructive input from our shareholders and the investment community.  Our Board of Directors and 
management team are committed to acting in the best interests of all of our shareholders.  There is no assurance that the 
actions taken by our Board of Directors and management in seeking to maintain constructive engagement with our 
shareholders will be successful. 

Responding to actions by activist shareholders can be costly and time-consuming, disrupting our operations and 
diverting the attention of management and our employees.  Such activities could interfere with our ability to execute our 
strategic plan.  The perceived uncertainties as to our future direction also resulting from activist strategies could also 
affect the market price and volatility of our common stock. 

29 

ITEM 1B—UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS 

None. 

ITEM 2—PROPERTIES 

Properties 

Our Support Center is located in Louisville, Kentucky. We occupy this facility under a master lease with Paragon 

Centre Holdings, LLC, a limited liability company in which we have a minority ownership position. As of December 31, 
2019, we leased 133,023 square feet. Our lease expires October 31, 2048 including all applicable extensions. Of the 
514 company restaurants in operation as of December 31, 2019, we owned 146 locations and leased 368 locations, as 
shown in the following table. 

State 
Alabama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Alaska  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Arizona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Arkansas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Colorado . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Connecticut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Delaware  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Florida  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Georgia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Idaho  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Illinois  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Indiana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Iowa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Kansas  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Kentucky  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Louisiana  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Maine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Maryland  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Massachusetts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Michigan  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Minnesota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Mississippi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Missouri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Nebraska . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Nevada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
New Hampshire  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
New Jersey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
New Mexico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
New York . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
North Carolina  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
North Dakota  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Ohio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Oklahoma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Oregon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Pennsylvania . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Rhode Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
South Carolina  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
South Dakota  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Tennessee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Utah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Vermont . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Virginia  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Washington . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
West Virginia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Wisconsin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Wyoming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     

      Owned        Leased        Total 
 8 
 2 
 18 
 6 
 4 
 16 
 5 
 2 
 39 
 10 
 5 
 16 
 21 
 9 
 6 
 13 
 10 
 3 
 8 
 10 
 14 
 4 
 3 
 17 
 3 
 2 
 3 
 9 
 5 
 20 
 19 
 2 
 32 
 8 
 2 
 25 
 3 
 3 
 2 
 15 
 69 
 9 
 1 
 17 
 1 
 3 
 10 
 2 
 514 

 3    
—    
 6    
 1    
 1    
 7    
—    
 1    
 7    
 3    
 1    
 3    
 13    
 2    
 2    
 4    
 2    
—    
—    
 1    
 4    
 1    
 1    
 2    
 1    
—    
 2    
—    
 1    
 3    
 4    
—    
 12    
 2    
—    
 3    
—    
—    
 1    
—    
 38    
 1    
—    
 6    
—    
 1    
 4    
 2    
 146    

 5    
 2    
 12    
 5    
 3    
 9    
 5    
 1    
 32    
 7    
 4    
 13    
 8    
 7    
 4    
 9    
 8    
 3    
 8    
 9    
 10    
 3    
 2    
 15    
 2    
 2    
 1    
 9    
 4    
 17    
 15    
 2    
 20    
 6    
 2    
 22    
 3    
 3    
 1    
 15    
 31    
 8    
 1    
 11    
 1    
 2    
 6    
—    
 368    

30 

 
 
 
 
Additional information concerning our properties and leasing arrangements is included in note 2(g) and note 8 to 

the Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

ITEM 3—LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 

Occasionally, we are a defendant in litigation arising in the ordinary course of our business, including "slip and fall" 

accidents, employment related claims, claims related to our service of alcohol, and claims from guests or employees 
alleging illness, injury or food quality, health or operational concerns. None of these types of litigation, most of which 
are covered by insurance, has had a material effect on us during the periods covered by this report and, as of the date of 
this report, we are not party to any litigation that we believe could have a material adverse effect on our business. 

ITEM 4—MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES 

Not applicable. 

31 

 
 
PART II 

ITEM 5—MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER 

MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES 

Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol TXRH.  

The number of holders of record of our common stock as of February 19, 2020 was 189. 

On February 20, 2020, our Board of Directors authorized the payment of a cash dividend of $0.36 per share of 
common stock. This payment will be distributed on March 27, 2020, to shareholders of record at the close of business on 
March 11, 2020. In 2011, our Board of Directors declared our first quarterly dividend of $0.08 per share of common 
stock.  We have consistently grown our per share dividend each year since that time and our long term strategy includes 
increasing our regular quarterly dividend amount over time.  The declaration and payment of cash dividends on our 
common stock is at the discretion of our Board of Directors, and any decision to declare a dividend will be based on a 
number of factors including, but not limited to, earnings, financial condition, applicable covenants under our amended 
credit facility and other contractual restrictions, or other factors deemed relevant. 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities 

There were no equity securities sold by the Company during the period covered by this Annual Report on 

Form 10-K that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. 

Issuer Repurchases of Securities 

On May 31, 2019, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program which authorized us to repurchase 

up to $250.0 million of our common stock.  This stock repurchase program has no expiration date and replaced a 
previous stock repurchase program which was approved on May 22, 2014.  The previous program authorized us to  
repurchase up to $100.0 million of our common stock and did not have an expiration date.  All repurchases to date under 
our stock repurchase program have been made through open market transactions. The timing and the amount of any 
repurchases will be determined by management under parameters established by our Board of Directors, based on an 
evaluation of our stock price, market conditions and other corporate considerations.  Since commencing our repurchase 
program in 2008, we have repurchased a total of 17,470,096 shares of common stock at a total cost of $356.4 million 
through December 31, 2019 under authorizations from our Board of Directors.  

The following table includes information regarding purchases of our common stock made by us during the 

14 weeks ended December 31, 2019 in connection with the repurchase programs described above: 

     Total Number      Maximum Number 

Period 
September 25 to October 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
October 23 to November 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
November 20 to December 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     

  Total Number    Average 

of Shares 
  Purchased 

  Price Paid   
  per Share   
 96,802   $  50.15   
 36,636   $  53.25   
 36,749   $  56.63  
 170,187  

of Shares 

(or Approximate 
  Purchased as 
  Dollar Value) of 
  Part of Publicly    Shares that May 
  Yet Be Purchased 
  Announced 
  Under the Plans 

Plans or 
Programs 

or Programs 

 96,802   $   164,410,020 
 36,636   $   162,459,227 
 36,749   $   160,378,001 
 170,187  

32 

 
     
 
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
 
Stock Performance Graph 

The following graph sets forth the cumulative total return experienced by holders of the Company’s common stock 

compared to the cumulative total return of the Russell 3000 Restaurant Index and the Russell 3000 Index for the five 
year period ended December 31, 2019, the last trading day of our fiscal year. The graph assumes the values of the 
investment in our common stock and each index was $100 on December 30, 2014 and the reinvestment of all dividends 
paid during the period of the securities comprising the indices. 

Note: The stock price performance shown on the graph below does not indicate future performance. 

Comparison of Cumulative Total Return Since December 30, 2014 
Among Texas Roadhouse, Inc., the Russell 3000 Index and the Russell 3000 Restaurant Index 

200

180

160

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

TXRH

Russell 3000

Russell 3000 Restaurant

     12/30/2014      12/29/2015      12/27/2016      12/26/2017      12/24/2018      12/31/2019 
Texas Roadhouse, Inc.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $  100.00   $  106.75   $  146.71   $  160.09   $  168.18   $  166.73 
Russell 3000  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $  100.00   $   99.21   $  109.18   $  128.38   $  114.72   $  153.08 
Russell 3000 Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $  100.00   $  118.28   $  122.98   $  146.30   $  146.54   $  187.31 

33 

 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 6—SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA 

We derived the selected consolidated financial data as of and for the years 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016 and 2015 from 

our audited consolidated financial statements. 

The Company utilizes a 52 or 53 week accounting period that typically ends on the last Tuesday in December. The 
Company utilizes a 13 or 14 week accounting period for quarterly reporting purposes. Fiscal year 2019 was 53 weeks in 
length.  Fiscal years 2018, 2017, 2016 and 2015 were 52 weeks in length. Our historical results are not necessarily 
indicative of our results for any future period. 

2019 

2018 

Fiscal Year 
2016 
2017 
(in thousands, except per share data) 

2015 

Consolidated Statements of Income: 
Revenue: 

Restaurant sales and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $  2,734,177   $  2,437,115   $  2,203,017   $  1,974,261   $  1,791,446 
Franchise royalties and fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       
 15,922 
 21,986     
Total revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        2,756,163      2,457,449      2,219,531      1,990,714      1,807,368 
 144,565 
 144,247 
 42,986 
 101,261 

 212,023     
 213,915     
 32,397     
 181,518   $ 

 187,789     
 188,551     
 24,257     
 164,294   $ 

 171,900     
 171,756     
 51,183     
 120,573   $ 

 186,206     
 186,117     
 48,581     
 137,536   $ 

 16,453     

 16,514     

 20,334     

Income from operations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       
Income before taxes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       
Provision for income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       
Net income including noncontrolling interests . .     $ 
Less: Net income attributable to 
noncontrolling interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       
Net income attributable to Texas Roadhouse, 
Inc. and subsidiaries  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $ 
Net income per common share: 

 7,066     

 6,069     

 6,010     

 4,975     

 4,367 

 174,452   $ 

 158,225   $ 

 131,526   $ 

 115,598   $ 

 96,894 

Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $ 
Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $ 

 2.47   $ 
 2.46   $ 

 2.21   $ 
 2.20   $ 

 1.85   $ 
 1.84   $ 

 1.64   $ 
 1.63   $ 

 1.38 
 1.37 

Weighted average shares outstanding: 

Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       
Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       

 70,509     
 70,916     

 71,467     
 71,964     

 70,989     
 71,527     

 70,396     
 71,052     

 70,032 
 70,747 

Cash dividends declared per share . . . . . . . . . . . .     $ 

 1.20   $ 

 1.00   $ 

 0.84   $ 

 0.76   $ 

 0.68 

34 

 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
  
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data: 
Cash and cash equivalents  . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       1,983,565  
Operating lease liabilities, net of 
 538,710  
current portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Long-term debt, net of current maturities .      
-  
Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       1,052,396  
Noncontrolling interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      
 15,175  
Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and subsidiaries 
stockholders’ equity  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 
Selected Operating Data (unaudited): 
Restaurants: 

 915,994   $ 

2019 

2018 

Fiscal Year 
2017 
($ in thousands) 

2016 

2015 

 107,879   $ 

 210,125   $ 

 150,918   $ 

 112,944   $ 

   1,469,276  

   1,330,623  

   1,179,971  

 59,334  
   1,032,706  

-  
-  
 508,568  
 15,139  

-  
 50,000  
 479,232  
 12,312  

-  
 50,550  
 421,729  
 8,016  

-  
 25,694  
 355,524  
 7,520  

 945,569   $ 

 839,079   $ 

 750,226   $ 

 669,662  

Company-Texas Roadhouse  . . . . . . . . .      
Company-Bubba’s 33  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      
Company-Other  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      
Franchise - Domestic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      
Franchise - International  . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Total  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      

Company restaurant information: 

Store weeks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      
Comparable restaurant sales 
growth(1)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      
Texas Roadhouse restaurants only: 

 484  
 28  
 2  
 69  
 28  
 611  

 464  
 25  
 2  
 69  
 22  
 582  

 440  
 20  
 2  
 70  
 17  
 549  

 413  
 16  
 2  
 73  
 13  
 517  

 392  
 7  
 2  
 72  
 10  
 483  

 26,473  

 24,693  

 23,274  

 21,583  

 20,020  

 4.7 %    

 5.4 %   

 4.5 %    

 3.5 %    

 7.2 %

Comparable restaurant sales 
growth(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      
Average unit volume(2) . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 
 4,664  
Net cash provided by operating activities .    $ 
 227,941  
Net cash used in investing activities  . . . . .    $   (214,820)   $   (158,145)   $   (178,156)  $   (164,738)  $   (173,203) 
 (81,526) 
Net cash used in financing activities . . . . .    $   (261,724)   $   (135,516)   $ 

 4.6 %    
 5,555   $ 
 374,298   $ 

 5.4 %   
 5,209   $ 
 352,868   $ 

 3.6 %    
 4,805   $ 
 257,065   $ 

 4.5 %    
 4,973   $ 
 286,373   $ 

 (38,717)  $ 

 (70,243)  $ 

 7.2 %

(1)  Comparable restaurant sales growth reflects the change in sales over the same period of the prior year for the 

comparable restaurant base. We define the comparable restaurant base to include those restaurants open for a full 
18 months before the beginning of the later fiscal period, excluding sales from restaurants closed during the period. 

(2)  Average unit volume represents the average annual restaurant sales from Texas Roadhouse company restaurants 
open for a full six months before the beginning of the period measured, excluding sales from restaurants closed 
during the period. Additionally, average unit volume of company restaurants in the table above was adjusted to 
reflect the restaurant sales of any acquired franchise restaurants.  In addition, average unit volume for 2019 includes 
53 weeks compared to 52 weeks for all other periods presented. 

35 

 
 
 
  
 
  
   
   
   
   
   
 
  
 
     
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
     
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
  
  
  
  
     
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
ITEM 7—MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS 

OF OPERATIONS 

The discussion and analysis below for the Company should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial 
statements and the notes to such financial statements (pages F-1 to F-29), "Forward-looking Statements" (page 3) and 
Risk Factors set forth in Item 1A. 

Our Company 

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. is a growing restaurant company operating predominately in the casual dining segment. Our 
founder, chairman and chief executive officer, W. Kent Taylor, started the business in 1993 with the opening of the first 
Texas Roadhouse restaurant in Clarksville, Indiana. Since then, we have grown to 611 restaurants in 49 states and ten 
foreign countries. Our mission statement is "Legendary Food, Legendary Service®." Our operating strategy is designed 
to position each of our restaurants as the local hometown destination for a broad segment of consumers seeking 
high-quality, affordable meals served with friendly, attentive service. As of December 31, 2019, our 611 restaurants 
included: 

• 

• 

514 "company restaurants," of which 494 were wholly-owned and 20 were majority-owned. The results of 
operations of company restaurants are included in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive 
income. The portion of income attributable to noncontrolling interests in company restaurants that are not 
wholly-owned is reflected in the line item entitled "Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests" in our 
consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Of the 514 restaurants we owned and operated 
at the end of 2019, we operated 484 as Texas Roadhouse restaurants and operated 28 as Bubba’s 33 restaurants. 
In addition, we operated two restaurants outside of the casual dining segment. 

97 "franchise restaurants," 24 of which we have a 5.0% to 10.0% ownership interest. The income derived from 
our minority interests in these franchise restaurants is reported in the line item entitled "Equity income from 
investments in unconsolidated affiliates" in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. 
Additionally, we provide various management services to these 24 franchise restaurants, as well as six 
additional franchise restaurants in which we have no ownership interest. All of the franchise restaurants 
operated as Texas Roadhouse restaurants.  Of the 97 franchise restaurants, 69 were domestic restaurants 
and 28 were international restaurants. 

We have contractual arrangements which grant us the right to acquire at pre-determined formulas (i) the remaining 
equity interests in 18 of the 20 majority-owned company restaurants and (ii) 66 of the 69 domestic franchise restaurants. 

Throughout this report, we use the term "restaurants" to include Texas Roadhouse and Bubba’s 33, unless otherwise 

noted. 

Presentation of Financial and Operating Data 

We operate on a fiscal year that typically ends on the last Tuesday in December.  Fiscal year 2019 was 53 weeks in 
length and, as such, the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019 was 14 weeks in length.  Fiscal years 2018 and 2017 were 52 weeks 
in length, while the fourth quarters for those years were 13 weeks in length. 

As further noted in note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, we adopted Accounting Standards 

Codification 842, Leases ("ASC 842"), which required an entity to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for 
virtually all leases.  We adopted this standard as of the beginning of our 2019 fiscal year and used a modified 
retrospective approach.  As a result, the comparative financial information has not been updated and the required 
disclosures prior to the date of adoption have not been updated and continue to be reported under the accounting 
standards in effect for those periods.  The adoption of this standard had a significant impact on our consolidated balance 
sheet.  There was no significant impact to our results of operations or cash flows related to the adoption of this standard. 

In addition, as further noted in note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, we adopted Accounting Standards 
Codification 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers as of the beginning of our 2018 fiscal year.  As a result of this 
adoption, certain transactions that were previously recorded as expense are now classified as revenue.  These include 
breakage income and third party gift card fees from our gift card program which are included in other sales and 
previously were included in other operating expense as well as certain fees received from our franchisees which are 

36 

 
 
included in franchise royalties and fees and previously were a reduction of general and administrative expense.  In 
addition, we reclassified certain amounts between restaurant operating costs and general and administrative 
expenses.  None of the above mentioned reclassifications had an impact to income before taxes and the comparative 
financial information has not been restated for these reclassifications.  The comparative impact of these reclassifications 
is further detailed below.   

Long-term Strategies to Grow Earnings Per Share 

Our long-term strategies with respect to increasing net income and earnings per share, along with creating 

shareholder value, include the following: 

Expanding Our Restaurant Base.  We continue to evaluate opportunities to develop restaurants in existing markets 

and in new domestic and international markets. Domestically, we remain focused primarily on markets where we believe 
a significant demand for our restaurants exists because of population size, income levels and the presence of shopping 
and entertainment centers and a significant employment base. In recent years, we have relocated several existing 
locations once the associated lease expired or as a result of eminent domain which allows us to update them to a more 
current design and/or to obtain more favorable lease terms.  We continue to evaluate these opportunities particularly as it 
relates to older locations with strong sales.  Our ability to expand our restaurant base is influenced by many factors 
beyond our control and, therefore, we may not be able to achieve our anticipated growth.   

In 2019, we opened 22 company restaurants while our franchise partners opened nine restaurants.  We currently 
plan to open at least 30 company restaurants in 2020 including as many as seven Bubba’s 33 restaurants. In addition, we 
anticipate our existing franchise partners will open as many as eight Texas Roadhouse restaurants, primarily 
international, in 2020. 

Our average capital investment for the 19 Texas Roadhouse restaurants opened during 2019, including pre-opening 

expenses and a capitalized rent factor, was $5.5 million.  We expect our average capital investment for Texas 
Roadhouse restaurants opening in 2020 to be approximately $5.6 million.  For 2019, the average capital investment, 
including pre-opening expenses and a capitalized rent factor, for the three Bubba’s 33 restaurants opened during the year 
was $6.7 million.  We expect our average capital investment for Bubba’s 33 restaurants opening in 2020 to be 
approximately $6.7 million.   

We remain focused on driving sales and managing restaurant investment costs in order to maintain our restaurant 

development in the future.  Our capital investment (including cash and non-cash costs) for new restaurants varies 
significantly depending on a number of factors including, but not limited to: the square footage, layout, scope of any 
required site work, type of construction labor, local permitting requirements, our ability to negotiate with landlords, cost 
of liquor and other licenses and hook-up fees and geographical location. 

We have entered into area development and franchise agreements for the development and operation of Texas 
Roadhouse restaurants in several foreign countries.  We currently have signed franchise and/or development agreements 
in nine countries in the Middle East as well as Taiwan, the Philippines, Mexico, China and South Korea. As of 
December 31, 2019, we had 17 restaurants open in five countries in the Middle East, three restaurants open in Taiwan, 
five in the Philippines and one each in Mexico, China and South Korea for a total of 28 restaurants in ten foreign 
countries.  For the existing international agreements, the franchisee is generally required to pay us a franchise fee for 
each restaurant to be opened, royalties on the gross sales of each restaurant and a development fee for our grant of 
development rights in the named countries. We anticipate that the specific business terms of any future franchise 
agreement for international restaurants might vary significantly from the standard terms of our domestic agreements and 
from the terms of existing international agreements, depending on the territory to be franchised and the extent of 
franchisor-provided services to each franchisee. 

Maintaining and/or Improving Restaurant Level Profitability.  We continue to balance the impacts of inflationary 

pressures with our value positioning as we remain focused on our long-term success. This may create a challenge in 
terms of maintaining and/or increasing restaurant-level profitability (restaurant margin), in any given year, depending on 
the level of inflation we experience. Restaurant margin is not a U.S. generally accepted accounting principle ("GAAP") 
measure and should not be considered in isolation, or as an alternative from income from operations.  See further 
discussion of restaurant margin below.  In addition to restaurant margin, as a percentage of restaurant and other sales, we 
also focus on the growth of restaurant margin dollars per store week as a measure of restaurant level-profitability. In 
terms of driving higher comparable restaurant sales, we remain focused on encouraging repeat visits by our guests and 

37 

attracting new guests through our continued commitment to operational standards relating to food and service quality. To 
attract new guests and increase the frequency of visits of our existing guests, we also continue to drive various localized 
marketing programs, focus on speed of service and increase throughput by adding seats and parking at certain 
restaurants.  In addition, we continue to focus on driving to-go sales which has significantly contributed to our recent 
sales growth.   

Leveraging Our Scalable Infrastructure.  To support our growth, we have made significant investments in our 
infrastructure over the past several years, including information and accounting systems, real estate, human resources, 
legal, marketing, international and restaurant operations, including the development of new concepts. In addition, in 
Q4 2018 we increased our number of regional market partners, market partners and regional support teams.  Whether we 
are able to leverage our infrastructure in future years by growing our general and administrative costs at a slower rate 
than our revenue will depend, in part, on our new restaurant openings, our comparable restaurant sales growth rate going 
forward and the level of investment we continue to make in our infrastructure. 

Returning Capital to Shareholders.  We continue to pay dividends and evaluate opportunities to return capital to 

our shareholders through repurchases of common stock. In 2011, our Board of Directors declared our first quarterly 
dividend of $0.08 per share of common stock. We have consistently grown our per share dividend each year since that 
time and our long-term strategy includes increasing our regular quarterly dividend amount over time. On February 20, 
2020, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.36 per share of common stock. The declaration and 
payment of cash dividends on our common stock is at the discretion of our Board of Directors, and any decision to 
declare a dividend will be based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, earnings, financial condition, 
applicable covenants under our amended credit facility, other contractual restrictions and other factors deemed relevant. 

In 2008, our Board of Directors approved our first stock repurchase program. Since then, we have paid 

$356.4 million through our authorized stock repurchase programs to repurchase 17,470,096 shares of our common stock 
at an average price per share of $20.40. On May 31, 2019, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program 
under which we may repurchase up to $250.0 million of our common stock. This stock repurchase program has no 
expiration date and replaced a previous stock repurchase program which was approved on May 22, 2014.  All 
repurchases to date have been made through open market transactions. This includes repurchases of $89.6 million under 
the new repurchase program and repurchases of $50.2 million under the previous stock purchase program.  As of 
December 31, 2019, $160.4 million remains authorized for stock repurchases.  

Key Operating Personnel 

Key management personnel who have a significant impact on the performance of our restaurants include market 

partners, managing partners, kitchen managers, service managers and assistant managers. Managing partners are single 
restaurant operators who have primary responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the entire restaurant.  Kitchen 
managers have primary responsibility for managing operations relating to our food preparation and food quality, and 
service managers have primary responsibility for managing our service quality and guest experiences.  The assistant 
managers support our kitchen and service managers; these managers are collectively responsible for the operations of the 
restaurant in the absence of a managing partner.  All managers are responsible for maintaining our standards of quality 
and performance. We use market partners to oversee the operation of our restaurants. Each market partner oversees a 
group of varying sizes of managing partners and their respective management teams. Market partners are also 
responsible for the hiring and development of each restaurant’s management team and assist in the site selection process 
for new restaurants.  Through regular visits to the restaurants, the market partners facilitate adherence to all aspects of 
our concepts, strategies and standards of quality.  

Managing partners and market partners are required, as a condition of employment, to sign a multi-year 

employment agreement. The annual compensation of our managing partners and market partners includes a base salary 
plus a percentage of the pre-tax income of the restaurant(s) they operate or supervise. Managing partners and market 
partners are eligible to participate in our equity incentive plan and are generally required to make refundable deposits of 
$25,000 and $50,000, respectively. Generally, the deposits are refunded after five years of service. 

Key Measures We Use To Evaluate Our Company 

Key measures we use to evaluate and assess our business include the following: 

Number of Restaurant Openings.  Number of restaurant openings reflects the number of restaurants opened during a 

particular fiscal period. For company restaurant openings, we incur pre-opening costs, which are defined below, before 

38 

the restaurant opens. Typically, new Texas Roadhouse restaurants open with an initial start-up period of higher than 
normalized sales volumes, which decrease to a steady level approximately three to six months after opening. However, 
although sales volumes are generally higher, so are initial costs, resulting in restaurant margins that are generally lower 
during the start-up period of operation and increase to a steady level approximately three to six months after opening. 

Comparable Restaurant Sales Growth.  Comparable restaurant sales growth reflects the change in sales for 

company restaurants over the same period of the prior year for the comparable restaurant base. We define the 
comparable restaurant base to include those restaurants open for a full 18 months before the beginning of the period 
measured excluding restaurants closed during the period. Comparable restaurant sales growth can be impacted by 
changes in guest traffic counts or by changes in the per person average check amount. Menu price changes and the mix 
of menu items sold can affect the per person average check amount. 

Average Unit Volume.  Average unit volume represents the average annual restaurant and other sales for company 
restaurants open for a full six months before the beginning of the period measured excluding sales on restaurants closed 
during the period.  Historically, average unit volume growth is less than comparable restaurant sales growth which 
indicates that newer restaurants are operating with sales levels lower than the company average.  At times, average unit 
volume growth may be more than comparable restaurant sales growth which indicates that newer restaurants are 
operating with sales levels higher than the company average. 

Store Weeks.  Store weeks represent the number of weeks that our company restaurants were open during the 

reporting period. 

Restaurant Margin.  Restaurant margin (in dollars and as a percentage of restaurant and other sales) represents 
restaurant and other sales less restaurant-level operating costs, including cost of sales, labor, rent and other operating 
costs. Restaurant margin is not a measurement determined in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered in 
isolation, or as an alternative, to income from operations.  This non-GAAP measure is not indicative of overall company 
performance and profitability in that this measure does not accrue directly to the benefit of shareholders due to the nature 
of the costs excluded.  Restaurant margin is widely regarded as a useful metric by which to evaluate restaurant-level 
operating efficiency and performance.  In calculating restaurant margin, we exclude certain non-restaurant-level costs 
that support operations, including pre-opening and general and administrative expenses, but do not have a direct impact 
on restaurant-level operational efficiency and performance.  We also exclude depreciation and amortization expense, 
substantially all of which relates to restaurant-level assets, as it represents a non-cash charge for the investment in our 
restaurants.  We also exclude impairment and closure expense as we believe this provides a clearer perspective of the 
Company’s ongoing operating performance and a more useful comparison to prior period results.  Restaurant margin as 
presented may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies in our industry.  A reconciliation 
of income from operations to restaurant margin is included in the Results of Operations section below. 

Other Key Definitions 

Restaurant and Other Sales.  Restaurant sales include gross food and beverage sales, net of promotions and 

discounts, for all company restaurants. Sales taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are 
accounted for on a net basis and therefore are excluded from restaurant sales in the consolidated statements of income 
and comprehensive income.  Beginning in 2018, with the adoption of new revenue recognition accounting guidance, 
other sales include the amortization of fees associated with our third party gift card sales net of the amortization of gift 
card breakage income which had previously been recorded in restaurant other operating expense.  These amounts are 
amortized over a period consistent with the historic redemption pattern of the associated gift cards. 

Franchise Royalties and Fees.  Franchise royalties consist of royalties, as defined in our franchise agreement, paid 

to us by our domestic and international franchisees. Domestic and/or international franchisees also typically pay an 
initial franchise fee and/or development fee for each new restaurant or territory. The terms of the international 
agreements may vary significantly from our domestic agreements.  Beginning in 2018, with the adoption of new revenue 
recognition accounting guidance, franchise royalties and fees include certain fees which had previously been recorded as 
a reduction of general and administrative expenses.  These include advertising fees paid by domestic franchisees to our 
system-wide marketing and advertising fund and management fees paid by certain domestic franchisees for supervisory 
and administrative services that we perform. 

Restaurant Cost of Sales.  Restaurant cost of sales consists of food and beverage costs of which half  relates to beef 

costs. 

39 

Restaurant Labor Expenses.  Restaurant labor expenses include all direct and indirect labor costs incurred in 
operations except for profit sharing incentive compensation expenses earned by our restaurant managing partners and 
market partners. These profit sharing expenses are reflected in restaurant other operating expenses. Restaurant labor 
expenses also include share-based compensation expense related to restaurant-level employees. 

Restaurant Rent Expense.  Restaurant rent expense includes all rent, except pre-opening rent, associated with the 

leasing of real estate and includes base, percentage and straight-line rent expense. 

Restaurant Other Operating Expenses.  Restaurant other operating expenses consist of all other restaurant-level 

operating costs, the major components of which are utilities, supplies, local store advertising, repairs and maintenance, 
equipment rent, property taxes, credit card fees, and general liability insurance. Profit sharing incentive compensation 
expenses earned by our restaurant managing partners and market partners are also included in restaurant other operating 
expenses. 

Pre-opening Expenses.  Pre-opening expenses, which are charged to operations as incurred, consist of expenses 
incurred before the opening of a new or relocated restaurant and are comprised principally of opening team and training 
compensation and benefits, travel expenses, rent, food, beverage and other initial supplies and expenses. On average, 
over 70% of total pre-opening costs incurred per restaurant opening relate to the hiring and training of employees. 
Pre-opening costs vary by location depending on a number of factors, including the size and physical layout of each 
location; the number of management and hourly employees required to operate each restaurant; the availability of 
qualified restaurant staff members; the cost of travel and lodging for different geographic areas; the timing of the 
restaurant opening; and the extent of unexpected delays, if any, in obtaining final licenses and permits to open the 
restaurants. 

Depreciation and Amortization Expenses.  Depreciation and amortization expenses ("D&A") include the 
depreciation of fixed assets and amortization of intangibles with definite lives, substantially all of which relates to 
restaurant-level assets. 

Impairment and Closure Costs, Net.  Impairment and closure costs, net include any impairment of long-lived assets, 

including property and equipment, operating lease right-of-use assets and goodwill, and expenses associated with the 
closure of a restaurant. Closure costs also include any gains or losses associated with a relocated restaurant or the sale of 
a closed restaurant and/or assets held for sale as well as lease costs associated with closed or relocated restaurants. 

General and Administrative Expenses.  General and administrative expenses ("G&A") are comprised of expenses 
associated with corporate and administrative functions that support development and restaurant operations and provide 
an infrastructure to support future growth including advertising costs incurred.  G&A also includes legal fees, settlement 
charges and share-based compensation expense related to executive officers, support center employees and market 
partners and the realized and unrealized holding gains and losses related to the investments in our deferred compensation 
plan. 

Interest Income (Expense), Net.  Interest income (expense), net includes earnings on cash and cash equivalents 

reduced by interest expense on our debt or financing obligations including the amortization of loan fees. 

Equity Income from Unconsolidated Affiliates.  As of December 31, 2019, December 25, 2018 and December 26, 

2017, we owned a 5.0% to 10.0% equity interest in 24 franchise restaurants. Additionally, as of December 31, 2019, 
December 25, 2018 and December 26, 2017, we owned a 40% equity interest in four non-Texas Roadhouse restaurants 
as part of a joint venture agreement with a casual dining restaurant operator in China. Equity income from 
unconsolidated affiliates represents our percentage share of net income earned by these unconsolidated affiliates. 

Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests.  Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests represents 
the portion of income attributable to the other owners of the majority-owned restaurants. Our consolidated subsidiaries at 
December 31, 2019 and December 25, 2018 included 20 majority-owned restaurants, all of which were open.  At 
December 26, 2017, our consolidated subsidiaries included 18 majority-owned restaurants, all of which were open. 

2019 Financial Highlights 

Total revenue increased $298.7 million or 12.2% to $2.8 billion in 2019 compared to $2.5 billion in 2018.  The 
increase was primarily due to an increase in average unit volume driven by comparable restaurant sales growth, the 
opening of new restaurants and the addition of the 53rd week in 2019.  The 53rd week resulted in $59.0 million in 

40 

restaurant and other sales or 2.4% of the increase in 2019 compared to 2018.  Store weeks and comparable restaurant 
sales increased 7.2% and 4.7%, respectively, at company restaurants in 2019. 

Restaurant margin increased $50.1 million or 11.8% to $474.2 million in 2019 from $424.2 million in 2018 while 

restaurant margin, as a percentage of restaurant and other sales, remained relatively unchanged at 17.3% in 2019 
compared to 17.4% in 2018.  The decrease in restaurant margin, as a percentage of restaurant and other sales, was 
primarily due to higher labor costs as a result of higher average wage rates and prior staffing initiatives intended to 
increase sales.  These decreases were partially offset by lower cost of sales due to the benefit of higher average check.   

Net income increased $16.2 million or 10.3% to $174.5 million in 2019 compared to $158.2 million in 2018 
primarily due to higher restaurant margin dollars partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization expense, 
general and administration expense, and income tax expense.  Diluted earnings per share increased 11.9% to $2.46 from 
$2.20 in the prior year.  In addition, diluted earnings per share were positively impacted by $0.10 to $0.11 as a result of 
the 53rd week. 

2019 

$ 

     % 

Results of Operations 
Fiscal Year 
2018 

     % 

$ 
(In thousands) 

2017 

$ 

     % 

Consolidated Statements of Income: 
Revenue: 

Restaurant and other sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Franchise royalties and fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

 2,734,177  
 21,986  
Total revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     2,756,163  
Costs and expenses: 
(As a percentage of restaurant and other sales) 

Restaurant operating costs (excluding 
depreciation and amortization shown 
separately below): 

 99.2    2,437,115  
 20,334  
 0.8  
 100.0    2,457,449  

 99.2    2,203,017  
 16,514  
 0.8  
 100.0    2,219,531  

 99.3 
 0.7 
 100.0 

Cost of sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Labor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Rent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Other operating  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

 883,357  
 905,614  
 52,531  
 418,448  

 32.3  
 33.1  
 1.9  
 15.3  

 795,300  
 793,384  
 48,791  
 375,477  

 32.6  
 32.6  
 2.0  
 15.4  

 721,550  
 687,545  
 44,807  
 342,702  

(As a percentage of total revenue) 

 32.8 
 31.2 
 2.0 
 15.6 

 0.9 
 4.2 
NM 
 5.6 
 91.6 
 8.4 
 (0.1)

 0.1 
 8.4 
 2.2 
 6.2 

 19,051  
 0.7  
 101,216  
 4.2  
 278  
NM  
 5.4  
 136,163  
 92.3    2,269,660  
 187,789  
 7.7  
 (591)  
 0.1  

 19,274  
 0.8  
 93,499  
 4.1  
 654  
NM  
 5.5  
 123,294  
 92.4    2,033,325  
 186,206  
 7.6  
 (1,577) 
 (0.0) 

 0.0  
 7.8  
 1.2  
 6.6  

 1,353  
 188,551  
 24,257  
 164,294  

 0.1  
 7.7  
 1.0  
 6.7  

 1,488  
 186,117  
 48,581  
 137,536  

 0.3  

 6,069  

 0.2  

 6,010  

 0.3 

 6.3  

 158,225  

 6.4  

 131,526  

 5.9 

Pre-opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Depreciation and amortization  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Impairment and closure, net  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
General and administrative  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

 20,156  
 115,544  
 (899) 
 149,389  
Total costs and expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     2,544,140  
 212,023  
Income from operations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Interest income (expense), net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
 1,514  
Equity income from investments in 
unconsolidated affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Income before taxes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Provision for income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Net income including noncontrolling interests . . . .   
Net income attributable to noncontrolling 
interests  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Net income attributable to Texas Roadhouse, 
Inc. and subsidiaries  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   

 378  
 213,915  
 32,397  
 181,518  

 174,452  

 7,066  

NM – Not meaningful 

41 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
    
    
 
 
   
   
 
  
    
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Reconciliation of Income from Operations to Restaurant Margin 
Fiscal Year Ended 
2018 
(In thousands, except per store week) 

2017 

2019 

Income from operations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $ 

 212,023   $ 

 187,789  

$ 

 186,206 

Less: 
Franchise royalties and fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    

 21,986  

 20,334  

 16,514 

Add: 
Pre-opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Impairment and closure, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
General and administrative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Restaurant margin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 

 20,156  
 115,544  
 (899) 
 149,389  
 474,227   $ 

 19,051  
 101,216  
 278  
 136,163  
 424,163  

$ 

 19,274 
 93,499 
 654 
 123,294 
 406,413 

Restaurant margin $/store week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 
Restaurant margin (as a percentage of restaurant 
and other sales) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   

 17,914   $ 

 17,177  

$ 

 17,462 

17.3%  

17.4%  

18.4% 

Restaurant Unit Activity 

Balance at December 25, 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Company openings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Franchise openings - Domestic  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Franchise openings - International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Franchise closings - International  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Balance at December 31, 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    

 582  
 22  
 1  
 8  
 (2) 
 611  

 555  
 19  
 1  
 8  
 (2) 
 581  

 25   
 3  
—  
—  
—  
 28   

 2 
— 
— 
— 
— 
 2 

Texas 

Total 

Roadhouse       Bubba's 33       Other 

Company - Texas Roadhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Company - Bubba's 33  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Company - Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Franchise - Texas Roadhouse - U.S.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Franchise - Texas Roadhouse - International  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     

484 
28 
2 
69 
28 
611 

464 
25 
2 
69 
22 
582 

440 
20 
2 
70 
17 
549 

    December 31, 2019     December 25, 2018     December 26, 2017

42 

 
 
 
 
 
    
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
Restaurant and Other Sales 

Restaurant and other sales increased 12.2% in 2019 compared to 2018 and increased 10.6% in 2018 compared to 
2017. The following table summarizes certain key drivers and/or attributes of restaurant sales at company restaurants for 
the periods presented.  Company restaurant count activity is shown in the restaurant unit activity table above.   

Company Restaurants: 
Increase in store weeks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Increase in average unit volume  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Other(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Total increase in restaurant sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Other sales(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Total increase in restaurant and other sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   

2019 

2018 

2017 

 7.2 % 
 4.1 % 
 1.0 % 
 12.3 % 
 (0.1)% 
 12.2 % 

 6.1 % 
 4.8 % 
 (0.1)% 
 10.8 % 
 (0.2)% 
 10.6 % 

 7.8 % 
 3.5 % 
 0.3 % 
 11.6 % 
— % 
 11.6 % 

Store weeks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Comparable restaurant sales growth  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    

   26,473  

 24,693  

 23,274  

 4.7 %   

 5.4 %   

 4.5 %  

Texas Roadhouse restaurants only: 

Comparable restaurant sales growth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Average unit volume (in thousands) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 
Average unit volume (in thousands), 2018 and 2017 adjusted (3) . . . . . . . .    $ 

 4.6 %   

 5.4 %   

 4.5 %  

 5,555  
 5,555  

$  5,209  
$  5,338  

$   4,973  
$   5,086  

Weekly sales by group: 

Comparable restaurants (448, 408 and 380 units, respectively) . . . . . . . . .   
Average unit volume restaurants (21, 21 and 27 units, respectively)(4) . .   
Restaurants less than six months old (15, 35 and 33 units, respectively ) .   

   102,824  
 94,379  
   106,328  

   100,810  
 88,493  
 97,268  

   96,572  
   82,526  
   92,208  

(1)  Includes the impact of the year-over-year change in sales volume of all non-Texas Roadhouse restaurants, along 
with Texas Roadhouse restaurants open less than six months before the beginning of the period measured, and, if 
applicable, the impact of restaurants closed or acquired during the period. 

(2)  Other sales, for 2019, represent $19.8 million related to the amortization of third party gift card fees net of $10.7 
million related to the amortization of gift card breakage income.  For 2018, other sales represent $14.2 million 
related to the amortization of third party gift card fees net of $9.0 million related to the amortization of gift card 
breakage income. 

(3)  As 2019 contains 53 weeks, for comparative purposes, 2018 and 2017 average unit volumes were adjusted to a 

53-week basis. 

(4)  Average unit volume restaurants include restaurants open a full six to 18 months before the beginning of the period 

measured. 

The increases in restaurant sales for all periods presented were primarily attributable to an increase in average unit 

volume driven by comparable restaurant sales growth combined with the opening of new restaurants.  In addition, the 
increase in store weeks in 2019 includes the impact of the 53rd week.  Comparable restaurant sales growth for all periods 
presented was due to an increase in our guest traffic counts and an increase in our per person average check as shown in 
the table below. 

Guest traffic counts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Per person average check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Comparable restaurant sales growth  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   

2019 

2018 

2017 

1.8 % 
2.9 % 
4.7 % 

3.9 % 
1.5 % 
5.4 % 

3.6 % 
0.9 % 
4.5 % 

Year-over-year sales for newer restaurants included in our average unit volume, but excluded from our comparable 

restaurant sales, partially offset the impact of positive comparable restaurant sales growth for all periods presented. 

The increase in our per person average check for the periods presented was primarily driven by menu price 
increases shown below, which were taken as a result of inflationary pressures, primarily labor and/or commodities.  

43 

 
    
     
     
  
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
     
     
 
Q4 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Q2 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Q4 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Q1 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Q4 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Q2 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Q4 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Menu Price 
Increases 
1.9% 
1.5% 
1.7% 
0.8% 
0.3% 
0.5% 
1.0% 

In all periods presented, average guest check may not have changed in line with the menu price increases 

implemented as guests shifted to other menu price items and/or purchased more or less beverages.  We may take 
additional pricing in 2020 if needed. 

In 2020, we plan to open at least 30 company restaurants, including as many as seven Bubba’s 33 restaurants. We 
have either begun construction or have sites under contract for purchase or lease for the majority of our expected 2020 
openings.  

Franchise Royalties and Fees 

Franchise royalties and fees increased $1.7 million or 8.1% in 2019 compared to 2018 and increased $3.8 million or 

23.1% in 2018 compared to 2017.  The increases in both 2019 and 2018 were attributable to an increase in average unit 
volume at domestic restaurants, driven by comparable restaurant sales growth of 3.8%, and the opening of new 
restaurants.  The increase in 2019 was also impacted by the addition of the 53rd week.  The increases were partially offset 
by a decrease in average unit volume at international restaurants, driven by a decrease in comparable restaurant sales at 
those locations. Also included in the increase in 2018 were reclassifications of $2.6 million in conjunction with the 
implementation of new revenue recognition accounting guidance as previously described.   

We anticipate our existing franchise partners will open as many as eight Texas Roadhouse restaurants, primarily 

international, in 2020. 

Restaurant Cost of Sales 

Restaurant cost of sales, as a percentage of restaurant and other sales, decreased to 32.3% in 2019 from 32.6% in 
2018 and from 32.8% in 2017.  These decreases were primarily due to the benefit of menu pricing actions partially offset 
by commodity inflation of 1.9% and 1.4% in 2019 and 2018, respectively.  The decrease in 2018 was also due to the 
reclassification of $5.4 million in conjunction with the implementation of new revenue recognition accounting guidance 
as previously described. 

For 2020, we currently expect commodity cost inflation of 1.0% to 2.0% with fixed price contracts for just over 

50% of our overall food costs and the remainder subject to fluctuating market prices. 

Restaurant Labor Expenses 

Restaurant labor expense, as a percentage of restaurant and other sales, increased to 33.1% in 2019 compared to 

32.6% in 2018.  This increase was primarily attributed to higher average wage rates and prior staffing initiatives 
intended to increase sales partially offset by the benefit from an increase in average unit volume. 

Restaurant labor expense, as a percentage of restaurant and other sales, increased to 32.6% in 2018 compared to 
31.2% in 2017.  The increase was primarily attributed to higher average wage rates and staffing initiatives to increase 
sales along with higher costs associated with health insurance and workers’ compensation expense partially offset by the 
benefit from an increase in average unit volume.   

In 2020, we anticipate our labor costs will be pressured by mid-single digit inflation due to ongoing labor market 

pressures and increases in state-mandated wage rates.  These increases may or may not be offset by additional menu 
price adjustments.   

44 

 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restaurant Rent Expense 

Restaurant rent expense, as a percentage of restaurant and other sales, remained relatively unchanged at 1.9% in 
2019 compared to 2.0% in both 2018 and 2017.  The decrease in 2019 was primarily due to the benefit of the 53rd week 
and an increase in average unit volume partially offset by higher rent expense, as a percentage of restaurant and other 
sales, at our newer restaurants.   Rent expense was unchanged in 2018 compared to 2017 due to higher rent expense, as a 
percentage of restaurant and other sales, at our newer restaurants offset by the benefit from an increase in average unit 
volume.  

Restaurant Other Operating Expenses 

Restaurant other operating expense, as a percentage of restaurant and other sales, decreased to 15.3% in 2019 from 

15.4% in 2018.  The decrease was primarily attributed to lower utilities expense and lower marketing and advertising 
expense along with the benefit from an increase in average unit volume.  These decreases were partially offset by higher 
general liability insurance expense and repairs and maintenance expense.  

Restaurant other operating expense, as a percentage of restaurant and other sales, decreased to 15.4% in 2018 from 

15.6% in 2017.  The decrease was primarily attributed to reclassifications of $4.7 million in 2018 made in conjunction 
with the implementation of the new revenue recognition accounting guidance along with lower incentive compensation 
expense and the benefit from an increase in average unit volume.   The decrease was partially offset by higher credit card 
fees.   

Restaurant Pre-opening Expenses 

Pre-opening expenses increased to $20.2 million in 2019 from $19.1 million in 2018 and from $19.3 million in 
2017. These changes are primarily due to the number of restaurant openings in a given year and the timing of restaurant 
openings. Pre-opening costs will fluctuate from period to period based on the specific pre-opening costs incurred for 
each restaurant, the number and timing of restaurant openings and the number and timing of restaurant managers hired. 

Depreciation and Amortization Expenses ("D&A") 

D&A, as a percentage of revenue, increased to 4.2% in 2019 compared to 4.1% in 2018.  The increase in D&A was 

primarily due to higher depreciation at new stores from company restaurants and accelerated depreciation on relocated 
restaurants.  These increases were partially offset by an increase in average unit volume. 

D&A, as a percentage of revenue, decreased to 4.1% in 2018 compared to 4.2% in 2017.   The decrease in D&A 

was primarily due to the benefit from an increase in average unit volume partially offset by increased investment in 
short-lived assets, such as equipment at existing restaurants, and higher depreciation at new restaurants. 

Impairment and Closure Costs, Net 

Impairment and closure costs, net were ($0.9) million, $0.3 million and $0.7 million in 2019, 2018 and 2017, 
respectively.  Impairment and closure income in 2019 included a gain of $2.6 million related to the forced relocation of 
one restaurant.  This included a gain of $1.2 million related to the leasehold improvements and a gain of $1.4 million to 
settle a favorable operating lease.  Also, in 2019, we recorded a charge of $1.1 million related to the impairment of the 
right-of-use asset at an underperforming restaurant.  The remaining costs of $0.6 million related to closure costs 
primarily related to the relocation of Texas Roadhouse restaurants.  For 2018 and 2017, the amounts recorded were 
closure costs primarily related to the relocation of Texas Roadhouse restaurants.  See note 16 in the Consolidated 
Financial Statements for further discussion regarding closures and impairments recorded in 2019, 2018 and 2017. 

45 

General and Administrative Expenses ("G&A") 

G&A, as a percentage of total revenue, decreased to 5.4% in 2019 compared to 5.5% in 2018.  The decrease was 
primarily due to the benefit of the 53rd week, lower claims administration costs related to a previously disclosed legal 
settlement and an increase in average unit volume.  These decreases were partially offset by increased costs from the 
expansion of our regional operations support structure and increased marketing expenses due to decreased contributions 
from company restaurants. 

G&A, as a percentage of total revenue, decreased to 5.5% in 2018 compared to 5.6% in 2017.  The decrease was 

primarily due to a pre-tax charge of $14.9 million ($9.2 million after-tax), or $0.13 per diluted share, related to the 
settlement of a legal matter in 2017 and the benefit of an increase in average unit volume.  This decrease was offset by 
higher incentive compensation costs, higher managing partner conference costs, and reclassifications of $7.4 million 
made in conjunction with the implementation of the new revenue recognition accounting guidance as previously 
described. 

We are currently subject to various claims and contingencies that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of 
business, including those related to litigation, business transactions, employee-related matters and taxes, among others.  
See note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of these matters. 

Interest Income (Expense), Net 

Interest income was $1.5 million in 2019 compared to interest expense of $0.6 million in 2018.  Net interest 
expense decreased to $0.6 million in 2018 compared to $1.6 million in 2017.  These changes were primarily driven by 
earnings on our cash and cash equivalents as well as paying off our outstanding credit facility of $50.0 million in 
April 2018.   

Income Taxes 

Our effective tax rate increased to 15.1% in 2019 compared to 12.9% in 2018 primarily due to lower excess tax 

benefits related to our share-based compensation program partially offset by lower non-deductible officers’ 
compensation.  In addition, the prior year tax rate benefitted from an adjustment related to tax reform that we recorded in 
conjunction with the filing of our 2017 tax return.  See note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a 
reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to our effective tax rate.  For 2020, we expect the effective tax rate 
to be 14.0% to 15.0%.  

Our effective tax rate decreased to 12.9% in 2018 compared to 26.1% in 2017 primarily due to new tax legislation 
that was enacted in late 2017.  As a result of the new tax legislation, significant tax changes were enacted including the 
reduction of the federal corporate tax rate from 35.0% to 21.0%.  These changes were generally effective at the 
beginning of our 2018 fiscal year. 

Liquidity and Capital Resources 

The following table presents a summary of our net cash provided by (used in) operating, investing and financing 

activities (in thousands): 

Net cash provided by operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . .    $   374,298   $   352,868   $   286,373 
Net cash used in investing activities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        (214,820)      (158,145)      (178,156)
 (70,243)
Net cash used in financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        (261,724)      (135,516)    
 37,974 
 59,207   $ 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents . . .    $  (102,246)  $ 

2019 

Fiscal Year 
2018 

2017 

Net cash provided by operating activities was $374.3 million in 2019 compared to $352.9 million in 2018.  The 
increase was primarily due to an increase in net income and depreciation and amortization expense. The increase in net 
income was primarily driven by increased restaurant margin dollars.  This was partially offset by a decrease in working 
capital along with a decrease in deferred income taxes. The decrease in working capital was primarily due to a decrease 
in deferred revenue related to gift cards partially offset by a decrease in prepaid income taxes.   

46 

 
 
 
   
   
   
 
Net cash provided by operating activities was $352.9 million in 2018 compared to $286.4 million in 2017.  The 
increase was primarily due to an increase in net income and non-cash items such as deferred income taxes, depreciation 
and amortization expense and share-based compensation expense along with an increase in working capital. The increase 
in net income was primarily driven by a decrease in income tax expense due to new tax legislation that was enacted in 
late 2017.  The increase in working capital was primarily due to an increase in deferred revenue related to gift cards and 
an increase in accounts payable partially offset by an increase in prepaid income taxes.   

Our operations have not required significant working capital and, like many restaurant companies, we can operate 

with negative working capital. Sales are primarily for cash, and restaurant operations do not require significant 
inventories or receivables. In addition, we receive trade credit for the purchase of food, beverages and supplies, thereby 
reducing the need for incremental working capital to support growth. 

Net cash used in investing activities was $214.8 million in 2019 compared to $158.1 million in 2018 and $178.2 
million in 2017.  The increase in 2019 was primarily due to an increase in capital expenditures from the relocation of 
existing restaurants, the remodeling of our support center office and the continued opening of new restaurants. 

We require capital principally for the development of new company restaurants, the refurbishment or relocation of 

existing restaurants and the acquisition of franchise restaurants, if any. We either lease our restaurant site locations under 
operating leases for periods of five to 30 years (including renewal periods) or purchase the land when appropriate. As of 
December 31, 2019, 146 of the 514 company restaurants have been developed on land which we own. 

The following table presents a summary of capital expenditures (in thousands): 

New company restaurants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $ 
Refurbishment of existing restaurants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Relocation of existing restaurants  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Capital expenditures related to Support Center office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Total capital expenditures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $ 

2019 
 99,957   $ 
 63,548  
 25,131  
 25,704  
 214,340   $ 

2018 
 83,633   $ 
 58,125  
 6,100  
 8,122  
 155,980   $ 

2017 
 104,819 
 49,344 
 4,807 
 2,658 
 161,628 

Our future capital requirements will primarily depend on the number of new restaurants we open, the timing of 
those openings and the restaurant prototypes developed in a given fiscal year. These requirements will include costs 
directly related to opening new restaurants and relocating existing restaurants and may also include costs necessary to 
ensure that our infrastructure is able to support a larger restaurant base. In 2020, we expect our capital expenditures to be  
$210.0 million to $220.0 million, the majority of which will relate to planned restaurant openings, including at 
least 30 company restaurant openings in 2020, the refurbishment of existing restaurants and the relocation of existing 
company restaurants.  This amount excludes any cash used for franchise acquisitions.  We intend to satisfy our capital 
requirements over the next 12 months with cash on hand, net cash provided by operating activities and, if needed, funds 
available under our amended credit facility. For 2020, we anticipate net cash provided by operating activities will exceed 
capital expenditures, which we currently plan to use to pay dividends, as approved by our Board of Directors and/or 
repurchase common stock. 

Net cash used in financing activities was $261.7 million in 2019 compared to $135.5 million in 2018.  The increase 
is primarily due to share repurchases of $139.8 million in 2019 as well as higher dividend payments in 2019.  As a result 
of the 53rd week, 2019 had five dividend payments versus four payments in 2018.  These increases were partially offset 
by the repayment of our revolving credit facility in Q2 2018. 

Net cash used in financing activities was $135.5 million in 2018 compared to $70.2 million in 2017.  The increase 

is primarily due to the $50.0 million repayment of our revolving credit facility in Q2 2018 along with an increase in 
dividends paid.   

On May 31, 2019, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program under which we may repurchase up 

to $250.0 million of our common stock. This stock repurchase program has no expiration date and replaced a previous 
stock repurchase program which was approved on May 22, 2014. All repurchases to date under our stock repurchase 
programs have been made through open market transactions. The timing and the amount of any repurchases are 
determined by management under parameters established by our Board of Directors, based on an evaluation of our stock 
price, market conditions and other corporate considerations. During 2019, we repurchased 2,625,245 shares for $139.8 
million and had $160.4 million remaining under our authorized stock repurchase program as of December 31, 2019. 

47 

 
     
     
     
  
  
  
 
We paid cash dividends of $102.4 million in 2019 including the payment of a regular quarterly dividend authorized 

by our Board of Directors on December 5, 2019, of $0.30 per share of common stock to shareholders of record at the 
close of business on December 11, 2019. This payment was distributed on December 27, 2019. On February 20, 2020, 
our Board of Directors authorized the payment of a quarterly cash dividend of $0.36 per share of common stock. This 
payment will be distributed on March 27, 2020 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 11, 2020. The 
increase in the dividend per share amount reflects the increase in our regular annual dividend rate from $1.20 per share 
in 2019 to $1.44 per share in 2020. The declaration and payment of cash dividends on our common stock is at the 
discretion of our Board of Directors, and any decision to declare a dividend will be based on a number of factors, 
including, but not limited to, earnings, financial condition, applicable covenants under our amended credit facility and 
other contractual restrictions, or other factors deemed relevant. 

We paid distributions of $6.4 million to equity holders of all of our 20 majority-owned company restaurants in 

2019.  In 2018, we paid distributions of $5.7 million to equity holders of 19 of our 20 majority-owned company 
restaurants. 

On August 7, 2017, we entered into the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Amended Credit 
Agreement") with respect to our revolving credit facility with a syndicate of commercial lenders led by JP Morgan 
Chase Bank, N.A., PNC Bank, N.A., and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.  The amended revolving credit facility remains an 
unsecured, revolving credit agreement under which we may borrow up to $200.0 million with the option to increase the 
amended revolving credit facility by an additional $200.0 million subject to certain limitations.  The Amended Credit 
Agreement extends the maturity date of our revolving credit facility until August 5, 2022. 

The terms of the Amended Credit Agreement require us to pay interest on outstanding borrowings at the London 

Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus a margin of 0.875% to 1.875% and to pay a commitment fee of 0.125% to 
0.30% per year on any unused portion of the amended revolving credit facility, depending on our consolidated net 
leverage ratio, or the Alternate Base Rate, which is the highest of the issuing banks’ prime lending rate, the Federal 
Reserve Bank of New York rate plus 0.50% or the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate for a one month interest period on such day 
plus 1.0%. The weighted-average interest rate for the amended revolving credit facility at December 31, 2019 and 
December 25, 2018 was 2.64% and 3.81%, respectively. At December 31, 2019, we had $191.8 million of availability, 
net of $8.2 million of outstanding letters of credit. 

The lenders’ obligation to extend credit pursuant to the Amended Credit Agreement depends on us maintaining 

certain financial covenants, including a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio of 2.00 to 1.00 and a 
maximum consolidated leverage ratio of 3.00 to 1.00.  The Amended Credit Agreement permits us to incur additional 
secured or unsecured indebtedness outside the amended revolving credit facility, except for the incurrence of secured 
indebtedness that in the aggregate is equal to or greater than $125.0 million and 20% of our consolidated tangible net 
worth.  We were in compliance with all financial covenants as of December 31, 2019.  

Contractual Obligations 

The following table summarizes the amount of payments due under specified contractual obligations as of 

December 31, 2019 (in thousands): 

Payments Due by Period 

 2,111 
 2,111   $ 
Obligation under finance lease . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 
 3,530 
 4,938  
Interest on finance lease . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Operating lease obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
 721,619 
 990,321  
Capital obligations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
— 
 163,546  
Total contractual obligations(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $  1,160,916   $   216,274   $   108,183   $   109,199   $   727,260 

 278  
 52,450  
    163,546  

 569  
 108,630  
—  

 561  
 107,622  
—  

—   $ 

—   $ 

Total 

  Less than 

1 year 

      1 - 3 Years        3 - 5 Years       
—   $ 

  More than 

5 years 

(1)  Excluded from this amount are certain immaterial items including unrecognized tax benefits under Accounting 

Standards Codification ("ASC") 740 as they are immaterial.  

We have no material minimum purchase commitments with our vendors that extend beyond a year. See notes 5 

and 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for details of contractual obligations. 

48 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
     
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements 

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements. 

Guarantees 

As of December 31, 2019 and December 25, 2018, we were contingently liable for $13.9 million and $14.8 million, 

respectively, for seven leases, listed in the table below.  These amounts represent the maximum potential liability of 
future payments under the guarantees.  In the event of default, the indemnity and default clauses in our assignment 
agreements govern our ability to pursue and recover damages incurred.  No material liabilities have been recorded as of 
December 31, 2019, as the likelihood of default was deemed to be less than probable and the fair value of the guarantees 
is not considered significant. 

  Term Expiration 
Everett, Massachusetts (1)(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      September 2002    February 2023 
Longmont, Colorado (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      October 2003     May 2029 
Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      October 2004     March 2021 
Fargo, North Dakota (1)(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      February 2006    
July 2021 
Logan, Utah (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Irving, Texas (3)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     December 2013   December 2024 
Louisville, Kentucky (3)(4)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     December 2013   November 2023 

January 2009     August 2024 

Lease 
  Assignment Date 

      Current Lease 

(1)  Real estate lease agreements for restaurant locations which we entered into before granting franchise rights to those 
restaurants.  We have subsequently assigned the leases to the franchisees, but remain contingently liable, under the 
terms of the lease, if the franchisee defaults. 

(2)  As discussed in note 17, these restaurants are owned, in whole or part, by certain officers, directors and 5% 

shareholders of the Company. 

(3)  Leases associated with a restaurant concept which was sold.  The leases were assigned to the acquirer, but we 

remain contingently liable under the terms of the lease if the acquirer defaults. 

(4)  We may be released from liability after the initial lease term expiration contingent upon certain conditions being 

met by the acquirer. 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates 

The above discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our 

consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these 
financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, 
revenue and expenses, and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Our significant accounting policies are 
described in note 2 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Critical accounting policies are those that we 
believe are most important to portraying our financial condition and results of operations and also require the greatest 
amount of subjective or complex judgments by management. Judgments or uncertainties regarding the application of 
these policies may result in materially different amounts being reported under different conditions or using different 
assumptions. We consider the following policies to be the most critical in understanding the judgments that are involved 
in preparing the consolidated financial statements. 

Impairment of Long-lived Assets.  We evaluate long-lived assets related to each restaurant to be held and used in the 

business, such as property and equipment, right-of-use assets and intangible assets subject to amortization, for 
impairment whenever events and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a restaurant may not be recoverable. 
When we evaluate restaurants, cash flows are the primary indicator of impairment. Recoverability of assets to be held 
and used is measured by comparison of the carrying amount of the restaurant to estimated undiscounted future cash 
flows expected to be generated by the restaurant. Under our policies, trailing 12-month cash flow results under a 
predetermined amount at the individual restaurant level signals a potential impairment. In our evaluation of restaurants 
that do not meet the cash flow threshold, we estimate future undiscounted cash flows from operating the restaurant over 
its estimated useful life, which can be a period of over 20 years. In the estimation of future cash flows, we consider the 
period of time the restaurant has been open, the trend of operations over such period and future periods and expectations 
for future sales growth. We limit assumptions about important factors such as trend of future operations and sales growth 
to those that are supportable based upon our plans for the restaurant and actual results at comparable restaurants. Both 
qualitative and quantitative information are considered when evaluating for potential impairments. As we assess the 

49 

 
     
 
 
ongoing expected cash flows and carrying amounts of our long-lived assets, these factors could cause us to realize a 
material impairment charge. 

If assets are determined to be impaired, we measure the impairment charge by calculating the amount by which the 
asset carrying amount exceeds its estimated fair value. The determination of asset fair value is also subject to significant 
judgment. We generally measure estimated fair value by independent third party appraisal or discounting estimated 
future cash flows. When fair value is measured by discounting estimated future cash flows, the assumptions used are 
consistent with what we believe hypothetical market participants would use. We also use a discount rate that is 
commensurate with the risk inherent in the projected cash flows. If these assumptions change in the future, we may be 
required to record impairment charges for these assets. 

In 2019, as a result of our impairment analysis, we recorded a charge of $1.1 million related to the impairment of 

the right-of-use asset at an underperforming restaurant.  In addition, at December 31, 2019, we had 17 restaurants whose 
trailing 12-month cash flows did not meet the predetermined threshold. However, the future undiscounted cash flows 
from operating each of these restaurants over their remaining estimated useful lives exceeded their respective remaining 
carrying values and no assets were determined to be impaired. 

See note 16 in the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion regarding closures and impairments 

recorded in 2019, 2018 and 2017, including the impairments of goodwill and other long-lived assets. 

Goodwill.  Goodwill is tested annually for impairment, and is tested more frequently if events and circumstances 

indicate that the asset might be impaired. We have assigned goodwill to our reporting units, which we consider to be the 
individual restaurant level. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the implied 
fair value of goodwill. The determination of impairment consists of two steps. First, we determine the fair value of the 
reporting unit and compare it to its carrying amount. The fair value of the reporting unit may be based on several 
valuation approaches including capitalization of earnings, discounted cash flows, comparable public company market 
multiples and comparable acquisition market multiples. Second, if the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its 
fair value, an impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill over 
the implied fair value of the goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the fair value of the 
reporting unit, in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation. The residual fair value after this allocation is the 
implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill. 

The valuation approaches used to determine fair value are subject to key judgments and assumptions that are 
sensitive to change such as judgments and assumptions about appropriate revenue growth rates, operating margins, 
weighted average cost of capital, and comparable company and acquisition market multiples. In estimating the fair value 
using the capitalization of earnings or discounted cash flows methods we consider the period of time the restaurant has 
been open, the trend of operations over such period and future periods, expectations of future sales growth and terminal 
value. Assumptions about important factors such as the trend of future operations and sales growth are limited to those 
that are supportable based upon the plans for the restaurant and actual results at comparable restaurants. When 
developing these key judgments and assumptions, we consider economic, operational and market conditions that could 
impact fair value. The judgments and assumptions used are consistent with what we believe hypothetical market 
participants would use. However, estimates are inherently uncertain and represent only our reasonable expectations 
regarding future developments. If the estimates used in performing the impairment test prove inaccurate, the fair value of 
the restaurants may ultimately prove to be significantly lower, thereby causing the carrying value to exceed the fair value 
and indicating impairment has occurred. 

At December 31, 2019, we had 71 reporting units, primarily at the restaurant level, with allocated goodwill of 
$124.7 million. The average amount of goodwill associated with each reporting unit is $1.8 million with six reporting 
units having goodwill in excess of $4.0 million. We did not record any impairment charges as a result of our annual 
impairment analysis in 2019.  We are not currently monitoring any restaurants for potential impairment. Since we 
determine the fair value of goodwill at the restaurant level, any significant decreases in cash flows at these restaurants or 
others could trigger an impairment charge in the future. The fair value of each of our reporting units was substantially in 
excess of their respective carrying values as of the 2019 goodwill impairment test. See note 16 in the Consolidated 
Financial Statements for further discussion regarding closures and impairments recorded in 2019, 2018 and 2017, 
including the impairments of goodwill and other long-lived assets. 

50 

Effects of Inflation 

We have not operated in a period of high commodity inflation for the last several years; however, we have 

experienced material increases in certain commodity costs, specifically beef, in the past. In addition, a significant 
number of our employees are paid at rates related to the federal and/or state minimum wage and, accordingly, increases 
in minimum wage have increased our labor costs for the last several years. We have increased menu prices and made 
other adjustments over the past few years, in an effort to offset increases in our restaurant and operating costs resulting 
from inflation. Whether we are able and/or choose to continue to offset the effects of inflation will determine to what 
extent, if any, inflation affects our restaurant profitability in future periods. 

ITEM 7A—QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK 

We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates on debt and changes in commodity prices. Our 
exposure to interest rate fluctuations is limited to our outstanding bank debt. The terms of the amended revolving credit 
facility require us to pay interest on outstanding borrowings at London Interbank Offering Rate ("LIBOR") plus a 
margin of 0.875% to 1.875%, depending on our leverage ratio, or the Alternate Base Rate, which is the highest of the 
issuing bank’s prime lending rate, the Federal Funds rate plus 0.50% or the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate for a one month 
interest period on such day plus 1.0%.  As of December 31, 2019, we had no outstanding borrowings under our 
revolving credit facility. 

In an effort to secure high quality, low cost ingredients used in the products sold in our restaurants, we employ 
various purchasing and pricing contract techniques.  When purchasing certain types of commodities, we may be subject 
to prevailing market conditions resulting in unpredictable price volatility.  For certain commodities, we may also enter 
into contracts for terms of one year or less that are either fixed price agreements or fixed volume agreements where the 
price is negotiated with reference to fluctuating market prices.  We currently do not use financial instruments to hedge 
commodity prices, but we will continue to evaluate their effectiveness. Extreme and/or long term increases in 
commodity prices could adversely affect our future results, especially if we are unable, primarily due to competitive 
reasons, to increase menu prices. Additionally, if there is a time lag between the increasing commodity prices and our 
ability to increase menu prices or if we believe the commodity price increase to be short in duration and we choose not 
to pass on the cost increases, our short-term financial results could be negatively affected. 

We are subject to business risk as our beef supply is highly dependent upon three vendors. If these vendors were 

unable to fulfill their obligations under their contracts, we may encounter supply shortages and incur higher costs to 
secure adequate supplies, any of which would harm our business. 

ITEM 8—FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL DATA 

See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements at Item 15. 

ITEM 9—CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND 

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE 

None. 

51 

ITEM 9A—CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures 

We have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant 

to, and as defined in, Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as of the 
end of the period covered by this report. Based on the evaluation, performed under the supervision and with the 
participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer (the "CEO") and the Chief Financial Officer (the 
"CFO"), our management, including the CEO and CFO, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were 
effective as of December 31, 2019. 

Changes in internal control 

On December 26, 2018, the Company adopted ASC 842, Leases.  As a result, changes to processes and procedures 
occurred that affect the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.  These changes were monitored during the 
year and did not impact the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. 

Except for the changes noted above, there were no other significant changes to the Company’s internal control over 

financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2019 that materially affected or are reasonably 
likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. 

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting 

Under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, our management is required to assess the effectiveness of 

the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of the end of each fiscal year and report, based on that 
assessment, whether the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective. 

Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over 
financial reporting. As defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f), internal control over financial reporting is a process 
designed by, or under the supervision of, our principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by our 
Board of Directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of 
financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally 
accepted accounting principles. Therefore, internal control over financial reporting determined to be effective can 
provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and may not prevent or detect all 
misstatements. 

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our CEO and CFO, we assessed the 

effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of the end of the period covered by this 
report. In this assessment, the Company applied criteria based on the "Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013)" 
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. These criteria are in the areas of 
control environment, risk assessment, control activities, information and communication, and monitoring. The 
Company’s assessment included documenting, evaluating and testing the design and operating effectiveness of its 
internal control over financial reporting. Based upon this evaluation, our management concluded that our internal control 
over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2019. 

KPMG LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited our Consolidated Financial Statements 
included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K, has also audited the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over 
financial reporting as of December 31, 2019 as stated in their report at F-3. 

ITEM 9B—OTHER INFORMATION 

None. 

52 

 
 
PART III 

ITEM 10—DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 

Information regarding our directors is incorporated herein by reference to the information set forth under "Election 

of Directors" in our Definitive Proxy Statement to be dated on or about April 3, 2020. 

Information regarding our executive officers has been included in Part I of this Annual Report under the caption 

"Executive Officers of the Company." 

Information regarding our corporate governance is incorporated herein by reference to the information set forth in 

our Definitive Proxy Statement to be dated on or about April 3, 2020. 

ITEM 11—EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 

Incorporated by reference from our Definitive Proxy Statement to be dated on or about April 3, 2020. 

ITEM 12—SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND 

RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS 

Incorporated by reference from our Definitive Proxy Statement to be dated on or about April 3, 2020. 

Equity Compensation Plan Information 

As of December 31, 2019, shares of common stock authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans are 

summarized in the following table. See note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of the plans. 

Plan Category 
Plans approved by stockholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Plans not approved by stockholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    

Shares 

      Shares to Be       
  Available for 
  Issued Upon 
  Vest Date (1)    Future Grants 
 3,110,767 
— 
 3,110,767 

 913,427  
—  
 913,427  

(1)  Total number of shares consists of 836,427 restricted stock units and 77,000 performance stock units.  Shares in this 
column are excluded from the Shares Available for Future Grants column.  No stock options were outstanding as of 
December 31, 2019. 

ITEM 13—CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR 
INDEPENDENCE 

Incorporated by reference from our Definitive Proxy Statement to be dated on or about April 3, 2020. 

ITEM 14—PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES 

Incorporated by reference from our Definitive Proxy Statement to be dated on or about April 3, 2020. 

53 

 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 15—EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES 

1.  Consolidated Financial Statements 

PART IV 

Description 
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2019 and December 25, 2018  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 
2019, December 25, 2018 and December 26, 2017  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2019, 
December 25, 2018 and December 26, 2017    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2019, December 25, 2018 
and December 26, 2017  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

     Page Number 

in Report 

F-1
F-5

F-6

F-7

F-8
F-9

2.  Financial Statement Schedules 

Omitted due to inapplicability or because required information is shown in our Consolidated Financial Statements 

or notes thereto. 

3.  Exhibits 

Exhibit 
No. 
3.1    Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of 

Description 

the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 28, 2016) (File No. 000- 50972) 

3.2    Bylaws of Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of 

Registrant (File No. 333-115259)) 

4.1    Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of May 7, 2004, among Registrant and others (incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Registrant (File No. 333-115259)) 

4.2    Description of Securities 
10.1    Form of Director and Executive Officer Indemnification Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 

to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Registrant (File No. 333-115259)) 

10.2    Form of Limited Partnership Agreement and Operating Agreement for certain company-managed Texas 

Roadhouse restaurants, including schedule of the owners of such restaurants and the aggregate interests held by 
directors, executive officers and 5% stockholders who are parties to such an agreement (incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Registrant (File No. 333-115259)) 

10.3    Form of Franchise Agreement and Preliminary Agreement for a Texas Roadhouse restaurant franchise, 
including schedule of directors, executive officers and 5% stockholders which have entered into either 
agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Registrant 
(File No. 333-115259)) 

10.4    Schedule of the owners of company-managed Texas Roadhouse restaurants and the aggregate interests held by 
directors, executive officers and 5% stockholders who are parties to Limited Partnership Agreements and 
Operating Agreements as of December 31, 2019 the form of which is set forth in Exhibit 10.2 of this 
Form 10-K 

10.5    Schedule of the directors, executive officers and 5% stockholders which have entered into Franchise 

Agreements or Preliminary Agreements for a Texas Roadhouse Franchise as of December 31, 2019 the form of 
which is set forth in Exhibit 10.3 of this Form 10-K 

10.6*   Texas Roadhouse, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Appendix A to the 

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission 
on April 5, 2013 (File No. 000-50972)) 

54 

 
     
 
 
 
Exhibit 
No. 

Description 

10.7*   Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award under the Texas Roadhouse, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan 

(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 
June 25, 2013 (File No. 000-50972)) 

10.8*   Texas Roadhouse, Inc. Cash Bonus Plan for cash incentive awards granted pursuant to the Texas 

Roadhouse, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of Registrant’s 
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 25, 2013 (File No. 000-50972)) 

10.9*   Employment Agreement between the Registrant and W. Kent Taylor entered into as of December 26, 2017 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K ended 
December 25, 2018 (File No. 000-50972)) 

10.10*  Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Scott M. Colosi entered into as of December 26, 2017 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K ended 
December 26, 2017 (File No. 000-50972)) 

10.11*  Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Celia Catlett entered into as of December 26, 2017 

(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K ended 
December 26, 2017 (File No. 000-50972))  

10.12*  Employment Agreement between the Registrant and S. Chris Jacobsen entered into as of December 26, 2017 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K ended 
December 26, 2017 (File No. 000-50972)) 

10.13*  Form of Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Texas Roadhouse, Inc. 2013 Long-Term 

Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for 
the year ended December 29, 2015 (File No. 000-50972)) 

10.14*  First Amendment to Employment Agreement between Texas Roadhouse Management Corp. and 

Scott M. Colosi entered into as of May 17, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s 
Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 18, 2018 (File No. 000-50972)) 

10.15*  Employment Agreement between Texas Roadhouse Management Corp. and Tonya Robinson entered into as of 
May 18, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for 
the quarter ended June 26, 2018 (File No. 000-50972)) 

10.16*  Employment Agreement between Texas Roadhouse Management Corp. and Doug Thompson entered into as of 
August 23, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q 
for the quarter ended September 25, 2018 (File No. 000-50972)) 

10.17*  Amended and Restated Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Texas Roadhouse, Inc. 2013 

Long-Term Incentive Plan for officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.40 to the Registrant’s Annual 
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2014 (File No. 000-50972)) 

10.18*  Amended and Restated Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Texas Roadhouse, Inc. 2013 

Long-Term Incentive Plan for non-officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.41 to the Registrant’s 
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2014 (File No. 000-50972)) 

10.19*  Second Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Plan of Texas Roadhouse Management Corp., as 
amended December 19, 2007 and December 31, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.42 to the 
Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2014 (File No. 000-50972)) 

10.20*  Third Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Plan of Texas Roadhouse Management Corp., effective 
January 1, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.43 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K 
for the year ended December 30, 2014 (File No. 000-50972)) 

10.21*  Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement under Texas Roadhouse, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan 

(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.47 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended 
December 29, 2015 (File No. 000-50972)) 

10.22   Master Lease Agreement dated October 26, 2018 between Paragon Centre Holdings, LLC and Texas 

Roadhouse Holdings LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on 
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 25, 2018 (File No. 000-50972)) 

10.23   Consent Decree dated March 31, 2017, among Texas Roadhouse, Inc., Texas Roadhouse Holdings LLC, Texas 

Roadhouse Management Corp. and the EEOC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s 
Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 31, 2017 (File No. 000-50972)) 

55 

     
 
 
 
Exhibit 
No. 

Description 

10.24   Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of August 7, 2017, by and among Texas Roadhouse Inc., and 
the lenders named therein and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent (incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 7, 2017 
(File No. 000-50972)) 

10.25*  Consulting Agreement and General Release of Claims between Scott M. Colosi and Texas Roadhouse, Inc., 
Texas Roadhouse Holdings LLC and Texas Roadhouse Management Corp. entered into July 3, 2019 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 3, 2019 (File 
No. 000-50972)) 

10.26*  Executive Transition and Consulting Agreement between Celia Catlett and Texas Roadhouse, Inc., Texas 

Roadhouse Holdings LLC and Texas Roadhouse Management Corp. entered into on August 21, 2019 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 21, 2019 
(File No. 000-50972)) 

10.27   Assignment and Assumption Agreement between Texas Roadhouse Holdings LLC and Texas Roadhouse, Inc. 

dated October 26, 2018 

10.28   First Amendment to Paragon Centre Master Lease Agreement between Paragon Centre Holdings, LLC and 

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. dated December 13, 2019 

21.1    List of Subsidiaries 
23.1    Consent of KPMG LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 
31.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 
31.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 
32.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 

of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 

32.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 

of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 

101    The following financial statements from the Texas Roadhouse, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year 
ended December 31, 2019, filed February 28, 2020, formatted in inline eXtensible Business Reporting 
Language (iXBRL): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income and 
Comprehensive Income, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity, (iv) Consolidated Statements of 
Cash Flows, and (v) the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

104    Cover page, formatted in iXBRL and contained in Exhibit 101. 

*  Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit to Form 10-K. 

ITEM 16.  FORM 10-K SUMMARY 

Not applicable. 

56 

     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the 

registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. 

SIGNATURES 

TEXAS ROADHOUSE, INC. 

By: 

/s/ W. KENT TAYLOR 
W. Kent Taylor 
Chairman of the Company, Chief Executive 
Officer, Director 
Date: February 28, 2020 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this Annual Report has been 

signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. 

Signature 

Title 

Date 

/s/ W. KENT TAYLOR 
W. Kent Taylor 

/s/ TONYA R. ROBINSON 
Tonya R. Robinson 

/s/ GREGORY N. MOORE 
Gregory N. Moore 

/s/ CURTIS A. WARFIELD 
Curtis A. Warfield 

/s/ KATHLEEN M. WIDMER 
Kathleen M. Widmer 

/s/ JAMES R. ZARLEY 
James R. Zarley 

February 28, 2020 

February 28, 2020 

February 28, 2020 

February 28, 2020 

February 28, 2020 

February 28, 2020 

  Chairman of the Company, Chief 

Executive Officer, Director 
(Principal Executive Officer) 

  Chief Financial Officer  

(Principal Financial Officer) 
(Principal Accounting Officer) 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

57 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(This page has been left blank intentionally.) 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors Texas Roadhouse, Inc.: 

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and subsidiaries (the 
Company) as of December 31, 2019 and December 25, 2018, the related consolidated statements of income and 
comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended 
December 31, 2019, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the 
consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of 
December 31, 2019 and December 25, 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in 
the three-year period ended December 31, 2019, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United 
States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria 
established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of 
the Treadway Commission, and our report dated February 28, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion on the 
effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. 

Changes in Accounting Principle 

As discussed in Notes 2 and 8 to the consolidated financial statements, effective December 26, 2018, the Company 
changed its method of accounting for leases due to the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting 
Standard Codification Topic 842, Leases. 

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, effective December 27, 2017, the Company has changed 
its method of accounting for revenue from contracts with customers due to the adoption of Financial Accounting 
Standards Board Accounting Standard Codification Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. 

Basis for Opinion 

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to 
express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm 
registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. 
federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the 
PCAOB. 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and 
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material 
misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material 
misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that 
respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and 
disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used 
and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated 
financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. 

F-1 

 
 
Critical Audit Matter 

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated 
financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates 
to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially 
challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of a critical audit matter does not alter in any way 
our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical 
audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it 
relates. 

Assessment of potential indicators of impairment of long-lived assets 

As discussed in Notes 2 and 16 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company assesses long-lived assets 
related to restaurants held and used in the business, including property and equipment and right-of- use assets, 
for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a restaurant 
may not be recoverable. Trailing 12-month cash flows under predetermined amounts at the individual restaurant 
level are the Company’s primary indicator that the carrying amount of a restaurant may not be recoverable. The 
property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, balance as of December 31, 2019 was $1.06 billion, 
or 53% of total assets. The operating lease right-of-use asset, net, balance as of December 31, 2019 was $500 
million, or 25% of total assets. 

We identified the assessment of the Company’s determination of potential indicators of impairment of long- 
lived assets as a critical audit matter. There was subjectivity in identifying events or circumstances indicating 
the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable, including the determination of the cash flow 
thresholds and the period of cash flows utilized to identify a potential impairment trigger. 

The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included the following. We tested 
certain internal controls over the Company’s process to determine and identify potential indicators of 
impairment. We evaluated the cash flow thresholds and the period of cash flows utilized by the Company to 
identify a potential impairment trigger.  We tested that those restaurants with trailing 12-month cash flows were 
evaluated for potential impairment triggers and we compared the trailing 12-month cash flows to historical 
financial data.  We assessed other events and circumstances that could have been indicative of a potential 
impairment trigger. 

/s/ KPMG LLP 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1998. 

Louisville, Kentucky 
February 28, 2020 

F-2 

 
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors 
Texas Roadhouse, Inc.: 

Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting  

We have audited Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and subsidiaries’ (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of 
December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the 
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all 
material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria 
established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of 
the Treadway Commission.   

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United 
States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2019 and December 25, 2018, the 
related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of 
the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2019, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated 
financial statements), and our report dated February 28, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated 
financial statements. 

Basis for Opinion  

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its 
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s 
Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express an 
opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm 
registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. 
federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the 
PCAOB. 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and 
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was 
maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an 
understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing 
and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also 
included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit 
provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. 

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting  

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding 
the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with 
generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies 
and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the 
transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are 
recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting 
principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of 
management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely 
detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the 
financial statements. 

F-3 

 
 
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. 
Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become 
inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may 
deteriorate. 

/s/ KPMG LLP 
Louisville, Kentucky 
February 28, 2020 

F-4 

 
 
Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries 

Consolidated Balance Sheets 

(in thousands, except share and per share data) 

    December 31, 2019     December 25, 2018

Assets 
Current assets: 

Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 
Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $12 at 
December 31, 2019 and $34 at December 25, 2018  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Inventories, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Prepaid income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Prepaid expenses  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Total current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $678,988 at 
December 31, 2019 and $602,451 at December 25, 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Operating lease right-of-use asset, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Goodwill  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $14,141 at 
December 31, 2019 and $13,416 at December 25, 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity 
Current liabilities: 

Current portion of operating lease liabilities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 
Accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Deferred revenue-gift cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Accrued wages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Accrued taxes and licenses  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Dividends payable  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Other accrued liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Total current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Restricted stock and other deposits  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Deferred rent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Deferred tax liabilities, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Other liabilities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and subsidiaries stockholders’ equity: 

Preferred stock ($0.001 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized; no shares 
issued or outstanding)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Common stock ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 69,400,252 
and 71,617,510 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2019 
and December 25, 2018, respectively) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Additional paid-in-capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Retained earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Total Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and subsidiaries stockholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Noncontrolling interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Total equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Total liabilities and equity  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 

 107,879   $ 

 210,125 

 99,305  
 20,267  
 2,015  
 18,433  
 247,899  

 1,056,563  
 499,801  
 124,748  

 92,114 
 18,827 
 7,569 
 16,384 
 345,019 

 956,676 
— 
 123,220 

 1,234  
 53,320  
 1,983,565   $ 

 1,959 
 42,402 
 1,469,276 

 17,263   $ 
 61,653  
 209,258  
 39,699  
 30,433  
—  
 58,914  
 417,220  
 538,710  
 8,249  
—  
 22,695  
 65,522  
 1,052,396  

— 
 62,060 
 192,242 
 34,159 
 24,631 
 17,904 
 54,146 
 385,142 
— 
 7,703 
 48,079 
 17,268 
 50,376 
 508,568 

—  

— 

 69  
 140,501  
 775,649  
 (225) 
 915,994  
 15,175  
 931,169  
 1,983,565   $ 

 72 
 257,388 
 688,337 
 (228)
 945,569 
 15,139 
 960,708 
 1,469,276 

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

F-5 

 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
   
 
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries 

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income 

(in thousands, except per share data) 

Fiscal Year Ended 

  December 31,      December 25,      December 26, 

2019 

2018 

2017 

Revenue: 

Restaurant and other sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Franchise royalties and fees  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Total revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Costs and expenses: 

Restaurant operating costs (excluding depreciation and 
amortization shown separately below): 

$  2,734,177   $  2,437,115   $  2,203,017 
 16,514 
    2,219,531 

 21,986  
    2,756,163  

 20,334  
    2,457,449  

Cost of sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Labor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Rent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Other operating  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Pre-opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Depreciation and amortization  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Impairment and closure, net  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
General and administrative  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Total costs and expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Income from operations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Interest income (expense), net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Equity income from investments in unconsolidated affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Income before taxes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Provision for income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Net income including noncontrolling interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Net income attributable to Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and subsidiaries . . . . . . .    $ 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: 
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of ($1), $53 and 
($97), respectively . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Total comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 
Net income per common share attributable to Texas Roadhouse, Inc. 
and subsidiaries: 

 883,357  
 905,614  
 52,531  
 418,448  
 20,156  
 115,544  
 (899) 
 149,389  
    2,544,140  
 212,023  
 1,514  
 378  
 213,915  
 32,397  
 181,518  
 7,066  
 174,452   $ 

 795,300  
 793,384  
 48,791  
 375,477  
 19,051  
 101,216  
 278  
 136,163  
    2,269,660  
 187,789  
 (591) 
 1,353  
 188,551  
 24,257  
 164,294  
 6,069  
 158,225   $ 

 721,550 
 687,545 
 44,807 
 342,702 
 19,274 
 93,499 
 654 
 123,294 
    2,033,325 
 186,206 
 (1,577)
 1,488 
 186,117 
 48,581 
 137,536 
 6,010 
 131,526 

 3  

 174,455   $ 

 (189) 
 158,036   $ 

 155 
 131,681 

Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

$ 
$ 

 2.47   $ 
 2.46   $ 

 2.21   $ 
 2.20   $ 

 1.85 
 1.84 

Weighted average shares outstanding: 

Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Cash dividends declared per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 

 70,509  
 70,916  

 71,467  
 71,964  

 1.20   $ 

 1.00   $ 

 70,989 
 71,527 
 0.84 

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

F-6 

 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
   
 
   
 
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries 

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity 

(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data) 

   Accumulated     Total Texas 

 Additional  

Other 

Shares 

  Par    Paid-in-    Retained   Comprehensive  
  Value   Capital 

  Earnings  

Loss 

  Roadhouse, Inc. 
and 

  Subsidiaries 

  Noncontrolling 
Interests 

Total 

 1     

—     

 1,557     

 800,189     

 (251,029)    

 (11,638)    
 69    
 26,934     

 (1)     
—     —    
—      —     

—      —     
—      —     
—     —    
—      —     
—      —     

—     —    
—     —    
—     —    
—     —    
—     —    
—     —    
—     —    

Balance, December 27, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     70,619,737   $   71   $   219,626   $  530,723   $ 
—      131,526     
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
—     
—     
Other comprehensive income, net of tax . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
—    
—    
Noncontrolling interests contribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
—     
—     
Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders . . . . . . . .    
Dividends declared ($0.84 per share) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
—       (59,681)    
Shares issued under share-based compensation plans 
including tax effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Indirect repurchase of shares for minimum 
—     
tax withholdings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
 (69)   
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle  . . . .   
Share-based compensation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
—     
Balance, December 26, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     71,168,897   $   71   $   236,548   $  602,499   $ 
—      158,225    
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
—    
—    
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
—    
—    
Noncontrolling interests contribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
—    
—    
Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders . . . . . . . .    
—    
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
 (75)   
—    
Contribution from executive officer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
 1,000    
—      (71,509)   
Dividends declared ($1.00 per share) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Shares issued under share-based compensation plans 
including tax effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Indirect repurchase of shares for minimum 
tax withholdings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASC 606, Revenue 
 (878)   
from Contracts with Customers, net of tax  . . . . . . . . . . .   
—    
Share-based compensation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Balance, December 25, 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     71,617,510   $   72   $   257,388   $  688,337   $ 
—      174,452     
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
—    
—    
Other comprehensive income, net of tax . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
—     
—     
Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders . . . . . . . .    
—    
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest and other . . . . . . . .   
 (70)   
—       (84,462)    
Dividends declared ($1.20 per share) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Shares issued under share-based compensation plans 
including tax effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Indirect repurchase of shares for minimum 
tax withholdings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Repurchase of shares of common stock  . . . . . . . . . . . . .     (2,625,245)   
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASC 842, Leases, 
 (2,678)   
net of tax  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Share-based compensation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
—     
Balance, December 31, 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     69,400,252   $   69   $   140,501   $  775,649   $ 

—      —     
—     —    
—      —     
—     —    
—      —     

 (12,471)    
 (3)      (139,846)   

—     —    
—      —     

—     —    
—     —    

—    
 35,500     

—    
 33,983    

 (209,408)     —     

 (236,191)    —    

 617,395      —     

—     
—    

 684,804    

 (14,067)   

—     

—     

 (1)   

—    

—    

 1    

 (194)  $ 
—     
 155     
—    
—     
—     

 750,226   $ 
 131,526     
 155     
—    
—     
 (59,681)    

 8,016   $   758,242 
 6,010       137,536 
 155 
 3,457 
 (5,171)
 (59,681)

—     
 3,457    
 (5,171)    
—     

—     

 1,558     

—     

 1,558 

—     
—    
—     
 (39)  $ 
—    
 (189)   
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    

—    

—    

—    
—    
 (228)  $ 
—     
 3    
—     
—    
—     

—     

—     
—    

 (11,639)    
—    
 26,934     
 839,079   $ 
 158,225    
 (189)   
—    
—    
 (75)   
 1,000    
 (71,509)   

—     
—    
—     

 (11,639)
— 
 26,934 
 12,312   $   851,391 
 164,294 
 6,069    
 (189)
—    
 2,551 
 2,551    
 (5,746)
 (5,746)   
 (122)
 (47)   
 1,000 
—    
 (71,509)
—    

—    

—    

— 

 (14,067)   

—    

 (14,067)

 (878)   
 33,983    
 945,569   $ 
 174,452     
 3    
—     
 (70)   
 (84,462)    

—    
—    

 (878)
 33,983 
 15,139   $   960,708 
 7,066       181,518 
 3 
 (6,357)
 (743)
 (84,462)

—    
 (6,357)    
 (673)   
—     

—     

—     

— 

 (12,471)    
 (139,849)   

—     
 (12,471)
—      (139,849)

—    
—     
 (225)  $ 

 (2,678)   
 35,500     
 915,994   $ 

—    
—     

 (2,678)
 35,500 
 15,175   $   931,169 

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

F-7 

 
  
 
   
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 

(in thousands) 

  December 31,      December 25,      December 26,

2019 

2018 

2017 

Cash flows from operating activities: 

Net income including noncontrolling interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: 

 181,518    $ 

 164,294    $ 

 137,536 

Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Loss on disposition of assets  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Impairment and closure costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Contribution from executive officer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Equity income from investments in unconsolidated affiliates  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Distributions of income received from investments in unconsolidated affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Provision for doubtful accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Share-based compensation expense  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

Changes in operating working capital: 

Receivables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Inventories  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Prepaid expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Accounts payable  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Deferred revenue—gift cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Accrued wages  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Prepaid income taxes and income taxes payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Accrued taxes and licenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Other accrued liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Operating lease right-of-use assets and lease liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Deferred rent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Net cash provided by operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

 115,544   
 6,335   
 5,885   
 (1,283)
— 
 (378) 
 1,837   
 (22) 
 35,500   

 (5,774) 
 (1,414) 
 (2,049) 
 (12,823) 
 407   
 16,991   
 5,540   
 5,554   
 5,802   
 (3,773) 
 5,826   
—   
 15,075   
 374,298   

 101,216   
 12,319   
 6,008   
 105 
 1,000 
 (1,353) 
 656   
 (9) 
 33,983   

 (15,597) 
 (2,495) 
 (3,023) 
 (4,290) 
 8,882   
 35,519   
 4,481   
 (8,581) 
 2,634   
 7,569   
—   
 5,938   
 3,612   
 352,868   

Cash flows from investing activities: 

Capital expenditures—property and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Acquisition of franchise restaurants, net of cash acquired  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Net cash used in investing activities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

 (214,340) 
 (1,536) 
 1,056   
 (214,820) 

 (155,980) 
 (2,165) 
—   
 (158,145) 

Cash flows from financing activities: 
   Debt issuance costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
   Proceeds from noncontrolling interest contribution  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Proceeds from restricted stock and other deposits, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Indirect repurchase of shares for minimum tax withholdings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Principal payments on long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Proceeds from exercise of stock options  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Repurchase of shares of common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Dividends paid to shareholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Net cash used in financing activities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Cash and cash equivalents—end of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: 

— 
— 
 (6,357) 
 (743) 
 62   
 (12,471) 
—   
—   
 (139,849) 
 (102,366) 
 (261,724) 
 (102,246) 
 210,125   
 107,879    $ 

— 
 2,551 
 (5,746) 
 (122) 
 418   
 (14,067) 
 (50,000) 
—   
—   
 (68,550) 
 (135,516) 
 59,207   
 150,918   
 210,125    $ 

 93,499 
 (5,069)
 4,961 
 600 
— 
 (1,488)
 1,424 
 10 
 26,934 

 (20,379)
 (48)
 (1,211)
 (7,401)
 1,601 
 26,678 
 3,639 
 3,448 
 2,299 
 5,148 
— 
 6,038 
 8,154 
 286,373 

 (161,628)
 (16,528)
— 
 (178,156)

 (476)
 3,457 
 (5,171)
— 
 740 
 (11,639)
 (558)
 1,558 
— 
 (58,154)
 (70,243)
 37,974 
 112,944 
 150,918 

Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 
Income taxes paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 
Capital expenditures included in current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

 738    $ 
 20,440    $ 
 15,416    $ 

 896    $ 
 20,519    $ 
 7,332    $ 

 1,216 
 50,201 
 12,156 

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

F-8 

 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share data) 

(1) Description of Business 

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Texas Roadhouse, Inc. ("TRI"), our 
wholly-owned subsidiaries and subsidiaries in which we have a controlling interest (collectively, the "Company," "we," 
"our" and/or "us") as of December 31, 2019 and December 25, 2018 and for each of the years in the three-year period 
ended December 31, 2019. 

As of December 31, 2019, we owned and operated 514 restaurants and franchised an additional 97 restaurants in 
49 states and ten foreign countries. Of the 514 company restaurants that were operating at December 31, 2019, 494 were 
wholly-owned and 20 were majority-owned. Of the 97 franchise restaurants, 69 were domestic and 28 were international 
restaurants. 

As of December 25, 2018, we owned and operated 491 restaurants and franchised an additional 91 restaurants in 

49 states and nine foreign countries. Of the 491 company restaurants that were operating at December 25, 2018, 
471 were wholly-owned and 20 were majority-owned. Of the 91 franchise restaurants, 69 were domestic and 22 were 
international restaurants. 

(2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 

(a)  Principles of Consolidation 

As of December 31, 2019 and December 25, 2018, we owned a 5.0% to 10.0% equity interest in 24 restaurants. 

Additionally, as of December 31, 2019 and December 25, 2018, we owned a 40% equity interest in four non-Texas 
Roadhouse restaurants as part of a joint venture agreement with a casual dining restaurant operator in China.  The 
unconsolidated restaurants are accounted for using the equity method. Our investments in these unconsolidated affiliates 
are included in other assets in our consolidated balance sheets, and we record our percentage share of net income earned 
by these unconsolidated affiliates in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income under equity 
income from investments in unconsolidated affiliates.  All significant intercompany balances and transactions for these 
unconsolidated restaurants as well as the entities whose accounts have been consolidated have been eliminated. 

(b)  Fiscal Year 

We utilize a 52 or 53 week accounting period that typically ends on the last Tuesday in December. We utilize a 
13 week accounting period for quarterly reporting purposes, except in years containing 53 weeks when the fourth quarter 
contains 14 weeks.  Fiscal year 2019 was 53 weeks in length.  In fiscal year 2019, the 53rd week added $59.0 million to 
restaurant and other sales and $0.10 to $0.11 to diluted earnings per share in our consolidated statements of income and 
comprehensive income.  Fiscal years 2018 and 2017 were 52 weeks in length.   

(c)  Cash and Cash Equivalents 

We consider all highly liquid debt instruments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash 

equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents also included receivables from credit card companies, which amounted to $22.4 
million and $34.1 million at December 31, 2019 and December 25, 2018, respectively, because the balances are settled 
within two to three business days. 

(d)  Receivables 

Receivables consist principally of amounts due from retail gift card providers, certain franchise restaurants for 

reimbursement of labor costs, pre-opening and other expenses, and franchise restaurants for royalty fees. 

Receivables are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts is 

our best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in our existing accounts receivable. We determine the 
allowance based on historical write-off experience. We review our allowance for doubtful accounts quarterly. Past due 

F-9 

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share data) 

balances over 120 days and a specified amount are reviewed individually for collectability. Account balances are 
charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is 
considered remote. 

(e)  Inventories 

Inventories, consisting principally of food, beverages and supplies, are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) 

or net realizable value. 

(f)  Property and Equipment 

Property and equipment are stated at cost. Expenditures for major renewals and betterments are capitalized while 

expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is computed on property and 
equipment, including assets located on leased properties, over the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the related 
assets or the underlying lease term using the straight-line method. In most cases, assets on leased properties are 
depreciated over a period of time which includes both the initial term of the lease and one or more option periods. See 
note 2(g) for further discussion of leases. 

The estimated useful lives are: 

Land improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       10 - 25 years 
Buildings and leasehold improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     10 - 25 years 
Furniture, fixtures and equipment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     3 - 10 years 

The cost of purchasing transferable liquor licenses through open markets in jurisdictions with a limited number of 

authorized liquor licenses are capitalized as indefinite-lived assets and included in Property and equipment, net. 

Repairs and maintenance expense amounted to $27.9 million, $29.7 million and $25.8 million for the years ended 

December 31, 2019, December 25, 2018 and December 26, 2017, respectively. These costs are included in other 
operating costs in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. 

(g)  Leases 

We lease land and/or buildings for the majority of our restaurants under non-cancelable lease agreements which 

have initial terms and one or more option periods.  In addition, certain of these leases contain pre-determined fixed 
escalations of the minimum rent over the lease term. 

Beginning in 2019 with the adoption of ASC 842, Leases, we recognize operating lease right-of-use assets and 

operating lease liabilities for these leases based on the present value of the lease payments over the lease term.  In 
addition, for those leases with fixed escalations, we recognize the related rent expense on a straight-line basis over the 
lease term.  See note 8 for further discussion of leases.   

(h)  Goodwill 

Goodwill represents the excess of cost over fair value of assets of businesses acquired. In accordance with the 

provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 350, 
Intangibles—Goodwill and Other ("ASC 350"), we perform tests to assess potential impairments at the reporting unit 
level, which we define as the individual restaurant level.  These tests are performed on an annual basis, or sooner if an 
event or other circumstance indicates that goodwill may be impaired.  Prior to 2019, this annual assessment occurred at 
the end of each fiscal year.  In 2019, we changed the annual assessment date to the beginning of our fourth quarter.  As 
our primary indicator of impairment is a decrease in cash flows and because we have a significant number of reporting 
units with goodwill, an earlier evaluation date will allow us to more timely identify potential impairments.  This change 

F-10 

 
Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share data) 

was not due to any goodwill impairment concerns within any of our reporting units. In addition, we determined this did 
not represent a material change to a method of applying an accounting principle.   

In the first step of the review process, we compare the estimated fair value of the restaurant with its carrying value, 

including goodwill.  If the estimated fair value of the restaurant exceeds its carrying amount, no further analysis is 
needed.  If the estimated fair value of the restaurant is less than its carrying amount, the second step of the review 
process requires the calculation of the implied fair value of the goodwill by allocating the estimated fair value of the 
restaurant to all of the assets and liabilities of the restaurant as if it had been acquired in a business combination. The 
residual fair value after this allocation is the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill. If the carrying value of the 
goodwill associated with the restaurant exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized 
for that excess amount.  

The valuation approaches used to determine fair value are subject to key judgments and assumptions that are 

sensitive to change such as judgments and assumptions about appropriate revenue growth rates, operating margins, 
weighted average cost of capital and comparable company and acquisition market multiples.  In estimating the fair value 
using the capitalization of earnings method or discounted cash flows, we consider the period of time the restaurant has 
been open, the trend of operations over such period and future periods, expectations of future sales growth and terminal 
value.  Assumptions about important factors such as the trend of future operations and sales growth are limited to those 
that are supportable based upon the plans for the restaurant and actual results at comparable restaurants.  When 
developing these key judgments and assumptions, we consider economic, operational and market conditions that could 
impact fair value.  The judgments and assumptions used are consistent with what we believe hypothetical market 
participants would use.  However, estimates are inherently uncertain and represent only our reasonable expectations 
regarding future developments.  If the estimates used in performing the impairment test prove inaccurate, the fair value 
of the restaurants may ultimately prove to be significantly lower, thereby causing the carrying value to exceed the fair 
value and indicating impairment has occurred. 

In 2019, 2018 and 2017, as a result of our annual goodwill impairment analysis, we determined that there was no 

goodwill impairment.  Refer to note 7 for additional information related to goodwill and intangible assets. 

(i)  Other Assets 

Other assets consist primarily of deferred compensation plan assets, investments in unconsolidated affiliates and 

deposits. For further discussion of the deferred compensation plan, see note 15. 

(j)  Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets 

In accordance with ASC 360, Property, Plant and Equipment, long-lived assets related to each restaurant to be held 

and used in the business, such as property and equipment, right-of-use assets and intangible assets subject to 
amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying 
amount of a restaurant may not be recoverable.  When we evaluate restaurants, cash flows are the primary indicator of 
impairment.  Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the 
restaurant to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the restaurant. Under our policies, 
trailing 12-month cash flow results under a predetermined amount at the individual restaurant level signals potential 
impairment.  In our evaluation of restaurants that do not meet the cash flow threshold, we estimate future undiscounted 
cash flows from operating the restaurant over its estimated useful life, which can be for a period of over 20 years. In the 
estimation of future cash flows, we consider the period of time the restaurant has been open, the trend of operations over 
such period and future periods and expectations of future sales growth.  Assumptions about important factors such as the 
trend of future operations and sales growth are limited to those that are supportable based upon the plans for the 
restaurant and actual results at comparable restaurants.   If the carrying amount of the restaurant exceeds its estimated 
undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount 
exceeds the estimated fair value of the assets.  We generally measure fair value by independent third party appraisal or 
discounting estimated future cash flows. When fair value is measured by discounting estimated future cash flows, the 

F-11 

 
 
Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share data) 

assumptions used are consistent with what we believe hypothetical market participants would use.  We also use a 
discount rate that is commensurate with the risk inherent in the projected cash flows.  The adjusted carrying amounts of 
assets to be held and used are depreciated over their remaining useful life. See note 16 for further discussion of amounts 
recorded as part of our impairment analysis. 

(k)  Insurance Reserves 

We self-insure a significant portion of expected losses under our health, workers’ compensation, general liability, 

employment practices liability, and property insurance programs. We purchase insurance for individual claims that 
exceed the retention amounts listed below: 

Employment practices liability/Class Action  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        
Workers' compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
General liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Employee healthcare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    

$250,000 /  $2,000,000 
$350,000 
$500,000 
$250,000 
$350,000 

We record a liability for unresolved claims and for an estimate of incurred but not reported claims based on 
estimates provided by management, a third party administrator and/or actuary. The estimated liability is based on a 
number of assumptions and factors regarding economic conditions, the frequency and severity of claims and claim 
development history and settlement practices. Our assumptions are reviewed, monitored, and adjusted when warranted 
by changing circumstances. 

(l)  Segment Reporting 

We consider our restaurant and franchising operations as similar and have aggregated them into a single reportable 
segment. The majority of the restaurants operate in the U.S. within the casual dining segment of the restaurant industry, 
providing similar products to similar customers. The restaurants also possess similar pricing structures, resulting in 
similar long-term expected financial performance characteristics. As of December 31, 2019, we operated 514 
restaurants, each as a single operating segment, and franchised an additional 97 restaurants. Revenue from external 
customers is derived principally from food and beverage sales. We do not rely on any major customers as a source of 
revenue. 

(m)  Revenue Recognition 

We recognize revenue from restaurant sales when food and beverage products are sold. Deferred revenue primarily 

represents our liability for gift cards that have been sold, but not yet redeemed. When the gift cards are redeemed, we 
recognize restaurant sales and reduce deferred revenue.  We also recognize revenue from our franchising of Texas 
Roadhouse restaurants.  This includes franchise royalties, initial and upfront franchise fees, fees paid to our domestic 
marketing and advertising fund, and fees for supervisory and administrative services.  For further discussion of revenue, 
see note 3. 

We adopted ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, as of the beginning of our 2018 fiscal year.  This 

ASC requires an entity to allocate the transaction price received from customers to each separate and distinct 
performance obligation and recognize revenue as these performance obligations are satisfied.  This standard replaces 
most existing revenue recognition guidance in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United 
States ("GAAP").  The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on our recognition of sales from company 
restaurants or our recognition of continuing fees from franchisees, which are based on a percentage of franchise 
restaurant sales.  As further detailed below, the adoption of this standard did have an impact on the recognition of initial 
franchise fees and upfront fees from international development agreements.  In addition, certain transactions that were 
previously recorded as expense prior to adoption are now classified as revenue.  We utilized the cumulative-effect 

F-12 

 
 
 
Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share data) 

method of adoption and recorded a $0.9 million reduction, net of tax, to retained earnings as of the first day of fiscal 
2018 to reflect the change in the recognition pattern of initial franchise fees and upfront fees.  The comparative financial 
information prior to adoption has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect 
for those periods. The impact of adopting ASC 606 as compared to the previous revenue recognition guidance on our 
consolidated balance sheet and our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income was not significant. 

Under ASC 606, because the services we provide related to initial franchise fees and upfront fees from international 
development agreements do not contain separate and distinct performance obligations from the franchise right, these fees 
are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the associated franchise agreement.  Under previous guidance, 
initial franchise fees were recognized when the related services had been provided, which was generally upon the 
opening of the restaurant, and upfront fees were recognized on a pro-rata basis as restaurants under the development 
agreement were opened.  These fees continue to be recorded as a component of franchise royalties and fees in our 
consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.  ASC 606 requires sales-based royalties to continue to be 
recognized as franchise restaurant sales occur.  

In addition, certain transactions that were previously recorded as expense prior to adoption are now classified as 
revenue.  These transactions include breakage income and third party gift card fees from our gift card program as well as 
accounting fees, supervision fees and advertising contributions received from our franchisees.  Under ASC 606, 
breakage income and third party gift card fees are recorded as a component of restaurant and other sales in our 
consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.  Under previous guidance, these transactions were 
recorded as a component of other operating expense.  Also under ASC 606, accounting fees, supervision fees and 
advertising contributions received from our franchisees are recorded as a component of franchise royalties and fees in 
our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.   Under previous guidance, these transactions were 
recorded as a reduction of general and administrative expense.  As noted above, we adopted ASC 606 as of the 
beginning of our 2018 fiscal year.  The comparative financial information prior to adoption has not been restated and 
continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. For further discussion of revenue, see 
note 3. 

(n)  Income Taxes 

We account for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes, under which deferred assets and 
liabilities are recognized based upon anticipated future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial 
statement carrying values of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. We recognize both interest and penalties 
on unrecognized tax benefits as part of income tax expense. A valuation allowance is established to reduce the carrying 
value of deferred tax assets if it is considered more likely than not that such assets will not be realized. Any change in 
the valuation allowance would be charged to income in the period such determination was made. For all years presented, 
no valuation allowances have been recorded. 

(o)  Advertising 

We have a domestic system-wide marketing and advertising fund. We maintain control of the marketing and 

advertising fund and, as such, have consolidated the fund’s activity for the years ended December 31, 2019, 
December 25, 2018 and December 26, 2017. Domestic company and franchise restaurants are required to remit a 
designated portion of sales, currently 0.3%, to the advertising fund. Advertising contributions related to company 
restaurants are recorded as a component of other operating costs.  Advertising contributions received from our 
franchisees are recorded as a component of franchise royalties and fees in our consolidated statements of income and 
comprehensive income.   

Other costs related to local restaurant area marketing initiatives are included in other operating costs in our 
consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.  These costs and the company-owned restaurant 

F-13 

 
 
Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share data) 

contribution amounted to $18.3 million, $17.1 million and $14.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 
December 25, 2018 and December 26, 2017, respectively. 

(p)  Pre-opening Expenses 

Pre-opening expenses, which are charged to operations as incurred, consist of expenses incurred before the opening 

of a new or relocated restaurant and are comprised principally of opening team and training team compensation and 
benefits, travel expenses, rent, food, beverage and other initial supplies and expenses. 

(q)  Use of Estimates 

We have made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities, the 
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reporting of 
revenue and expenses during the period to prepare these consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP. 
Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the carrying amount of property and equipment, 
goodwill, obligations related to insurance reserves, leases and leasehold improvements, legal reserves, gift card breakage 
and third party fees and income taxes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. 

(r)  Comprehensive Income 

ASC 220, Comprehensive Income, establishes standards for reporting and the presentation of comprehensive 
income and its components in a full set of financial statements. Comprehensive income consists of net income and 
foreign currency translation adjustments which are excluded from net income under GAAP.  Foreign currency 
translation adjustment represents the unrealized impact of translating the financial statements of our foreign investment.  
This amount is not included in net income and would only be realized upon the disposition of our investment. 

(s)  Fair Value of Financial Instruments 

Fair value is defined as the price that we would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly 

transaction between market participants on the measurement date.  We use a three-tier fair value hierarchy based upon 
observable and non-observable inputs that prioritizes the information used to develop our assumptions regarding fair 
value.  Fair value measurements are separately disclosed by level within the fair value hierarchy. Refer to note 15 for 
further discussion of fair value measurement. 

(t)  Recent Accounting Pronouncements  

Leases 

(Accounting Standards Codification 842, "ASC 842") 

On December 26, 2018, we adopted ASC 842, Leases, which requires an entity to recognize a right-of-use asset and 

a lease liability for virtually all leases.  As further described in note 8, we lease land and/or buildings for the majority of 
our restaurants under non-cancelable lease agreements.  We adopted ASC 842 using a modified retrospective approach.  
As a result, the comparative financial information has not been updated and the required disclosures prior to the date of 
adoption have not been updated and continue to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. 

ASC 842 also permitted the election of certain practical expedients upon adoption. We elected the transition 
package of practical expedients which allowed us to carryforward the historical lease classification.  We also elected the 
practical expedient to not separate lease and non-lease components for all leases entered into after the date of adoption.  
Finally, we elected the hindsight practical expedient which required us to assess the lease term for all existing leases.  
This resulted in extending the terms for certain existing leases in which renewal options had already been exercised or 
were reasonably certain of being exercised and shortening the terms for certain existing leases in which renewal options 
were not reasonably certain of being exercised.  As a result of the hindsight election, we recorded a $2.7 million 
reduction, net of tax, to retained earnings as of the first day of fiscal 2019 to reflect the change in lease terms.   

F-14 

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share data) 

The adoption of this standard had a significant impact on our consolidated balance sheet.  There was no significant 
impact to our results of operations or cash flows.  This standard did not have a significant impact on our liquidity or on 
our compliance with our financial covenants associated with our credit facility. 

Financial Instruments 
(Accounting Standards Update 2016-13, "ASU 2016-13") 

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of 
Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which requires measurement and recognition of expected versus incurred losses 
for financial assets held.  ASU 2016-13 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019 (our 2020 
fiscal year), and for interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted for annual periods beginning after 
December 15, 2018.  We do not believe this standard will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial 
statements. 

Goodwill 
(Accounting Standards Update 2017-04, "ASU 2017-04") 

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the 
Test for Goodwill Impairment, which simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairment and is expected to reduce the 
cost and complexity of accounting for goodwill.  ASU 2017-04 removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which 
requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation.  Instead, goodwill impairment will be the amount by which a reporting 
unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of the goodwill.  ASU 2017-04 is effective 
for annual and interim periods for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 (our 2020 fiscal year) and will be 
applied on a prospective basis.  Early adoption is permitted for interim and annual goodwill impairment tests performed 
on testing dates after January 1, 2017.  We do not believe this standard will have a significant impact on our consolidated 
financial statements. 

Fair Value Measurement 
(Accounting Standards Update 2018-13, "ASU 2018-13") 

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework – 
Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement, which changes disclosure requirements for fair 
value measurements.  ASU 2018-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 (our 2020 fiscal 
year) and for interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted.  We do not believe this standard will 
have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements. 

(3) Revenue 

The following table disaggregates our revenue by major source (in thousands): 

December 31, 
2019 

Fiscal Year Ended 
December 25, 
2018 

December 26, 
2017 

Restaurant and other sales  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $   2,734,177   $   2,437,115   $   2,203,017 
 16,195 
Franchise royalties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Franchise fees  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
 319 
Total revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $   2,756,163   $   2,457,449   $   2,219,531 

 19,445  
 2,541  

 17,443  
 2,891  

F-15 

 
 
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share data) 

Restaurant sales include the sale of food and beverage products to our customers.  We recognize this revenue when 
the products are sold.   All sales taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are accounted 
for on a net basis and therefore are excluded from revenue in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive 
income. 

Other sales include the amortization of gift card breakage and fees associated with third party gift card sales.  We 
record deferred revenue for gift cards that have been sold but not yet redeemed.  When the gift cards are redeemed, we 
recognize restaurant sales and reduce deferred revenue.  For some of the gift cards that are sold, the likelihood of 
redemption is remote.  When the likelihood of a gift card's redemption is determined to be remote, we record a breakage 
adjustment and reduce deferred revenue by the amount never expected to be redeemed.  We use historic gift card 
redemption patterns to determine when the likelihood of a gift card's redemption becomes remote and have determined 
that 4% of the value of the gift cards sold by our company and our third party retailers will never be redeemed. This 
breakage adjustment is recorded consistent with the historic redemption pattern of the associated gift card.  In addition, 
we incur fees on all gift cards that are sold through third party retailers.  These fees are also deferred and recorded 
consistent with the historic redemption pattern of the associated gift cards.  For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 
December 25, 2018, we recognized gift card fees, net of gift card breakage income, of $9.1 million and $5.2 million, 
respectively.  Total deferred revenue related to our gift cards is included in deferred revenue-gift cards in our 
consolidated balance sheets and includes the full value of unredeemed gift cards less the amortized portion of the 
breakage rates and the unamortized portion of third party fees.  As of December 31, 2019 and December 25, 2018, our 
deferred revenue balance related to gift cards was $209.3 million and $192.2 million, respectively.  This change was 
primarily due to the sale of additional gift cards partially offset by the redemption of gift cards.  We recognized 
restaurant sales of $135.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 related to the amount in deferred revenue as of 
December 25, 2018. We recognized restaurant sales of $108.7 million for the year ended December 25, 2018 related to 
the amount in deferred revenue as of December 26, 2017. 

Franchise royalties include continuing fees received from our franchising of Texas Roadhouse restaurants. We 

execute franchise agreements for each franchise restaurant which sets out the terms of our arrangement with the 
franchisee. These agreements require the franchisee to pay ongoing royalties of generally 4.0% of gross sales from our 
domestic franchisees, along with royalties paid to us by our international franchisees.  Franchise royalties are recognized 
as revenue as the corresponding franchise restaurant sales occur. 

Franchise fees are all remaining fees from our franchisees including initial fees, upfront fees from international 

agreements, fees paid to our domestic marketing and advertising fund, and fees for supervisory and administrative 
services.  Our franchise agreements typically require the franchisee to pay an initial, non-refundable fee. Subject to our 
approval and payment of a renewal fee, a franchisee may generally renew the franchise agreement upon its expiration.  
These initial fees and renewal fees are deferred and recognized over the term of the agreement.  We also enter into area 
development agreements for the development of international Texas Roadhouse restaurants.  Upfront fees from 
development agreements are deferred and recognized on a pro-rata basis over the term of the individual restaurant 
franchise agreement as restaurants under the development agreement are opened.  Our domestic franchise agreement 
also requires our franchisees to remit 0.3% of sales to our system-wide marketing and advertising fund.  These amounts 
are recognized as revenue as the corresponding franchise restaurant sales occur.  Finally, we perform supervisory and 
administrative services for certain franchise restaurants for which we receive management fees, which are recognized as 
the services are performed.  Total deferred revenue related to our franchise agreements is included in other liabilities in 
our consolidated balance sheets and was $1.9 million as of December 31, 2019 and $1.8 million as of December 25, 
2018.  We recognized revenue of $0.3 million for both years ended December 31, 2019 and December 25, 2018 related 
to the amounts in deferred revenue as of December 25, 2018 and December 26, 2017, respectively.    

(4) Acquisitions 

On October 28, 2019, we acquired one franchise restaurant in Georgia which was subsequently relocated. Pursuant 
to the terms of the acquisition agreement, we paid a total purchase price of $1.5 million. This transaction was accounted 
for using the purchase method as defined in ASC 805, Business Combinations ("ASC 805").  As a result of this 

F-16 

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share data) 

acquisition, $1.5 million of goodwill was generated, which is not amortizable for book purposes, but is deductible for tax 
purposes.  

On December 3, 2018, we acquired one franchise restaurant in Florida which was subsequently relocated.  Pursuant 

to the terms of the acquisition agreement, we paid a total purchase price of $2.2 million, net of a $0.3 million charge to 
settle a pre-existing relationship.  This transaction was accounted for using the purchase method as defined in ASC 805.  
As a result of this acquisition, $2.2 million of goodwill was generated, which is not amortizable for book purposes, but is 
deductible for tax purposes. 

These acquisitions are consistent with our long-term strategy to increase net income and earnings per share.  Pro 
forma results of operations and revenue and earnings for the years ended December 31, 2019 and December 25, 2018 
have not been presented because the effect of the acquisitions was not material to our consolidated financial position, 
results of operations or cash flows. 

(5) Long-term Debt 

On August 7, 2017, we entered into the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Amended Credit 

Agreement") with respect to our revolving credit facility with a syndicate of commercial lenders led by JPMorgan Chase 
Bank, N.A., PNC Bank, N.A., and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. The amended revolving credit facility remains an unsecured, 
revolving credit agreement under which we may borrow up to $200.0 million with the option to increase the amended 
revolving credit facility by an additional $200.0 million subject to certain limitations.  The Amended Credit Agreement 
extends the maturity date of our revolving credit facility until August 5, 2022.  

The terms of the Amended Credit Agreement require us to pay interest on outstanding borrowings at the London 

Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus a margin of 0.875% to 1.875% and to pay a commitment fee of 0.125% to 
0.30% per year on any unused portion of the amended revolving credit facility, in each case depending on our leverage 
ratio, or the Alternate Base Rate, which is the highest of the issuing banks’ prime lending rate, the Federal Reserve Bank 
of New York rate plus 0.50% or the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate for a one month interest period on such day plus 1.0%. In 
April 2018, we paid off our outstanding credit facility of $50.0 million. The weighted-average interest rate for the 
amended revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2019 and December 25, 2018 was 2.64% and 3.81%, respectively. 
As of December 31, 2019, we had $191.8 million of availability, net of $8.2 million of outstanding letters of credit.  

The lenders’ obligation to extend credit pursuant to the Amended Credit Agreement depends on us maintaining 

certain financial covenants, including a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio of 2.00 to 1.00 and a 
maximum consolidated leverage ratio of 3.00 to 1.00.  The Amended Credit Agreement permits us to incur additional 
secured or unsecured indebtedness outside the amended revolving credit facility, except for the incurrence of secured 
indebtedness that in the aggregate is equal to or greater than $125.0 million and 20% of our consolidated tangible net 
worth.  We were in compliance with all financial covenants as of December 31, 2019.  

F-17 

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share data) 

(6) Property and Equipment, Net 

Property and equipment were as follows: 

      December 31,        December 25, 

Land and improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $ 
Buildings and leasehold improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Furniture, fixtures and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Construction in progress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Liquor licenses  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    

Accumulated depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    

2019 
 135,708   $ 
 922,036  
 614,920  
 51,924  
 10,963  
    1,735,551  
 (678,988) 
  $  1,056,563   $ 

2018 
 127,579 
 835,490 
 556,254 
 28,975 
 10,829 
    1,559,127 
 (602,451)
 956,676 

There was no interest capitalized in connection with restaurant construction for the year ended December 31, 2019.  

For the years ended December 25, 2018 and December 26, 2017, the amount of interest capitalized in connection with 
restaurant construction was $0.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively. 

(7) Goodwill and Intangible Assets 

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill and intangible assets are as follows: 

Balance as of December 26, 2017 (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $  121,040  $ 
Additions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       
Amortization expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       
Disposals and other, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       
Impairment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       
Balance as of December 25, 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $  123,220  $ 
Additions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       
Amortization expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       
Disposals and other, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       
Impairment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       
Balance as of December 31, 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $  124,748  $ 

  Goodwill      Intangible Assets
 2,700 
— 
 (741)
— 
— 
 1,959 
— 
 (725)
— 
— 
 1,234 

 2,180 
— 
— 
— 

 1,528 
— 
— 
— 

(1)  Net of $4.8 million of accumulated goodwill impairment losses. 

Intangible assets consist of reacquired franchise rights. The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of 

the intangible assets at December 31, 2019 were $15.4 million and $14.1 million, respectively. As of December 25, 
2018, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of the intangible assets was $15.4 million and 
$13.4 million, respectively. We amortize reacquired franchise rights on a straight-line basis over the remaining term of 
the franchise operating agreements, which varies by restaurant.  Amortization expense for the next five years is expected 
to range from $0.1 million to $0.4 million. Refer to note 4 for discussion of the acquisitions completed for the years 
ended December 31, 2019 and December 25, 2018. 

F-18 

 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share data) 

(8) Leases 

We recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for both real estate and equipment leases that have a term in 

excess of one year.  As of December 31, 2019, these amounts were as follows: 

Operating lease right-of-use assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 

 495,903 

$ 

 3,898 

$ 

Current portion of operating lease liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Total operating lease liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 

 15,966 
 536,109 
 552,075 

$ 

 1,297 
 2,601 
 3,898 

$ 

Real estate 

Leases 
Equipment 

Total 
 499,801 

 17,263 
 538,710 
 555,973 

Information related to our real estate leases as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was as follows 

(in thousands): 

Real estate costs 
Operating lease  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 
Variable lease  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Short-term lease . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Total lease costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 

Real estate lease liability maturity analysis 
2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 
2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
2024 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 
Less interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Total discounted operating lease liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 

Real estate leases other information 
Cash paid for amounts included in measurement of operating lease liabilities  . . . . . . . . . .    $ 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Weighted-average discount rate   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   

Fiscal Year Ended 
December 31, 2019 

Total 

 54,844 
 1,590 
 120 
 56,554 

 52,450 
 53,393 
 54,229 
 54,268 
 54,362 
 721,619 
 990,321 
 438,246 
 552,075 

Fiscal Year Ended 
December 31, 2019 

 49,018 
 51,220 
 17.82 
 6.77 

Operating lease payments exclude $32.6 million of minimum lease payments for executed real estate leases that we 

have not yet taken possession.  In addition to the above operating leases, as of December 31, 2019 we had one finance 
lease with a right-of-use asset balance and lease liability balance of $1.7 million and $2.1 million, respectively.  The 

F-19 

 
 
 
 
     
     
 
   
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share data) 

right-of-use asset balance is included as a component of other assets and the lease liability balance as a component of 
other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.  

Beginning in 2019, we recognize operating lease right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities for real estate 
leases, including our restaurant leases and Support Center lease, as well as certain restaurant equipment leases based on 
the present value of the lease payments over the lease term.  We estimate the present value based on our incremental 
borrowing rate which corresponds to the underlying lease term.  In addition, operating lease right-of-use assets are 
reduced for accrued rent and increased for any initial direct costs recognized at lease inception.  For leases commencing 
in 2019 and later, we account for lease and non-lease components as a single lease component.   

 Certain of our operating leases contain predetermined fixed escalations of the minimum rent over the lease term. 

For these leases, we recognize the related rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.  We may receive rent 
concessions or leasehold improvement incentives upon opening a restaurant that is subject to a lease which we consider 
when determining straight-line rent expense. We also may receive rent holidays, which would begin on the possession 
date and end when the store opens, during which no cash rent payments are typically due under the terms of the lease. 
Rent holidays are included in the lease term when determining straight-line rent expense.  In recognizing straight-line 
rent expense, we record the difference between amounts charged to operations and amounts paid as accrued rent.  
Straight-line rent expense is included as an operating lease cost in the table above. 

 Certain of our operating leases contain clauses that provide for additional contingent rent based on a percentage of 
sales greater than certain specified target amounts. We recognize contingent rent expense prior to the achievement of the 
specified target that triggers the contingent rent, provided achievement of the target is considered probable.  In addition, 
certain of our operating leases have variable escalations of the minimum rent that depend on an index or rate. We 
recognize variable rent expense when the escalation is determinable. Contingent rent and variable rent expense are 
included as variable lease costs in the table above.   

The following is a schedule of future minimum lease payments required for operating leases that have remaining 

terms in excess of one year as of December 25, 2018: 

Leases 
 50,030 
2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 
 49,582 
2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
 49,917 
2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
 50,237 
2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
 49,854 
2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
 677,710 
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $  927,330 

     Operating 

Rent expense for operating leases consisted of the following: 

Fiscal Year Ended 

Minimum rent—occupancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 
Contingent rent  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Rent expense, occupancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Minimum rent—equipment and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   

Rent expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 

       December 25, 2018       December 26, 2017 
 43,621 
 1,186 
 44,807 
 5,087 
 49,894 

 47,741   $ 
 1,050  
 48,791  
 6,176  
 54,967   $ 

F-20 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share data) 

(9) Income Taxes 

Components of our income tax provision for the years ended December 31, 2019, December 25, 2018 and 

December 26, 2017 are as follows: 

     December 31, 2019      December 25, 2018      December 26, 2017 

Fiscal Year Ended 

Current: 

Federal  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 
State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Foreign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Total current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   

Deferred: 

Federal  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Total deferred . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Income tax provision  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 

 15,643   $ 
 10,050  
 369  
 26,062  

 4,396  
 1,939  
 6,335  
 32,397   $ 

 2,934   $ 
 8,794  
 210  
 11,938  

 11,909  
 410  
 12,319  
 24,257   $ 

 43,108 
 10,233 
 309 
 53,650 

 (4,830)
 (239)
 (5,069)
 48,581 

Our pre-tax income is substantially derived from domestic restaurants. 

A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to our effective tax rate for December 31, 2019, 

December 25, 2018 and December 26, 2017 is as follows: 

Tax at statutory federal rate . . . . . . .    
State and local tax, net of federal 
benefit  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
FICA tip tax credit  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Work opportunity tax credit . . . . . . .    
Stock compensation  . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Net income attributable to 
noncontrolling interests  . . . . . . . . . .    
Officers compensation  . . . . . . . . . . .    
Tax reform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Other  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    

Fiscal Year Ended 
    December 31, 2019      December 25, 2018      December 26, 2017     
 35.0 %

 21.0 %   

 21.0 %   

 3.8  
 (9.4) 
 (1.5) 
 (0.1) 

 (0.6) 
 1.2  
—  
 0.7  
 15.1 %   

 3.6  
 (9.6) 
 (1.5) 
 (1.4) 

 (0.8) 
 1.7  
—  
 (0.1) 
 12.9 %   

 3.3  
 (7.0) 
 (0.9) 
 (1.8) 

 (1.1) 
 0.1  
 (1.7) 
 0.2  
 26.1 %

Our effective tax rate increased to 15.1% in 2019 compared to 12.9% in 2018 primarily due to lower excess tax 
benefits related to our share-based compensation program partially offset by lower non-deductible officer compensation. 
In addition, the prior year tax rate benefitted from an adjustment related to tax reform that we recorded in conjunction 
with the filing of our 2017 tax return. 

Our effective tax rate decreased to 12.9% in 2018 compared to 26.1% in 2017 primarily due to new tax legislation 

enacted in late 2017.  As a result of the new tax legislation, significant tax changes were enacted including a reduction of 
the federal corporate tax rate from 35.0% to 21.0% and changes in the federal taxes paid on foreign sourced earnings.   

F-21 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share data) 

Components of deferred tax liabilities, net are as follows: 

     December 31, 2019      December 25, 2018 

Deferred tax assets: 

Deferred revenue—gift cards  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $ 
Insurance reserves  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Other reserves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Share-based compensation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Operating lease liabilities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Deferred rent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Deferred compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Tax credit carryforwards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Other assets  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Total deferred tax asset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Deferred tax liabilities: 

Property and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Goodwill and intangibles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Operating lease right-of-use asset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Total deferred tax liability  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Net deferred tax liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $ 

 16,122   $ 
 4,774  
 601  
 5,510  
 137,744  
—  
 10,503  
 1,710  
 2,482  
 179,446  

 (63,777) 
 (6,241) 
 (123,813) 
 (8,310) 
 (202,141) 
 (22,695)  $ 

 12,851 
 3,949 
 890 
 4,623 
— 
 12,179 
 8,483 
— 
 2,212 
 45,187 

 (50,513)
 (5,398)
— 
 (6,544)
 (62,455)
 (17,268)

As of December 31, 2019, we have federal tax credit carryforwards of $1.5 million expiring in 2038 and state tax 

credit carryforwards of $0.2 million expiring in 2023. 

We have not provided any valuation allowance as we believe the realization of our deferred tax assets is more likely 

than not. 

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending liability for unrecognized tax benefits, all of which would impact the 

effective tax rate if recognized, is as follows: 

Balance at December 26, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      $ 
Additions to tax positions related to prior years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Additions to tax positions related to current year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Reductions due to statute expiration  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Reductions due to exam settlements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Balance at December 25, 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Additions to tax positions related to prior years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Additions to tax positions related to current year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Reductions due to statute expiration  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Reductions due to exam settlement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Balance at December 31, 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 

 806 
 36 
 754 
 (114)
— 
 1,482 
 16 
 362 
 (314)
— 
 1,546 

As of December 31, 2019 and December 25, 2018, the total amount of accrued penalties and interest related to 

uncertain tax provisions was not material. 

All entities for which unrecognized tax benefits exist as of December 31, 2019 possess a December tax year-end. 
As a result, as of December 31, 2019, the tax years ended December 27, 2016, December 26, 2017 and December 25, 
2018 remain subject to examination by all tax jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2019, no audits were in process by a tax 
jurisdiction that, if completed during the next twelve months, would be expected to result in a material change to our 
unrecognized tax benefits. Additionally, as of December 31, 2019, no event occurred that is likely to result in a 
significant increase or decrease in the unrecognized tax benefits through December 29, 2020. 

F-22 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share data) 

(10) Preferred Stock 

Our Board of Directors is authorized, without further vote or action by the holders of common stock, to issue from 

time to time up to an aggregate of 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series. Each series of preferred 
stock will have the number of shares, designations, preferences, voting powers, qualifications and special or relative 
rights or privileges as shall be determined by the Board of Directors, which may include, but are not limited to, dividend 
rights, voting rights, redemption and sinking fund provisions, liquidation preferences, conversion rights and preemptive 
rights. There were no shares of preferred stock outstanding at December 31, 2019 and December 25, 2018. 

(11) Stockholders’ Equity 

On May 31, 2019, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program under which we may repurchase up 

to $250.0 million of our common stock. This stock repurchase program has no expiration date and replaced a previous 
stock repurchase program which was approved on May 22, 2014. All repurchases to date under our stock repurchase 
programs have been made through open market transactions. The timing and the amount of any repurchases are 
determined by management under parameters established by our Board of Directors, based on an evaluation of our stock 
price, market conditions and other corporate considerations. 

For the year ended December 31, 2019, we paid $139.8 million to repurchase 2,625,245 shares of our common 

stock.  This includes repurchases of $89.6 million under the new repurchase program and repurchases of $50.2 million 
under the previous stock repurchase program. We did not repurchase any shares of common stock during the years ended 
December 25, 2018 and December 26, 2017.  As of December 31, 2019, we had $160.4 million remaining under our 
authorized stock repurchase program.   

(12) Earnings Per Share 

The share and net income per share data for all periods presented are based on the historical weighted-average 
shares outstanding. The diluted earnings per share calculations show the effect of the weighted-average restricted stock 
units and stock options outstanding from our equity incentive plans. Performance stock units are not included in the 
diluted earnings per share calculation until the performance-based criteria have been met.  See note 14 for further 
discussion of our equity incentive plans. For all years presented, shares of non-vested stock that were not included 
because they would have had an anti-dilutive effect were not significant. 

The following table sets forth the calculation of earnings per share and weighted average shares outstanding 
(in thousands) as presented in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income: 

Fiscal Year Ended 

      December 31, 

      December 25, 

      December 26, 

2019 

2018 

2017 

Net income attributable to Texas 
Roadhouse, Inc. and subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 
Basic EPS: 
Weighted-average common shares 
outstanding  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Basic EPS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 
Diluted EPS: 
Weighted-average common shares 
outstanding  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Dilutive effect of nonvested stock . . . . . . . . . .   
Shares-diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Diluted EPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 

 174,452   $ 

 158,225   $ 

 131,526 

 70,509  

 71,467  

 2.47   $ 

 2.21   $ 

 70,989 
 1.85 

 70,509  
 407  
 70,916  

 71,467  
 497  
 71,964  

 2.46   $ 

 2.20   $ 

 70,989 
 538 
 71,527 
 1.84 

F-23 

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
  
  
  
 
   
 
   
 
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share data) 

(13) Commitments and Contingencies 

The estimated cost of completing capital project commitments at December 31, 2019 and December 25, 2018 was 

$163.5 million and $168.3 million, respectively. 

As of December 31, 2019 and December 25, 2018, we are contingently liable for $13.9 million and $14.8 million, 

respectively, for seven leases listed in the table below.  These amounts represent the maximum potential liability of 
future payments under the guarantees.  In the event of default, the indemnity and default clauses in our assignment 
agreements govern our ability to pursue and recover damages incurred.  No material liabilities have been recorded as of 
December 31, 2019 as the likelihood of default was deemed to be less than probable and the fair value of the guarantees 
is not considered significant. 

Current Lease 
Term Expiration 
Everett, Massachusetts (1)(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     September 2002    February 2023 
Longmont, Colorado (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     October 2003     May 2029 
Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     October 2004     March 2021 
Fargo, North Dakota (1)(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     February 2006   
July 2021 
Logan, Utah (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
Irving, Texas (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    December 2013   December 2024 
Louisville, Kentucky (3)(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    December 2013   November 2023 

January 2009     August 2024 

Assignment Date       

Lease 

(1)  Real estate lease agreements for restaurant locations which we entered into before granting franchise rights to those 
restaurants.  We have subsequently assigned the leases to the franchisees, but remain contingently liable, under the 
terms of the lease, if the franchisee defaults. 

(2)  As discussed in note 17, these restaurants are owned, in whole or part, by certain officers, directors and 5% 

shareholders of the Company. 

(3)  Leases associated with restaurants which were sold.  The leases were assigned to the acquirer, but we remain 

contingently liable under the terms of the lease if the acquirer defaults. 

(4)  We may be released from liability after the initial contractual lease term expiration contingent upon certain 

conditions being met by the acquirer. 

During the year ended December 31, 2019, we bought most of our beef from three suppliers. Although there are a 

limited number of beef suppliers, we believe that other suppliers could provide a similar product on comparable terms. A 
change in suppliers, however, could cause supply shortages, higher costs to secure adequate supplies and a possible loss 
of sales, which would affect operating results adversely. We have no material minimum purchase commitments with our 
vendors that extend beyond a year. 

We and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission entered into a consent decree dated March 31, 2017 

(the "Consent Decree") to settle the lawsuit styled Equal Employment Opportunity Commission v. Texas 
Roadhouse, Inc., Texas Roadhouse Holdings LLC and Texas Roadhouse Management Corp. in the United States District 
Court, District of Massachusetts, Civil Action Number 1:11-cv-11732 (the "Lawsuit").  The Consent Decree resolves the 
issues litigated in the Lawsuit.  Under the Consent Decree, among other terms, we have established a fund of $12.0 
million, from which awards of monetary relief, allocated as wages for tax purposes, may be made to eligible claimants in 
accordance with procedures set forth in the Consent Decree.  For the year ended December 26, 2017, we recorded a pre-
tax charge of $14.9 million ($9.2 million after-tax) related to the Lawsuit and Consent Decree which included costs 
associated with the legal settlement and legal fees associated with the defense of the case.  For the year ended 
December 25, 2018, we recorded $1.5 million of claims administration costs.  These amounts were recorded in general 
and administrative expense in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.   

Occasionally, we are a defendant in litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, including "slip and fall" 
accidents, employment related claims, claims related to our service of alcohol, and claims from guests or employees 
alleging illness, injury or food quality, health or operational concerns. None of these types of litigation, most of which 

F-24 

 
     
 
Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share data) 

are covered by insurance, has had a material effect on us and, as of the date of this report, we are not party to any 
litigation that we believe could have a material adverse effect on our business.  

(14) Share-based Compensation 

On May 16, 2013, our stockholders approved the Texas Roadhouse, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the 
"Plan"). The Plan provides for the granting of various forms of equity awards including options, stock appreciation 
rights, full value awards, and performance based awards.  This plan replaced the Texas Roadhouse, Inc. 2004 Equity 
Incentive Plan.  The Company provides restricted stock units ("RSUs") to employees as a form of share-based 
compensation.  An RSU is the conditional right to receive one share of common stock upon satisfaction of the vesting 
requirement.  In addition to RSUs, the Company provides performance stock units ("PSUs") to executives as a form of 
share-based compensation.  A PSU is the conditional right to receive one share of common stock upon meeting a 
performance obligation along with the satisfaction of the vesting requirement.  The following table summarizes the 
share-based compensation recorded in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income: 

Labor expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 
General and administrative expense  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Total share-based compensation expense . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 

2019 
 9,032   $ 
 26,468  
 35,500   $ 

2018 
 8,463   $ 
 25,520  
 33,983   $ 

2017 
 7,171 
 19,763 
 26,934 

Fiscal Year Ended 

  December 31,    December 25,    December 26,

Share-based compensation activity by type of grant as of December 31, 2019 and changes during the period then 
ended are presented below.  For both RSUs and PSUs, we do not estimate forfeitures as we record them as they occur. 

Summary Details for RSUs 

     Weighted-Average       Weighted-Average 

  Grant Date Fair 

  Remaining Contractual    Aggregate 

Shares 

Value 

Term (years) 

  Intrinsic Value 

 824,945   $ 
Outstanding at December 25, 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
 561,191  
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
 (74,483) 
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       (475,226) 
Outstanding at December 31, 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     

 836,427   $ 

 53.51  
 57.84  
 56.75  
 55.13  
 55.20   

1.1 

  $ 

 47,110 

As of December 31, 2019, with respect to unvested RSUs, there was $20.8 million of unrecognized compensation 

cost that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.1 years.  The vesting terms of the RSUs range 
from 1.0 to 5.0 years.  The total intrinsic value of RSUs vested during the years ended December 31, 2019, 
December 25, 2018 and December 26, 2017 was $27.8 million, $32.1 million and $23.4 million, respectively. The 
excess tax benefit associated with vested RSUs for the years ended December 31, 2019, December 25, 2018 and 
December 26, 2017 was $0.3 million, $1.9 million and $1.6 million, respectively, which was recognized in the income 
tax provision.  

F-25 

 
 
 
 
    
    
    
  
  
  
 
 
     
 
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share data) 

Summary Details for PSUs 

    Weighted-Average      Weighted-Average 
  Grant Date Fair 

  Remaining Contractual    Aggregate 

Shares 
 90,000   $ 
Outstanding at December 25, 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
 117,000  
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
 52,169  
Incremental Performance Shares (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   
Forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    
 (40,000) 
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      (142,169) 
Outstanding at December 31, 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    

 77,000   $ 

Value 

Term (years) 

  Intrinsic Value

 54.18  
 61.86  
 54.18  
 61.86  
 54.18  
 61.86   

0.1 

  $ 

 4,337 

(1)  Additional shares from the December 2017 PSU grant that vested in January 2019 due to exceeding the initial 100% 

target. 

We grant PSUs to certain of our executives subject to a one-year vesting and the achievement of certain earnings 
targets, which determine the number of units to vest at the end of the vesting period.  Share-based compensation expense 
is recognized for the number of units expected to vest at the end of the period and is expensed beginning on the grant 
date and through the performance period.  For each grant, PSUs vest after meeting the performance and service 
conditions.  The total intrinsic value of PSUs vested during the years ended December 31, 2019, December 25, 2018 and 
December 26, 2017 was $8.8 million, $8.9 million and $8.6 million, respectively. 

On January 8, 2020, 95,946 shares vested related to the January 2019 PSU grant and are expected to be distributed 
during the 13 weeks ending March 31, 2020. This included 77,000 granted shares and 18,946 incremental shares due to 
the grant exceeding the initial 100% target.  As of December 31, 2019, with respect to unvested PSUs, there was $0.1 
million of unrecognized compensation cost that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.1 year.  
There was no allowable excess tax benefit associated with vested PSUs for the year ended December 31, 2019. The 
excess tax benefit associated with vested PSUs for the years ended December 25, 2018 and December 26, 2017 was $0.7 
million and $0.8 million, respectively, which was recognized within the income tax provision. 

Summary Details for Stock Options 

No stock options were granted or vested during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2019, December 25, 2018 and 

December 26, 2017.  The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the year ended December 26, 2017 was $4.0 
million.    

For the year ended December 26, 2017, cash received before tax withholdings from options exercised was $1.6 
million.  The excess tax benefit for the year ended December 26, 2017 was $1.0 million which was recognized within the 
income tax provision. 

(15) Fair Value Measurement 

ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures ("ASC 820"), establishes a framework for measuring fair 

value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. ASC 820 establishes a three-level hierarchy, which 
requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs in measuring 
fair value. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability on the 
measurement date. 

Level 1 
Level 2 

Level 3 

Inputs based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. 
Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the 
assets, either directly or indirectly. 
Inputs that are unobservable for the asset. 

F-26 

 
    
 
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share data) 

There were no transfers among levels within the fair value hierarchy during the year ended December 31, 2019. 

The following table presents the fair values for our financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis: 

Deferred compensation plan—assets . . . . . . . . . . . . .      1    $ 
Deferred compensation plan—liabilities . . . . . . . . . .      1   

     Level      December 31, 2019      December 25, 2018 
 31,632 
 44,623   $ 
 (31,721)
 (44,679)  

Fair Value Measurements 

The Second Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Plan of Texas Roadhouse Management Corp., as 

amended, (the "Deferred Compensation Plan") is a nonqualified deferred compensation plan which allows highly 
compensated employees to defer receipt of a portion of their compensation and contribute such amounts to one or more 
investment funds held in a rabbi trust. We report the accounts of the rabbi trust in other assets and the corresponding 
liability in other liabilities in our consolidated financial statements. These investments are considered trading securities 
and are reported at fair value based on quoted market prices. The realized and unrealized holding gains and losses related 
to these investments, as well as the offsetting compensation expense, are recorded in general and administrative expense 
in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. 

The following table presents the fair value of our assets measured on a nonrecurring basis: 

Long-lived assets held for use  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     
Operating lease right-of-use assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     

  Level 
1 
3 

     December 31,      December 25,      December 31,      December 25,

2019 
 1,684   $ 
 611   $ 

  $ 
  $ 

2018 

—   $ 
—   $ 

2019 
 1,190   $ 
 (1,144)  $ 

2018 

— 
— 

Fair Value Measurements 

Total gain (loss) 
Fiscal Year Ended 

Long-lived assets held for use include leasehold improvements for one restaurant that is subject to a forced 
relocation.  These assets are valued using a Level 1 input, or the contractually negotiated price we will receive.  These 
assets are included in property and equipment in our consolidated balance sheets.  These assets were recorded at their 
fair value, resulting in a gain of $1.2 million, which is included in impairment and closure, net in our consolidated 
statements of income.  For further discussion of impairment charges, see note 16. 

Operating lease right-of-use assets include the lease related assets for one underperforming restaurant in which the 
carrying value of the right-of-use asset for the associated land and building lease was reduced to fair value.  These assets 
are valued using a Level 3 input, or the discounted cashflows we expect to receive based on the future operations of this 
location.  This resulted in a loss of $1.1 million, which is included in impairment and closure, net in our consolidated 
statements of income.  For further discussion of impairment charges, see note 16. 

At December 31, 2019 and December 25, 2018, the fair values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable 

and accounts payable approximated their carrying values based on the short-term nature of these instruments. 

(16) Impairment and Closure Costs 

We recorded impairment and closure costs of ($0.9) million, $0.3 million and $0.7 million for the years ended 

December 31, 2019, December 25, 2018 and December 26, 2017.  

Impairment and closure costs in 2019 included a gain of $2.6 million related to the forced relocation of one 

restaurant.  This included a gain of $1.2 million related to the leasehold improvements and a gain of $1.4 million to settle 
a favorable operating lease. Also, in 2019, we recorded a charge of $1.1 million related to the impairment of the right-of-
use asset at an underperforming restaurant.  The remaining costs of $0.6 million related to costs associated with the 
relocation of restaurants. 

F-27 

 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share data) 

Impairment and closure costs in 2018 and 2017 were related to costs associated with the relocation of restaurants. 

(17) Related Party Transactions 

As of December 31, 2019 and December 25, 2018, we had nine franchise restaurants and one majority-owned 

company restaurant owned in part by certain of our officers or the former president of the Company.  As of 
December 26, 2017, we had ten franchise restaurants owned in part by certain of our officers, directors and 5% 
stockholders of the Company.  These franchise entities paid us fees of $2.2 million, $2.1 million and $2.1 million for the 
years ended December 31, 2019, December 25, 2018 and December 26, 2017, respectively. As discussed in note 13, we 
are contingently liable on leases which are related to two of these restaurants. 

On December 3, 2018, we acquired one franchise restaurant owned in part by our founder.  This entity paid us fees 

of $0.1 million for the year ended December 25, 2018.  See note 4 for further discussion of this acquisition.  

In addition, in 2018, our founder made a personal contribution of $1.0 million to cover a portion of the planned 
expenses incurred as part of the annual managing partner conference which marked our 25th anniversary.  This amount 
was recorded as general and administrative expense on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive 
income and as additional paid-in-capital on the consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity.  

(18) Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) 

First 

  Quarter 

Second 
  Quarter 

2019 
Third 

  Quarter 

     Fourth 
  Quarter 

Total 

Revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 690,608   $ 689,828   $ 650,489   $ 725,238   $  2,756,163 
Total costs and expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 630,163   $ 636,545   $ 605,605   $ 671,827   $  2,544,140 
 212,023 
Income from operations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $  60,445   $  53,283   $  44,884   $  53,411   $ 
Net income attributable to Texas Roadhouse, Inc. 
and subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $  50,390   $  44,845   $  36,531   $  42,686   $ 
Basic earnings per common share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $
 0.61   $ 
Diluted earnings per common share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $
 0.61   $ 
 0.30   $ 
Cash dividends declared per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $

 174,452 
 2.47 
 2.46 
 1.20 

 0.63   $
 0.63   $
 0.30   $

 0.53   $
 0.52   $
 0.30   $

 0.70   $
 0.70   $
 0.30   $

First 

  Quarter 

Second 
  Quarter 

2018 
Third 

  Quarter 

     Fourth 
  Quarter 

Total 

Revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 627,705   $ 629,237   $ 594,595   $ 605,912   $  2,457,449 
Total costs and expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 562,834   $ 574,970   $ 559,151   $ 572,705   $  2,269,660 
 187,789 
Income from operations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $  64,871   $  54,267   $  35,444   $  33,207   $ 

Net income attributable to Texas Roadhouse, Inc. 
and subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $  54,541   $  44,227   $  29,125   $  30,332   $ 
Basic earnings per common share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $
 0.42   $ 
Diluted earnings per common share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $
 0.42   $ 
 0.25   $ 
Cash dividends declared per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $

 0.62   $
 0.62   $
 0.25   $

 0.41   $
 0.40   $
 0.25   $

 0.76   $
 0.76   $
 0.25   $

 158,225 
 2.21 
 2.20 
 1.00 

The fourth quarter of 2019 includes an estimated impact of $0.10 to $0.11 per diluted share for the 53rd week. 

F-28 

 
 
 
    
    
    
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
    
    
      
 
 
 
 
Dear Shareholders,This is our second year to highlight our sustainability efforts in the Annual Report. As we announced last year, we are committed to updating our Sustainability Report annually. We also committed to updating the Board of Directors each year, which we did at the November Board of Directors Meeting. We updated the Board on our 2019 accomplishments and our plan for 2020. The support of the Board and the Executive Team demonstrates our company’s commitment to our sustainability mission, which is to make every community we serve better than we found it.We believe that our four pillars – Food, Community, Employees, and Conservation – align with our brand, employees, and guests. The pillars are also aligned with five of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals: good health and well-being, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, responsible consumption and production, and life on land.Since the beginning, one of our most important sustainability assets is our Managing Partner Model, which provides our Managing Partners with 10% of their restaurant profits. This ownership mentality is a built-in incentive for our Managing Partners to reduce waste, conserve energy, and run lean restaurants. After all, the less they waste means more money in their pockets. This creates a win for all.We are excited about the bottom-up momentum that has been created rather than top-down mandates. Our company was built on this bottom-up mentality and we feel that for sustainability to be successful, we need to follow that same model. Building “sustainability champions” will provide immense benefits down the line.For example, last year, we created a Sustainability Committee at our Support Center. This group, which is comprised of 10 employees from various departments, was formed in April and has hit the ground running. In September, the committee and Support Center volunteers completed a neighborhood cleanup where they collected 400 gallons of trash. The committee also hosted a Responsible E-cycling Week and collected three 112-gallon bins of electronics and four 96-gallon bins of documents to shred. They have committed to hosting one event each year, and knowing this group, it will probably be more!The renovation of our Support Center offices gave us a great opportunity to highlight sustainability throughout our buildings. A few examples include the use of recycled barn wood, wood from bourbon barrels, water bottle filling stations, and recycling areas, which has lessened the use of plastic bottles and cans throughout the buildings.The building design includes an open-office concept, creating more natural light, which will cut down on electricity use. In addition, all offices now have lights with motion sensors that turn off automatically, which has resulted in energy savings.We also found a great opportunity to combine sustainability with our support of veterans through a partnership with Chris Cruise. Chris is a veteran who created a company to make wooden flags from discarded bourbon barrels. The repurposed flags are made by veterans, some of who are 100% disabled. As a result of the partnership, we ordered nearly 400 of the flags rather than creating awards for our upcoming conference.In 2019, we began our partnership with WaterStep, a non-profit focused on water solutions for clean water in developing countries. Through our partnership, we purchased WaterBalls to help women and children in developing countries gather water for their families. Instead of carrying limited quantities of water on top of their heads, the WaterBalls are a safer and more efficient solution. WaterStep has used some of the money donated to explore building a factory in Kenya to build the WaterBalls and distribute locally, which would provide jobs and cut down on shipping costs.For 2020, we increased our commitment to the Honeybee Conservancy. We had great success last year in placing bee hives throughout the country. This year we will also be providing grants to beekeepers.As we continued to grow our sustainability programs, we did face several challenges last year. Our kids crayon recycling program did not do well in our regional test, so we have not expanded it nationwide. We are currently reassessing the program to find future opportunities that might be more effective. We also experienced a drop in  the number of stores recycling in 2019.  This is the second year we have experienced a drop, which is due to rising costs and  other hurdles.We have a number of new opportunities that we are exploring in 2020. For example, we are in the very early stages of testing a uniform shirt that is made from recycled materials. We are also excited to begin sharing sustainability messaging on our social media channels more consistently throughout the year. And finally, we are going to explore composting in our Support Center café in an effort to reduce waste.We are excited about the opportunities and momentum in 2020 as we believe it could be a pivotal year. To review our full 2019 Sustainability Report, visit our website at texasroadhouse.com/sustainability.SUSTAINABILITYSustainability Update2019Travis Doster  Vice President of Communications2999_Bck_Ins.indd   1373/20/20   6:31 PMSUSTAINABILITY81,703Trees Saved35,644GHG Emissions SavedMTCO2E47.66MWater SavedGAL19.63MElectricity SavedKWWe make it our mission  to leave every community  better than we found it.SustainabilityCommitteeThe Texas Roadhouse Support Center Sustainability Committee was established in April. The Committee had their first neighborhood clean-up and collected 400 gallons of trash.We are proud to partner with WaterStep to fund WaterBalls to help women and children in developing countries gather water for their families. Instead of carrying limited quantities of water  on top of their heads, the WaterBalls are a  safer and more  efficient solution.SolarPanelsWe installed solar panels in two of our Arizona stores. These two systems combined will generate about 500 kWh to our stores.Preserving Resources ThroughRecycling2999_Bck_Ins.indd   1383/20/20   6:31 PMWe finished 2019 with comparable restaurant sales up 4.7% for company restaurants. As a result, our average unit volumes increased to $5.6 million. A decade earlier, our average  unit volumes were $3.7 million, so over a  10-year period our operators drove nearly  $2 million more per unit on average, which  is phenomenal.Our revenue increased 12.2% to $2.8 billion and diluted earnings per share increased 11.9% to $2.46. Ten years ago, our revenue was just $900 million, which shows our strategy of focusing on the fundamentals has helped drive revenue. On the new store opening front, we opened 19 Texas Roadhouse company restaurants and nine franchise restaurants, primarily in international markets. We also opened three Bubba’s 33 restaurants.We ended the year with a total of 611 stores – 484 Texas Roadhouse company restaurants, 28 Bubba’s 33 company restaurants, two Jaggers company restaurants, and 97 Texas Roadhouse franchise restaurants, including 28 international restaurants. Heading into 2020, we intend to open a restaurant on Joint Base Lewis-McChord in the state of Washington later in the year. This represents our third location on a military base, along with Camp Humphrey’s in South Korea and Fort Bliss in Texas. We are proud to be one of the only full-service restaurants on these bases and even prouder that we were selected because of demand from the soldiers.Speaking of high demand, as a result of our traffic growth, we continue to expand our restaurants through bumpouts and in some cases relocating existing restaurants, so we can serve more guests. We relocated four restaurants in 2019 and have five relocations scheduled for 2020. With most relocations, we gain additional parking, more seats, and often better lease terms. We also see about a 20% increase in sales with the newer unit.We continue to remain committed to driving shareholder value. Our strong balance sheet and healthy cash flow enabled us to repurchase over 2.6 million shares in 2019, and we also increased our dividend by double digits for the seventh straight year.Another lesson I learned from my coach that I have applied to business is the importance of recognizing great performance. At Texas Roadhouse, we do that in many ways. From our Managing Partner model to offering stock grants and annual recognition of strong performers, such as Managing Partner of the Year, Roadie of the Year, Meat Cutter of the Year, and many other awards, we believe it’s important to spotlight high performers, such as Dwight Szabo and Bonnie Hubrich.Dwight was named Managing Partner of the Year at our 2019 annual conference. He and his team grew sales 9.2% (nearly $650,000) and grew traffic by 6.8% with incredible efficiency. Dwight, who is a two-time finalist, grew profits by keeping a tight eye on costs and producing some of the best turnover numbers in the company. Dwight also  earned the Legendary Service, Legendary Profits, and Legendary People awards at  our annual conference.Bonnie Hubrich was named our Roadie of the Year. She has been a true partner for the entire Support Center in her role as Executive Assistant to our Vice President of People and the People Department. She earned this honor because of her willingness to go above and beyond to support everyone who passes by her desk. Bonnie is a true role model of our core values and our culture.The future is bright for Texas Roadhouse. Over the past 10 years, we have added over 220 Texas Roadhouse domestic stores, created two new concepts, and expanded our footprint to 10 foreign countries. We have done this because of our people. I have said it many times before, but we are first and foremost a people company that happens to serve steak. It’s the people who make it happen every day, and it’s the people who help us cross the finish line strong time and time again!Kent Taylor Founder, Chairman, CEO, and President Texas Roadhouse, Inc.Dear  Partners, AS A FORMER TRACK ATHLETE, I STILL HAVE DREAMS (OR MAYBE THEY ARE NIGHTMARES?) OF MY COACH YELLING, “FINISH STRONG, TAYLOR, FINISH STRONG!” IN TRACK, FINISHING STRONG WAS ALL ABOUT YOUR TRAINING, FOCUS, AND COMMITMENT. Those qualities are also what it takes to finish strong in the restaurant industry year after year. I am proud to say that, thanks to our operators and support teams, 2019 was another strong year. The fourth quarter of 2019 represented our 40th consecutive quarter of positive comparable restaurant sales growth. To consistently grow sales and traffic for a decade is truly amazing, and it speaks to the quality of our people and their commitment to Texas Roadhouse.28Bubba’s 3355328DomesticINTERNATIONALRestaurantLocationsas of December 31, 2019BOARD OFDirectors CURTIS A. WARFIELDCEO and President Windham Advisors LLCGREGORY N. MOOREFormer Senior Vice President and Controller Yum! Brands, Inc.JAMES R. ZARLEYFormer Chairman and CEO Conversant, Inc.KATHLEEN M. WIDMERGroup Chairman, Consumer North America Johnson & JohnsonW. KENT TAYLORFounder, Chairman, CEO, and President Texas Roadhouse, Inc.ShareholderInformationSUPPORT CENTER(Corporate Office) 6040 Dutchmans Lane, Louisville, KY  40205 (800) TEX-ROAD or (800) 839-7623ANNUAL MEETINGThursday, May 14, 20209:00 am EDT Texas Roadhouse Support Center 6040 Dutchmans Lane Louisville, KY  40205TRANSFER AGENTComputershare P.O. Box 505000, Louisville, KY 40233 Phone (877) 581-5548FINANCIAL INQUIRIESFor additional financial documents and information, please visit our website at texasroadhouse.com. Please contact us by phone at (502) 515-7300 or by sending us an email to investment@texasroadhouse.comINDEPENDENT AUDITORSKPMG LLP 400 W. Market Street, Suite 2600, Louisville, KY 40202   Phone (502) 587-0535MEDIA INQUIRIESFor all media requests, please contact  Travis Doster at (502) 638-5457STOCK LISTINGTexas Roadhouse, Inc. Common Stock is listed on the NASDAQ  Stock Exchange under the symbol TXRH2999_Cover.indd   23/23/20   7:33 PMKitchen  Manager of the YearManaging  Partner of the YearRoadieof the  YearMeatcutterof the YearService  Manager of the YearJoshuaLundDwightSzaboBonnieHUBRICHDanielRiveraAshleyBalli2019 Award Winners2019 Award WinnersTexas Roadhouse  2019 Annual Report2999_Cover.indd   13/23/20   7:32 PM