Consumer Picks Survey Says Texas Roadhouse is #1

Texas Roadhouse is "steaking" its claim as consumers' #1 choice for steak, according to a recent press release.

In Nation's Restaurant News' second annual Consumer Picks survey, thousands of diners chose Texas Roadhouse Inc. as the nation's top steakhouse. The Louisville, Ky-based company also trumped the competition in three main categories — food quality, value and menu variety.

"There is no greater honor than when consumers brag about us," said Kent Taylor, founder and CEO of the 385-unit Texas Roadhouse. "This is a testament to our meat cutters who hand cut our steaks each and every day in every single Texas Roadhouse restaurant. This award proves that consumers can taste and appreciate our variety and commitment to everyday value."

Snellville's Texas Roadhouse, managed by Sam Roper, has had a powerful presence in Snellville over the past few years. Not only have they raised money for Multiple Sclerosis -- something that has affected their personal lives -- they invest in the community on a regular basis.

Most recently, they hosted a fundraiser for the Rinehart family after Hannah passed away from a bacterial infection. Amy Roper, Sam's wife, reaches out to the community in a way that goes beyond her job description and finds a way to help in any way she and the restaurant can.

Each Texas Roadhouse has a full-time meat cutter responsible for hand-cutting every steak served at the restaurant. Their work is displayed in the lobby where guests are invited to hand pick their steak. In an average year, each butcher cuts about $1 million worth of meat.

The 2012 Consumer Picks survey results are based on 130,000 restaurant visits made since Dec. 15, 2011. The survey asked diners to rate each restaurant on Atmosphere, Cleanliness, Craveability, Food Quality, Likelihood to Recommend, Likelihood to Return, Menu Variety, Reputation, Service and Value.

Online survey respondents received a list of 171 restaurant chains and were asked to identify which restaurants they visited in the last six months, and then were asked to rate their experiences.

As testament to the importance of hand-cut steaks, in 2001, Texas Roadhouse hosted the first National Meat Cutting Challenge to recognize daily efforts of its meat cutters. Each year, the winner receives a grand prize of $20,000 and is crowned Meat Cutter of the Year.

Follow the Snellville Texas Roadhouse on Facebook for specials and up to date info on their fundraisers.

(Editor's note - portions of this story are from a Texas Roadhouse press release.)