7 changes coming to Texas Roadhouse restaurants in 2024. Don't worry, rolls are still free

No one is immune to changes in the economy − not even Texas Roadhouse.

America's most beloved sit-down restaurant chain has also been deemed the country's fastest-growing restaurant chain by Eat This, Not That. Despite its wild success, it seems Texas Roadhouse prefers to take a proactive approach to business, with the mindset that improvements can always be made.

During the most recent earnings call, the Kentucky-based restaurant chain decided on a few adjustments it needs to make in 2024, along with its sister restaurants Jaggers and Bubba's 33. According to Eat This, Not That, these changes are in response to supply chain issues and inflation.

What changes can we expect from Texas Roadhouse this year? Here's what we know.

1. Texas Roadhouse raising prices by 2.2%

All Texas Roadhouses have implemented a 2.2% menu price hike, according to CFO Chris Monroe.

The latest price hike is part of a larger trend. Texas Roadhouse raised its prices by 2.2% in April 2023 and 2.7% in October. Monroe reports that these increases are intended to "offset inflationary pressures." The company considered data related to labor trends and wage increases, among other statistics, when determining the percent increase.

"This level of detail and operator involvement provides us with the confidence that we are taking the right level of pricing without sacrificing our value proposition," Monroe said.

Don't panic, though − Texas Roadhouse's famous rolls and honey-cinnamon butter will remain free of charge.

2. 30 new Texas Roadhouse locations opening

The company opened 30 new locations last year, including 22 Texas Roadhouses. In the February earnings call, CEO Jerry Morgan disclosed plans to open another 30 in 2024.

If successful, the company will end 2024 with nearly 800 domestic and international locations.

3. Texas Roadhouse's sister restaurant Jaggers is expanding

Jagger, a fast-casual dining chain serving burgers and chicken made from scratch, is looking to expand. Started in 2014, Texas Roadhouse's sister restaurant aims to double its locations in 2024.

You read that right: Jaggers currently operates eight stores and aims to have 15 by the end of the year.

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4. Texas Roadhouse restaurants to be 10% bigger

The average Texas Roadhouse measures around 6,700 to 7,500 square feet and can hold up to 291 guests at full capacity, Eat This, Not That reports. Locations built in 2023, as well as those planned in 2024, are 10% larger than pre-COVID restaurants.

The increase is meant to bolster dedicated to-go areas and more back-of-house room.

5. Texas Roadhouse introduces digital kitchens

Rather than using a traditional ticket system, Texas Roadhouse plans to transition to back-of-house digital screens in order to track orders and cook times. Locations built in 2023 use this technology, and its success has encouraged the company to implement the so-called "digital kitchens" in an additional 200 existing restaurants.

"We've really been talking strategically about how to get the whole roadhouse concept on that digital kitchen format, because of the many benefits that we see not only for the commotion in the kitchen itself, but even the ability to track our cook times and so many features that we believe will enhance our experience for our employees in the back of the house," CEO Jerry Morgan explained.

Customers can expect shorter table wait times as a result.

6. Promotion of Texas Roadhouse mobile app

Although Texas Roadhouse's mobile app isn't new, the company is hoping to attract more awareness to it. The app allows customers to check it digitally and join a restaurant's waitlist prior to arrival. Customers can also browse the menu and place pickup orders.

The company also hopes to encourage its pay-at-the-table system Roadhouse Pay.

7. New Texas Roadhouse merch

Like its mobile app, Texas Roadhouse aims to draw attention to its merch. Products include candles, clothing, plushies and more.