Texas Roadhouse is facing a wave of online backlash after allegations spread across social media claiming that employees were part of a large private Facebook group where members discussed mistreating Black customers and tampering with their food.
The claims began circulating Sunday, August 23, after an X user shared a post alleging that a Facebook group with more than 400,000 members included servers from Texas Roadhouse and Logan’s Roadhouse. The post claimed members discussed things such as spitting in food and other forms of mistreatment toward Black customers.
The allegations quickly spread across social media, with thousands of people reacting, sharing the claims and calling for boycotts.
But there is an important part of this story: the allegations have not been verified.
The person who initially amplified the claim later posted that, after doing more research, she believed the story was a hoax and apologized for sharing it. No specific Texas Roadhouse employee, restaurant location or confirmed incident of food tampering has been publicly identified in connection with the viral claim.
Texas Roadhouse has responded to the controversy, saying it believes the accusation is “completely unfounded.” The company said it is taking the allegation seriously and investigating the claims while reaffirming that it does not tolerate discrimination, harassment or mistreatment of its customers.
The company also shared a separate statement saying it expects its employees to treat every guest with dignity and provide the level of service the brand promises.
For now, the viral allegations remain unsubstantiated. While the claims have sparked understandable anger online, there is currently no confirmed evidence showing that Texas Roadhouse employees participated in the alleged group or carried out the behavior described in the posts.
It is a good reminder that viral stories can move incredibly fast online—but the facts sometimes take a little longer to catch up.
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