This is the question most prospective franchisees get wrong. Texas Roadhouse keeps the vast majority of its restaurants company-owned — only a small share are franchised, and the company has historically bought back franchised units rather than aggressively selling new ones domestically. So while “how to open a Texas Roadhouse” is a high-volume search, the honest answer is that new U.S. franchises are seldom awarded.
Internationally, the story is very different. Texas Roadhouse grows abroad almost entirely through master franchise and area-development agreements, granting experienced local groups the rights to build the brand across a country or region. Existing international franchise restaurants already operate in markets such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Taiwan, the Philippines and South Korea — exactly the Asia and MENA corridors where demand for premium American casual dining is rising fastest.
On brand strength and unit economics, few casual-dining names compete. The criteria that matter most for a prospective operator:
For most international investors, the verdict is favorable if you can secure market rights and fund a multi-unit development plan. That is precisely why the Texas Roadhouse master franchise route — rather than single-unit ownership — is the practical path.
Rising middle classes, mall-anchored dining culture and strong appetite for recognizable Western brands make the Gulf and Southeast Asia ideal for premium casual dining. The same forces driving the evolution of restaurant franchise formats across Asia and the search for the best franchises to bring into Asia favor a differentiated, experience-led steakhouse. Investors weighing specialty F&B opportunities across Asia and the Gulf increasingly see full-service American brands as a premium complement to the QSR wave embodied by deals like Little Caesars’ first Malaysia restaurant.
The model is built on value-driven indulgence: generous portions, an open kitchen, fresh-baked bread, and an energetic service culture. Sister brands such as Jaggers (fast-casual) and Bubba’s 33 extend the platform, but the flagship steakhouse remains the franchising centerpiece. Recent momentum — including the brand’s strong Q1 2026 earnings and Wall Street upgrades — underscores why operators globally want the name on their building.
Possibly — international expansion runs through master franchise and area-development agreements. Well-capitalized groups in Asia and MENA with multi-unit operating experience are the brand’s preferred partners.
It is predominantly company-owned. Domestic franchising is limited, while most international growth is franchised through regional partners.
The brand posts some of the highest average unit volumes in U.S. casual dining, though profitability depends on local costs, rent and execution. Texas Roadhouse does not guarantee returns, and prospective franchisees should review the current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Considering a country-level Texas Roadhouse master franchise across Asia or the Middle East? Rigorous market analysis and operator readiness are the difference between a signed agreement and a stalled one.
External references: Texas Roadhouse, Inc. Investor Relations · FTC — A Consumer’s Guide to Buying a Franchise (FDD)
