Why Texas Roadhouse Swept The Peanuts Shells Up From Its Floor For Good

Since the first restaurant opened in 1993, Texas Roadhouse has grown into a top contender in the casual dining arena. Fans of the chain adore the broad range of steak cuts, super soft dinner rolls served with honey cinnamon butter, and wait staff that occasionally break out into dance. But there is one such Texas Roadhouse tradition that may no longer be on the menu or, for that matter, on the floors: Peanuts. 

Once upon a time, the floors of each and every Texas Roadhouse were scattered with peanut shells, and each party of diners was offered a complimentary basket of peanuts. The vibe was casual, and the smell of Texas Roadhouse was uniquely peanut-y. In recent years, however, many of the peanut shell-strewn floors of this much-adored chain have become disturbingly free of legume casings, and at some locations, peanuts might not be automatically offered to guests. So, what gives? 

Well, as with many other massive shifts in restaurant services, such as the rise in QR code menus, the peanut-free floors of some Texas Roadhouse locations seem to be a product of the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought renewed interest in food safety. Other factors, such as the fact that peanut shells can be a slipping hazard (the brand has had to deal with multiple lawsuits over its slippery peanut shells), and a growing number of diners with peanut allergies, also likely factored into the shift away from some restaurants' peanut-forward policies.

This doesn't mean that peanut lovers need mourn their ceremonial basket of peanuts when visiting Texas Roadhouse. It's still standard to hand out peanuts (though individually bagged) to every table at some locations; for many others they'll bring you a basket of bagged peanuts upon request. However, you might want to think twice about tossing your discards on the floor, as customers have reported that the practice seems to vary by restaurant. You will want to instead dispose of your shells in the basket, perhaps sipping a beer and reminiscing about the good old days when a trip to your booth was lined with crunchy, salty steps.

Though the floors of some Texas Roadhouses are no longer lined with shells, there are many other haunts that still practice the art of the peanut-shelled floor. In fact, Texas Roadhouse's practice of tossing shells sprung from a long-held steakhouse and bar tradition of serving communal baskets of peanuts which were to be shelled directly onto the floor. These establishments were often called peanut bars or peanut shell bars, thanks to, well, the shells and legumes that served as both snack and decor. You can still find some restaurants and bars, especially long-running local haunts, that still partake in the practice. 

You could also stop by your local Five Guys for easy access peanuts. And hey, you can always soothe your ache for dusty floors with a few extra swipes of cinnamon butter on those famously soft dinner rolls.