Restaurant With 23 Michigan Locations Now America’s Favorite

Well, well, well...there is something that can overpower the allure of all-you-can-eat breadsticks and salad: unlimited rolls and habit-forming butter. After seven years of Olive Garden being named America's favorite for casual dining, a new establishment with 23 locations in Michigan has risen to the top.

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According to new numbers from Technomic (a fancy name for people who count restaurant stuff), Texas Roadhouse and its nearly addictive cinnamon butter brought the heat with a whopping 14.7% jump in sales, totaling $5.5 billion in 2024, which was good enough to knock an Italian juggernaut off its pedestal.

America's New Favorite Casual Dining Options Presence in Michigan

There's a reason why Michiganders don't mind driving long distances for good food. We'll drive an hour or more for a worthy entree. Some might be willing to log the miles for Texas Roadhouse's cinnamon butter and rolls (seriously, what do they put in that stuff?). The Mitten State boasts 23 locations, and yes, there's even one in the Upper Peninsula.

According to The Independent, Texas Roadhouse's prices haven't skyrocketed like other casual dining chains, making it an affordable option for families.

What Happened to Olive Garden's Dominance in Michigan?

So what happened to Olive Garden, the former number-one casual dining establishment for seven years? Price. That's it, plain and simple. Despite having 27 locations in Michigan, Olive Garden's affordability has left it with fewer casual diners in an era where our willingness to leave our houses for food is countered by our ability (and desire) to order in.

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Curious about which restaurants round out America's Top 10 for casual dining? Keep scrolling.