and restaurant decor would help improve Roadhouse's growth. Taylor hired a promising chef who worked in Louisville, Kentucky, Jim Broyles. Broyles was hired as the Director of Food and Beverages and transformed the way Roadhouse prepared and served food. The chain expanded rapidly in the late 1990s, and by the end of 1999, 67 restaurants had been opened. In 2004, Roadhouse became a public company. In September 2011, Texas Roadhouse started their international expansion with the first international location in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. During the COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020, Taylor donated his entire salary and bonus, totaling over $800,000, to his employees during the pandemic. After struggling with unbearable tinnitus, Taylor died by suicide on March 18, 2021, at the age of 65. It was announced that Jerry Morgan would take over the role of president and CEO. Taylor posthumously published his memoir, Made From Scratch: The Legendary Success Story of Texas Roadhouse. Operations and marketing Texas Roadhouse's mission statement is "Legendary Food, Legendary Service". Their mascot is an armadillo named Andy. The company's restaurants offer entertainment in the form of line dancing. The waiters, waitresses and hosts perform these dances throughout the night. The employees participate in intercompany competitions: bartenders compete in "The Real Bar" competition, and meat cutters in the annual "Meat Hero Competition". The Roadhouse Corporation supports the homebuilding programs Habitat for Humanity International and Homes For Our Troops. The company also sponsors a road cycling team of about 20 cyclists. Texas Roadhouse is a major supporter of Special Olympics. Each restaurant had a table called "Willie's Corner", with pictures and memorabilia of Willie Nelson. In 2002, Nelson signed a deal to become an official partner of Texas Roadhouse. Since then, Nelson has heavily promoted the chain, including a special on Food Network. Willie Nelson is the owner of the Texas Roadhouse in South Austin, TX. Cuisine Texas Roadhouse serves Texan and American cuisine, including steak, ribs, chicken, and seafood. See also Aspen Creek Grill, restaurant chain formerly owned by Texas Roadhouse References External links 1993 establishments in Indiana American companies established in 1993 Clarksville, Indiana Companies based in Louisville, Kentucky Companies listed on the Nasdaq Restaurant chains in the United States Restaurants established in 1993 Steakhouses in the United States Western-themed restaurants