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Texas Roadhouse, Inc. - Annual Report: 2020 (Form 10-K)

Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 29, 2020

OR

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission File Number 000-50972

Texas Roadhouse, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

20-1083890
(IRS Employer
Identification Number)

6040 Dutchmans Lane

Louisville, Kentucky 40205

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(502426-9984

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share

TXRH

NASDAQ Global Select Market

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes  No .

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes  No .

Indicate by check mark whether registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes  No .

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes  No .

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer 

Accelerated filer 

Non-accelerated filer 

Smaller reporting company 

Emerging growth company 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management's assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes  No .

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of the last day of the second fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2020 was $3,425,613,443 based on the closing stock price of $52.57. Shares of voting stock held by each officer and director have been excluded in that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates. This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes. The market value calculation was determined using the closing stock price of our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market.

The number of shares of common stock outstanding were 69,619,435 on February 17, 2021.

Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for the registrant’s 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which is expected to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days of the registrant’s fiscal year ended December 29, 2020, are incorporated by reference into Part III of the Form 10-K. With the exception of the portions of the Proxy Statement expressly incorporated by reference, such document shall not be deemed filed with this Form 10-K.

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

PART I

Item 1.

Business

5

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

18

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

33

Item 2.

Properties

33

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

34

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

34

PART II

Item 5.

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

35

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data

37

Item 7.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

39

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

56

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

56

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

56

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

57

Item 9B.

Other Information

57

PART III

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

58

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

58

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

58

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

58

Item 14.

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

58

PART IV

Item 15.

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

59

Item 16.

Form 10-K Summary

62

Signatures

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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

From time to time, in periodic reports and oral statements and in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we present statements about future events and expectations that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs, assumptions and expectations of our future financial and operating performance and growth plans, taking into account the information currently available to us. These statements are not statements of historical fact. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results to differ materially from the expectations of future results we express or imply in any forward-looking statements. In addition to the other factors discussed under "Risk Factors" elsewhere in this report, factors that could contribute to these differences include, but are not limited to:

our ability to successfully execute our growth strategies;
our ability to successfully open new restaurants, acquire franchise restaurants and/or execute other strategic initiatives;
our ability to increase and/or maintain sales and profits at our existing restaurants;
our ability to integrate the franchise or other restaurants which we acquire or develop;
the continued service of key management personnel;
the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, or subsequent pandemics, on our business including government restrictions on dining room capacity, or any labor or supply chain shortages;
health concerns about our food products;
our ability to attract, motivate and retain qualified employees;
the impact of federal, state or local government laws and regulations relating to our employees and the sale of food and alcoholic beverages;
the impact of litigation, including remedial actions, payment of damages and expenses and negative publicity;
the cost of our principal food products;
labor shortages or increased labor costs, such as federal or state minimum wage changes, market wage levels, health care, and workers’ compensation insurance costs;
inflationary increases in the costs of construction and/or real estate;
changes in consumer preferences and demographic trends;
the impact of initiatives by competitors and increased competition generally;
our ability to successfully expand into new and existing domestic and international markets;
risks associated with partnering in markets with franchisees or other investment partners with whom we have no prior history and whose interests may not align with ours;
risks associated with developing and successfully operating new concepts or strategic initiatives;
security breaches of confidential guest information in connection with our electronic processing of credit and debit card transactions or the failure of our information technology systems;
the rate of growth of general and administrative expenses associated with building a strengthened corporate infrastructure to support our initiatives;

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negative publicity regarding food safety, health concerns and other food or beverage related matters, including the integrity of our or our suppliers’ food processing;
our franchisees’ adherence to the terms of the franchise agreement;
potential fluctuation in our quarterly operating results due to seasonality and other factors;
supply and delivery shortages or interruptions;
our ability to adequately protect our intellectual property;
our ability to raise capital in the future;
volatility of actuarially determined self-insurance losses and loss estimates;
adoption of new, or changes in existing, accounting policies and practices;
changes in and/or interpretations of federal and state tax laws;
adverse weather conditions which impact guest traffic at our restaurants; and
unfavorable general economic conditions in the markets in which we operate that adversely affect consumer spending.

The words "believe," "may," "should," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "objective," "seek," "plan," "strive," "goal," "projects," "forecasts," "will" or similar words or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology, identify forward-looking statements. We qualify any forward-looking statements entirely by these cautionary factors.

Other risks, uncertainties and factors, including those discussed under "Risk Factors," or those currently deemed immaterial or unknown, could cause our actual results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements we make.

We assume no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future, except as required by applicable law.

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PART I

ITEM 1—BUSINESS

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. (the "Company") was incorporated under the laws of the state of Delaware in 2004. The principal executive office is located in Louisville, Kentucky.

General Development of Business

The Company is a growing restaurant company operating predominately in the casual dining segment. Our founder, chairman and chief executive officer, W. Kent Taylor, started the business in 1993 with the opening of the first Texas Roadhouse restaurant in Clarksville, Indiana. Since then, we have grown to 634 restaurants in 49 states and ten foreign countries. Our mission statement is "Legendary Food, Legendary Service®." Our operating strategy is designed to position each of our restaurants as the local hometown favorite for a broad segment of consumers seeking high quality, affordable meals served with friendly, attentive service. As of December 29, 2020, we owned and operated 537 restaurants and franchised an additional 69 domestic restaurants and 28 international restaurants.

Narrative Description of Business

Of the 537 restaurants we owned and operated at the end of 2020, we operated 503 as Texas Roadhouse restaurants, 31 as Bubba’s 33 restaurants and three as Jaggers restaurants. Throughout this report, we use the term "restaurants" to include Texas Roadhouse and Bubba’s 33, unless otherwise noted.

Texas Roadhouse is a moderately priced, full-service, casual dining restaurant concept offering an assortment of specially seasoned and aged steaks hand-cut daily on the premises and cooked to order over open grills. In addition to steaks, we also offer our guests a selection of ribs, seafood, chicken, pork chops, pulled pork and vegetable plates, and an assortment of hamburgers, salads and sandwiches. The majority of our entrées include two made-from-scratch side items, and we offer all our guests a free unlimited supply of roasted in-shell peanuts and fresh baked yeast rolls.

Bubba’s 33 is a family-friendly, sports restaurant concept featuring scratch-made food, ice cold beer and signature drinks. Our menu features burgers, pizza and wings as well as a wide variety of appetizers, sandwiches and dinner entrées. Our first Bubba’s 33 restaurant opened in May 2013 in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Jaggers is a fast-casual restaurant concept offering burgers, hand-breaded chicken tenders and chicken sandwiches served with scratch-made sauces. In addition, we offer fresh salads that are chopped and tossed when ordered and served with homemade dressings. Jaggers offers drive-thru, carry-out, and dine-in service options. Our first Jaggers restaurant opened in December 2014 in Noblesville, Indiana.

Financial Information about Operating Segments

We consider our restaurant and franchising operations as similar and have aggregated them into a single reportable segment. The majority of the restaurants operate in the U.S. within the casual dining segment of the restaurant industry, providing similar products to similar customers, and possessing similar pricing structures, resulting in similar long-term expected financial performance characteristics. Each of our 537 company restaurants is considered an operating segment.

COVID-19 Impact

On March 13, 2020, the novel coronavirus ("COVID-19") pandemic (the "pandemic") was declared a National Public Health Emergency. Shortly after the national emergency declaration, state and local officials began placing restrictions on restaurants, some of which allowed To-Go or curbside service only while others limited capacity in the dining room. By late March, all of our domestic company and franchise restaurants were under state or local order which only allowed for To-Go or curbside service. Beginning in early May 2020, state and local guidelines began to allow dining rooms to re-open, typically at a limited capacity. While all of our dining rooms were able to open in some capacity, many were required to close again in areas more severely impacted by the pandemic. As of December 29, 2020, 82% of our company restaurants had their dining rooms operating under various limited capacity restrictions. Our remaining restaurants were limited to outdoor and/or To-Go or curbside service only.

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In response to the impact of the pandemic on our restaurant operations, we have developed a hybrid operating model that accommodates our limited capacity dining rooms together with enhanced To-Go, which includes a curbside and/or drive-up operating model, as permitted by local guidelines. This includes design changes to our building to better accommodate the increased To-Go sales and the expansion of outdoor seating areas where allowed. We also have installed booth partitions in all of our restaurants as an added safety measure for our guests. In addition, we have increased our already strict sanitation requirements, are conducting daily health and temperature checks for all employees before they begin their shift and are requiring personal protective equipment to be worn by all restaurant employees at all times. As we work through the local regulations at each of our locations, the safety of our employees and guests remains our top priority.

As a result of the dining room restrictions and temporary closures, we have experienced a significant decrease in traffic which has impacted our operating results. While the majority of our dining rooms have re-opened, a significant portion continue to operate under capacity restrictions that severely limit the number of guests we can serve. In addition, while we have seen significant sales growth in our To-Go program, even with dining rooms re-opened, we currently do not expect these sales will generate a similar profit margin and cash flows to our normal operating model. We expect our operating results to continue to be impacted until at least such time that all state and local restrictions are lifted, and our dining rooms can operate at full capacity. We cannot predict how long the pandemic will last, how long it will take until all state and local restrictions will be lifted, or the extent to which our dining rooms will have to close again. In addition, we cannot predict the overall impact on the economy or consumer spending habits. The impact on our operating results as well as the operational and financial measures we have implemented in response to the pandemic have been included throughout this report.

In response to the pandemic, the Company and our Board of Directors implemented the following measures in 2020 to enhance financial flexibility:

Decreased the number of planned new restaurants for 2020;
Suspended all quarterly cash dividends occurring after March 27, 2020;
Suspended all share repurchase activity;
Expanded the capacity of the revolving credit facility and increased the borrowings by $240 million; and
Decreased compensation including voluntary reductions of salary and bonus for the executive and leadership teams to make relief grants available for restaurant employees. Each non-employee member of the Board of Directors also volunteered to forgo their director and committee fees along with any cash retainers effective April 1, 2020 and continuing throughout fiscal 2020.

Effective March 27, 2020, legislation referred to as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the "CARES Act") was passed to benefit companies that were significantly impacted by the pandemic. This legislation allowed for the deferral of the social security portion of the employer portion of FICA payroll taxes from the date of enactment through the end of 2020. Amounts are required to be repaid in equal installments at the end of 2021 and 2022. As of December 29, 2020, the Company had deferred $47.3 million in payroll taxes with the amount due in 2021 included in accrued wages and payroll taxes and the amount due in 2022 included in other liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.

The CARES Act also allowed for an Employee Retention Credit for companies severely impacted by the pandemic to encourage the retention of full-time employees. This refundable payroll tax credit was available for any company that had fully or partially suspended operations due to government order or experienced a significant decline in gross receipts and had employees who were paid but did not actually work. The Company provided various forms of relief pay for hourly restaurant employees throughout the year, a significant portion of which qualified for this tax credit. For the year ended December 29, 2020, we recorded $7.0 million related to this credit which is included in labor expense in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

Finally, the CARES Act provided for small business loans that were forgivable if certain criteria were met. The Company did not pursue any of these loans on behalf of company restaurants as we believe we have sufficient alternatives for raising capital if needed.

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Operating Strategy

Although a significant portion of 2020 required us to focus on adapting our business to account for the impacts of the pandemic, we remain committed to our core operating strategy that has defined and grown our brand. The operating strategy that underlies this growth is built on the following key components:

Offering high quality, freshly prepared food. We place a great deal of emphasis on providing our guests with high quality, freshly prepared food. As part of our process, we have developed proprietary recipes to provide consistency in quality and taste throughout all restaurants. We expect a management level employee to inspect every entrée before it leaves the kitchen to confirm it matches the guest’s order and meets our standards for quality, appearance and presentation. In addition, we employ a team of product coaches whose function is to provide continual, hands-on training and education to our kitchen staff for the purpose of promoting consistent adherence to recipes, food preparation procedures, food safety standards, food appearance, freshness and portion size. At our Texas Roadhouse restaurants, we hand-cut all but one of our assortment of steaks and make our sides from scratch.
Offering performance-based manager compensation. We offer a performance-based compensation program to our individual restaurant managers and multi-restaurant operators, who are called "managing partners" and "market partners," respectively. Each of these partners earns a base salary plus a performance bonus, which represents a percentage of each of their respective restaurant’s pre-tax income. As a result of the pandemic and the impact on restaurant operating results, we guaranteed a portion of these performance bonuses in the periods that were the most significantly impacted. By providing our partners with a significant stake in the success of our restaurants and underscoring our long-term commitment to them during the pandemic with guaranteed bonuses, we believe that we are able to attract and retain talented, experienced and highly motivated managing and market partners.
Focusing on dinner. In a high percentage of our restaurants, we limit our operating hours to dinner only during the weekdays with approximately one half of our restaurants offering lunch on Friday. By focusing on dinner, our restaurant teams have to prepare for and manage only one shift per day during the week. We believe this allows our restaurant teams to offer higher quality, more consistent food and service to our guests.
Offering attractive price points. We offer our food and beverages at moderate price points that we believe are as low as or lower than those offered by many of our competitors in any given market. Within each menu category, we offer a choice of several price points with the goal of fulfilling each guest’s budget and value expectations. For example, at our Texas Roadhouse restaurants, our steak entrées, which include the choice of two side items, generally range from $10.99 for our 6-ounce Sirloin to $26.99 for our 23-ounce Porterhouse T-Bone. The per guest average check for the Texas Roadhouse restaurants we owned and operated in 2020 was $17.86. Per guest average check represents restaurant sales divided by the number of guests served. We consider each sale of an entrée to be a single guest served. Our per guest average check is higher as a result of our weekday dinner only focus. At our Bubba’s 33 restaurants, our entrées range from $9.99 for our Classic Cheeseburger to $19.99 for our 16-inch Meaty Meaty pizza.
Creating a fun and comfortable atmosphere with a focus on high quality service. We believe the service quality and atmosphere we establish in our restaurants is a key component for fostering repeat business. We focus on keeping our table-to-server ratios low to allow our servers to truly focus on their guests and serve their needs in a personal, individualized manner. Our Texas Roadhouse restaurants feature a rustic southwestern lodge décor accentuated with hand-painted murals, neon signs, and southwestern prints, rugs and artifacts. Additionally, our restaurants continuously play upbeat country hits. Our Bubba’s 33 restaurants feature walls lined with televisions playing sporting events and music videos and are decorated with sports jerseys, neon signs and other local flair.

Unit Prototype and Economics

We design our restaurant prototypes to provide a relaxed atmosphere for our guests, while also focusing on restaurant-level returns over time. Our current prototypical Texas Roadhouse restaurants consist of a freestanding building with approximately 7,600 square feet of space constructed on sites of approximately 1.5 to 2.2 acres or retail pad sites, with seating of approximately 58 to 68 tables for a total of 270 to 300 guests, including 18 bar seats, and

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parking for approximately 160 vehicles either on-site or in combination with some form of off-site cross parking arrangement. Our current prototypes are adaptable to in-line and end-cap locations and/or spaces within an enclosed mall or a shopping center. Our current prototypical Bubba’s 33 restaurants consist of a freestanding building with approximately 7,500 square feet of space with seating for approximately 270 guests.

In response to the pandemic, we made building modifications to a number of existing restaurants. These changes were made to better accommodate the increase in our To-Go sales and/or expand our outdoor dining arrangements. We are currently evaluating the possibility of integrating these changes into our prototypical Texas Roadhouse and Bubba’s 33 restaurant designs.

As of December 29, 2020, we leased 389 properties and owned 148 properties. Our 2020 average unit volume for all Texas Roadhouse company restaurants open before June 25, 2019 was $4.6 million. The time required for a new Texas Roadhouse restaurant to reach a steady level of cash flow is approximately three to six months. For 2020, the average capital investment, including pre-opening expenses and a capitalized rent factor, for the 18 Texas Roadhouse company restaurants opened during the year was $6.2 million, broken down as follows:

    

Average Cost

    

Low

    

High

 

Land(1)

$

1,515,000

$

1,100,000

$

1,950,000

Building(2)

 

2,570,000

 

1,875,000

 

4,055,000

Furniture and Equipment

 

1,320,000

 

1,220,000

 

1,440,000

Pre-opening costs

 

790,000

 

560,000

 

1,000,000

Other(3)

 

30,000

 

 

350,000

Total

$

6,225,000

(1)Represents 10x’s initial base rent in the event the land is leased or the average cost for land acquisitions.
(2)Includes site work costs.
(3)Primarily liquor licensing costs, where applicable. This cost varies based on the licensing requirements in each state.

For 2020 and 2019, our average capital investment for the Texas Roadhouse restaurants was $6.2 million and $5.6 million, respectively. The increase in our 2020 average capital investment was primarily due to higher land and building costs. The higher land costs were due to increased rent amounts at several sites. The higher building costs were due to higher material costs and construction delays related to the pandemic. We expect our average capital investment for restaurants to be opened in 2021 to be approximately $5.5 million.

Our average capital investment for the Bubba’s 33 restaurants opened in 2020 and 2019 was $7.3 million and $6.9 million, respectively. The increase in our 2020 average capital investment for our Bubba’s 33 restaurants was primarily due to higher building costs, in particular at one site in a more expensive area. We expect our average capital investment for restaurants to be opened in 2021 to be approximately $6.9 million.

We remain focused on driving sales and managing restaurant investment costs in order to maintain our restaurant development in the future. Our capital investment (including cash and non-cash costs) for new restaurants varies significantly depending on a number of factors including, but not limited to: the square footage, layout, scope of required site work, geographical location, type of construction labor (union or non-union), local permitting requirements, our ability to negotiate with landowners and/or landlords, cost of liquor and other licenses and hook-up fees.

Site Selection

We continue to refine our site selection process. In analyzing each prospective site, our real estate team, as well as our restaurant market partners, devotes significant time and resources to the evaluation of local market demographics, population density, household income levels and site-specific characteristics such as visibility, accessibility, traffic generators, proximity of other retail activities and competitors, traffic counts and parking. We work actively with experienced real estate brokers in target markets to select high quality sites and to maintain and regularly update our database of potential sites. We typically require three to six months to locate, approve and control a restaurant site and typically six to 12 additional months to obtain necessary permits. Upon receipt of permits, we require approximately five months to construct, equip and open a restaurant.

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Existing Restaurant Locations

As of December 29, 2020, we had 537 company restaurants and 97 franchise restaurants in 49 states and ten foreign countries as shown in the chart below.

Number of Restaurants

 

    

Company

    

Franchise

    

Total

 

Alabama

 

8

 

 

8

Alaska

 

2

 

 

2

Arizona

 

19

 

 

19

Arkansas

 

6

 

 

6

California

 

4

 

9

 

13

Colorado

 

17

 

1

 

18

Connecticut

 

5

 

 

5

Delaware

 

2

 

2

 

4

Florida

 

41

 

 

41

Georgia

 

12

 

4

 

16

Idaho

 

5

 

 

5

Illinois

 

17

 

 

17

Indiana

 

21

 

8

 

29

Iowa

 

10

 

 

10

Kansas

 

6

 

1

 

7

Kentucky

 

15

 

2

 

17

Louisiana

 

10

 

1

 

11

Maine

 

3

 

 

3

Maryland

 

8

 

6

 

14

Massachusetts

 

10

 

1

 

11

Michigan

 

16

 

3

 

19

Minnesota

 

5

 

 

5

Mississippi

 

3

 

 

3

Missouri

 

17

 

 

17

Montana

 

 

1

 

1

Nebraska

 

3

 

1

 

4

Nevada

 

2

 

 

2

New Hampshire

 

3

 

 

3

New Jersey

 

10

 

 

10

New Mexico

 

6

 

 

6

New York

 

21

 

 

21

North Carolina

 

20

 

 

20

North Dakota

 

2

 

1

 

3

Ohio

 

33

 

2

 

35

Oklahoma

 

8

 

 

8

Oregon

 

2

 

 

2

Pennsylvania

 

25

 

6

 

31

Rhode Island

 

3

 

 

3

South Carolina

 

3

 

6

 

9

South Dakota

 

2

 

 

2

Tennessee

 

15

 

1

 

16

Texas

 

71

 

5

 

76

Utah

 

9

 

1

 

10

Vermont

 

1

 

 

1

Virginia

 

19

 

 

19

Washington

 

2

 

1

 

3

West Virginia

 

3

 

3

 

6

Wisconsin

 

10

 

3

 

13

Wyoming

 

2

 

 

2

Total domestic restaurants

 

537

 

69

 

606

Bahrain

1

1

China

1

1

South Korea

2

2

Kuwait

 

 

3

 

3

Mexico

1

1

Philippines

 

 

5

 

5

Qatar

 

 

1

 

1

Saudi Arabia

 

 

5

 

5

Taiwan

4

4

United Arab Emirates

5

5

Total international restaurants

 

 

28

 

28

Total system-wide restaurants

 

537

 

97

 

634

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Food

Menu. Our restaurants offer a wide variety of menu items at attractive prices that are designed to appeal to a broad range of consumer tastes. At Texas Roadhouse restaurants, our dinner entrée prices generally range from $9.99 to $26.99. We offer a broad assortment of specially seasoned and aged steaks, all cooked over open grills and all but one hand-cut daily on the premises. We also offer our guests a selection of ribs, seafood, chicken, pork chops, pulled pork and vegetable plates, and an assortment of hamburgers, salads and sandwiches. Entrée prices include unlimited peanuts, fresh baked yeast rolls and most include the choice of two made-from-scratch sides. Other menu items include specialty appetizers such as the "Cactus Blossom®" and "Rattlesnake Bites®". We also provide a "12 & Under" menu for children that includes a selection of smaller-sized entrées served with one side item and a beverage at prices generally between $3.99 and $9.99. At Bubba’s 33 restaurants, our menu prices, excluding appetizers, generally range from $9.99 to $19.99. We offer a broad assortment of wings, burgers, pizzas, salads and sandwiches. In addition, we also offer our guests a selection of pasta, chicken, beef and seafood entrées. Our Bubba’s 33 restaurants also offer an extensive selection of draft beer and signature cocktails. We provide a "12 & Under" menu for children at our Bubba’s 33 restaurants that includes a selection of items, including a beverage, at prices generally between $3.99 and $5.99. In addition, our full menu is available through our mobile apps or on-line which allows for To-Go pickup.

Most of our restaurants feature a full bar that offers an extensive selection of draft and bottled beer, major brands of liquor and wine as well as made in-house margaritas. Managing partners are encouraged to tailor their beer selection to include regional and local brands. Alcoholic beverages at our Texas Roadhouse restaurants accounted for 8.6% of restaurant sales in fiscal 2020. As a result of the significant increase in To-Go sales due to the pandemic, we sold fewer alcoholic beverages compared to fiscal 2019.

We always strive to maintain a consistent menu at our restaurants. We continually review our menu to consider enhancements to existing menu items or the introduction of new items. We change our menu only after guest feedback and an extensive study of the operational and economic implications. To maintain our high levels of food quality and service, we generally remove one menu item for every new menu item introduced to facilitate our ability to execute high quality meals on a focused range of menu items.

Food Quality and Safety. We are committed to serving a varied menu of high quality, great tasting food items with an emphasis on freshness. We have developed proprietary recipes to promote consistency in quality and taste throughout all restaurants and provide a unique flavor experience to our guests. At each domestic Texas Roadhouse restaurant, a trained meat cutter hand cuts our steaks and other restaurant employees prepare our side items and yeast rolls from scratch in the restaurants daily. At both Texas Roadhouse and Bubba’s 33 restaurants, we assign individual kitchen employees to the preparation of designated food items in order to focus on quality, consistency, speed and food safety. Additionally, we expect a management level employee to inspect every entrée before it leaves the kitchen to confirm it matches the guest’s order and meets our standards for quality, appearance and presentation.

We employ a team of product coaches whose function is to provide continual, hands-on training and education to the kitchen staff in our restaurants for the purpose of reinforcing food quality, recipe consistency, food preparation procedures, food safety and sanitation standards, food appearance, freshness and portion size. The product coach team supports substantially all restaurants system-wide.

Food safety and sanitation is of utmost importance to us. We currently utilize several programs to help facilitate adherence to proper food preparation procedures and food safety standards including our daily taste and temperature procedures. We have a food team whose function, in conjunction with our product coaches, is to develop, enforce and maintain programs designed to promote compliance with food safety guidelines. As a requirement of our quality assurance process, primary food items are purchased from qualified vendors who are regularly audited by reputable, outside inspection services confirming that the vendor is compliant with United States Food and Drug Administration and United States Department of Agriculture guidelines.

We perform food safety and sanitation audits on our restaurants each year and these results are reviewed by various members of operations and management. To maximize adherence to food safety protocols, we have incorporated Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points principles and critical procedures (such as hand washing) in each recipe. All restaurant managers are required to complete the American National Standards Institute Certified Food Manager training. In addition, most of our product coaches and food team members have obtained or are in the process of obtaining their Certified Professional-Food Safety designation from the National Environmental Health Association.

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We also implemented additional sanitation requirements in the current year in response to the pandemic. This included adding a sanitation coordinator position at each location who is responsible for cleaning high touch areas, adding hand sanitizer stations at each restaurant, and supplying each restaurant with a chemical sanitation sprayer. These requirements are in addition to the daily health and temperature checks for all employees before they begin their shift as well as the requirement for personal protective equipment to be worn by all restaurant employees at all times.

During 2020, we began participating in the Ecolab Science Certified Inspection program. This program evaluates our restaurants on COVID-19 cleaning procedures as well as food safety, general cleanliness and safety procedures. As of December 29, 2020, over 75% of our domestic system-wide stores had been certified under this program with the remainder expected to be certified in early 2021.

Purchasing. Our purchasing philosophy is designed to supply fresh, quality products to the restaurants at competitive prices while maximizing operating efficiencies. We negotiate directly with suppliers for substantially all food and beverage products to maximize quality and freshness and obtain competitive prices.

Food and supplies are ordered by and shipped directly to the domestic restaurants. Most food products used in the operation of our restaurants are distributed to individual restaurants through an independent national distribution company. We strive to qualify more than one supplier for all key food items and believe that beef of comparable quality as well as all other essential food and beverage products are available, upon short notice, from alternative qualified suppliers.

Service

Service Quality. We believe that guest satisfaction and our ability to continually evaluate and improve the guest experience at each of our restaurants is important to our success. We employ a team of service coaches whose function is to provide consistent, hands-on training and education to our managers and service staff in our restaurants for the purpose of reinforcing service quality and consistency, team work and staff attentiveness and manage interaction in the dining room. The service coach team supports substantially all restaurants system-wide.

Guest Satisfaction. Through the use of guest surveys, our websites, "texasroadhouse.com," "bubbas33.com," or "eatjaggers.com," a toll-free guest response telephone line, emails, letters, social media, and personal interaction in the restaurant, we receive valuable feedback from guests. Additionally, we employ an outside service to administer a "Secret Shopper" program whereby trained individuals periodically dine and comprehensively evaluate the guest experience at each of our domestic restaurants. Particular attention is given to food, beverage and service quality, cleanliness, staff attitude and teamwork, and manager visibility and interaction. The resulting reports are used for follow up training and providing feedback to both staff and management. We continue to evaluate and implement processes relating to guest satisfaction, including reducing guest wait times, improving host interaction with the guest, and improving the To-Go experience for our guests.

Atmosphere. The atmosphere of our restaurants is intended to appeal to broad segments of the population including children, families, couples, adults and business persons. Substantially all Texas Roadhouse restaurants are of our prototype design, reflecting a rustic southwestern lodge atmosphere. The interiors feature wood walls and stained concrete floors and are decorated with hand-painted murals, neon signs, southwestern prints, rugs and artifacts. The restaurants continuously play upbeat country hits. Guests may also view a display-baking area, where our fresh baked yeast rolls are prepared, and a meat cooler displaying fresh cut steaks. While waiting for a table, guests can enjoy complimentary roasted in-shell peanuts and upon being seated at a table, guests can enjoy fresh baked yeast rolls along with roasted in-shell peanuts. As a result of the pandemic, our peanuts are currently served in individual bags and provided upon request. Our Bubba’s 33 restaurants feature walls lined with televisions playing a variety of sports events and music videos and are decorated with sports jerseys, neon signs and other local flair.

People

Management Personnel. Each of our restaurants is generally staffed with one managing partner, one kitchen manager, one service manager and one or more additional assistant managers. Managing partners are single restaurant operators who have primary responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the entire restaurant. Kitchen managers have primary responsibility for managing the kitchen staff and overall kitchen operations including food preparation and food quality. Service managers have primary responsibility for managing the front of house staff and overall dining room operations including service quality and the guest experience. The assistant managers support our managing partners, kitchen, and service managers. All managers are responsible for maintaining our standards of quality and performance.

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We use market partners to oversee the operation of our restaurants. Each market partner oversees a group of varying sizes of managing partners and their respective management teams. Market partners are also responsible for the hiring and development of each restaurant’s management team and assisting in the site selection process. Through regular visits to the restaurants, the market partners facilitate adherence to all aspects of our concepts, strategies and standards of quality. To further facilitate adherence to our standards of quality and to maximize uniform execution throughout the system, we employ product coaches and service coaches who regularly visit the restaurants to assist in training of both new and existing employees and to grade food and service quality. The attentive service and high quality food, which results from each restaurant having a managing partner, at least two to three managers and the hands-on assistance of a product coach and a service coach, are critical to our success.

Training and Development. All restaurant employees are required to complete varying degrees of training before and during employment. Our comprehensive training program emphasizes our operating strategy, procedures and standards, including responsible alcohol service, and is typically conducted individually at our restaurants or in groups in Louisville, Kentucky. As a result of the pandemic, this training is currently being done virtually.

Our managing and market partners are generally required to have significant experience in the full-service restaurant industry and are generally hired at a minimum of nine to 12 months before their placement in a new or existing restaurant to allow time to fully train in all aspects of restaurant operations. All managing partners, kitchen and service managers and other management employees are required to complete an extensive training program of up to 20 weeks, which includes training for every position in the restaurant. Trainees are validated at pre-determined points during their training by a market partner, managing partner, product coach and service coach.

A number of our restaurants have been certified as training centers by our training department. This certification confirms that the training center adheres to established operating procedures and guidelines. Additionally, most restaurants are staffed with training coordinators responsible for ongoing daily training needs.

For new restaurant openings, a full team of designated trainers, each specializing in a specific restaurant position, is deployed to the restaurant at least ten days before opening. Formal employee training begins seven days before opening and follows a uniform, comprehensive training course as directed by a service coach.

Marketing

Our marketing strategy aims to promote our brands while retaining a localized focus. We strive to increase comparable restaurant sales by increasing the frequency of visits by our current guests and attracting new guests to our restaurants and also by communicating and promoting our brands’ food quality, the guest experience and value. We accomplish these objectives through three major initiatives.

Local Restaurant Marketing. Given our strategy to be a neighborhood destination, local restaurant marketing is integral in developing brand awareness in each market. Managing partners are encouraged to participate in creative community-based marketing. We also engage in a variety of promotional activities, such as contributing time, money and complimentary meals to charitable, civic and cultural programs. We employ marketing coordinators at the restaurant and market level to develop and execute the majority of the local marketing strategies.

In-restaurant Marketing. A significant portion of our marketing fund is spent communicating with our guests inside our restaurants through point of purchase materials. We believe special promotions such as Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day drive notable repeat business. Our eight-week holiday gift card campaign is one of our most impactful promotions.

Advertising. Our restaurants do not rely on national television or print advertising to promote our brands. Earned local media is a critical part of our strategy that features our products and people. Our restaurants use a permission-based email loyalty program, as well as social media and digital marketing, to promote the brand and engage with our guests. Our approach to media aligns with our focus on local store marketing and community involvement.

Restaurant Franchise Arrangements

Franchise Restaurants. As of December 29, 2020, we had 25 franchisees that operated 97 Texas Roadhouse restaurants in 23 states and ten foreign countries. Domestically, franchise rights are granted for specific restaurants only, as we have not granted any rights to develop a territory in the United States. We are currently not accepting new

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domestic franchisees. Approximately 75% of our franchise restaurants are operated by ten franchisees and no franchisee operates more than 15 restaurants.

Our standard domestic franchise agreement has a term of ten years with two renewal options for an additional five years each if certain conditions are satisfied. Our current form of domestic franchise agreement generally requires the franchisee to pay a royalty fee of 4.0% of gross sales. We may, at our discretion, waive or reduce the royalty fee on a temporary or permanent basis. In 2020, we waived royalties of $0.4 million for international franchisees in countries that were significantly impacted by the pandemic. We also made royalty deferral arrangements for many of our domestic and international franchisees. The majority of these royalty waivers and deferral arrangements were provided in the periods most significantly impacted by the pandemic. "Gross sales" means the total selling price of all services and products related to the restaurant. Gross sales do not include:

employee discounts or other discounts;
tips or gratuities paid directly to employees by guests;
any federal, state, municipal or other sales, value added or retailer’s excise taxes; or
adjustments for net returns on salable goods and discounts allowed to guests on sales.

Domestic franchisees are currently required to pay 0.3% of gross sales to a national marketing fund for system-wide promotions and related marketing efforts. We have the ability under our agreements to increase the required marketing fund contribution up to 2.5% of gross sales. We may also charge a marketing fee of 0.5% of gross sales, which we may use for market research and to develop system-wide promotional and marketing materials. A franchisee’s total required marketing contribution or spending will not be more than 3.0% of gross sales.

Our standard domestic franchise agreement gives us the right, but not the obligation, to compel a franchisee to transfer its assets to us in exchange for shares of our stock, or to convert its equity interests into shares of our stock. The amount of shares that a franchisee would receive is based on a formula that is included in the franchise agreement.

We have entered into area development and franchise agreements for the development and operation of Texas Roadhouse restaurants in several foreign countries and one U.S. territory. We currently have signed franchise and/or development agreements in nine countries in the Middle East as well as Taiwan, the Philippines, Mexico, China, South Korea, Brazil and Puerto Rico. As of December 29, 2020, we had 15 restaurants open in five countries in the Middle East, four restaurants open in Taiwan, five in the Philippines, two in South Korea and one each in Mexico and China for a total of 28 restaurants in ten foreign countries. For the existing international agreements, the franchisee is generally required to pay us a franchise fee for each restaurant to be opened, royalties on the gross sales of each restaurant and a development fee for our grant of development rights in the named countries. We anticipate that the specific business terms of any future franchise agreement for international restaurants might vary significantly from the standard terms of our domestic agreements and from the terms of existing international agreements, depending on the territory to be franchised and the extent of franchisor-provided services to each franchisee.

Any of our franchise agreements, whether domestic or international, may be terminated if the franchisee defaults in the performance of any of its obligations under the development or franchise agreement, including its obligations to develop the territory or operate its restaurants in accordance with our standards and specifications. A franchise agreement may also be terminated if a franchisee becomes insolvent, fails to make its required payments, creates a threat to the public health or safety, ceases to operate the restaurant, or misuses the Texas Roadhouse trademarks.

Franchise Compliance Assurance. We have various systems in place to promote compliance with our systems and standards, both during the development and operation of franchise restaurants. We actively work with our franchisees to support successful franchise operations as well as compliance with the Texas Roadhouse standards and procedures. During the restaurant development phase, we consent to the selection of restaurant sites and make available copies of our prototype building plans to franchisees. In addition, we ensure that the building design is in compliance with our standards. We provide training to the managing partner and up to three other managers of a franchisee’s first restaurant. We also provide trainers to assist in the opening of every domestic franchise restaurant and we provide trainers to assist our international franchisees in the opening of their restaurants until such time as they develop an approved restaurant opening training program. Finally, on an ongoing basis, we conduct reviews on all franchise restaurants to determine their level of effectiveness in executing our concept at a variety of operational levels. Our franchisees are required to

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follow the same standards and procedures regarding equipment and food purchases, preparation and safety procedures as we maintain in our company restaurants. Reviews are conducted by seasoned operations teams and focus on key areas including health, safety and execution proficiency.

Management Services. We provide management services to 24 of the franchise restaurants in which we and/or our founder have an ownership interest and five additional franchise restaurants in which neither we nor our founder have an ownership interest. Such management services may include accounting, operational supervision, human resources, training, and food, beverage and equipment consulting for which we receive monthly fees of up to 2.5% of gross sales. We also make available to these restaurants certain legal services, restaurant employees and employee benefits on a pass-through cost basis.

Information Technology

All of our company restaurants utilize computerized management information systems, which are designed to improve operating efficiencies, provide restaurant and Support Center management with timely access to financial and operating data and reduce administrative time and expense. With our current information systems, we have the ability to query, report and analyze this intelligent data on a daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and year-to-date basis and beyond, on a company-wide, regional, market, or individual restaurant basis. Together, this enables us to closely monitor sales, food and beverage costs and labor and operating expenses at each of our restaurants. We have a number of systems and reports that provide comparative information that enables both restaurant and Support Center management to supervise the financial and operational performance of our restaurants and to recognize and understand trends in the business. Our accounting department uses a standard, integrated system to prepare monthly profit and loss statements, which provides a detailed analysis of sales and costs. These monthly profit and loss statements are compared both to the restaurant-prepared reports and to prior periods. Restaurant hardware and software support for all of our restaurants is provided and coordinated from the restaurant Support Center in Louisville, Kentucky. Currently, we utilize cable, digital subscriber lines (DSL) or T-1 technology at the restaurant level, which serves as a high-speed, secure communication link between the restaurants and our Support Center as well as our credit and gift card processors. We guard against business interruption by maintaining a disaster recovery plan, which includes storing critical business information off-site, maintaining a redundant data center, testing the disaster recovery plan and providing on-site power backup.

We accept credit cards and gift cards as payment at our restaurants. We have systems and processes in place that focus on the protection of our guests’ credit card information and other private information that we are required to protect, such as our employees’ personal information. Our systems have been carefully designed and configured to safeguard against data loss or compromise. We submit our systems to regular audit and review, including the requirements of Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards. We also periodically scan our networks to assess vulnerability. See Risk Factors in Item 1A of this Form 10-K for a discussion of risks associated with breaches of security related to confidential guest and/or employee information.

As a result of the significant increase in To-Go and curbside service, we made several digital enhancements to improve the guest experience and better support our increased volumes.  These enhancements include a new, fully customized digital experience that allows our guests to get on the waitlist or order pickup or curbside service.  The new digital experience also has added gift card and payment functionality.  We have also implemented texting systems which allow our dine-in guests to wait outside or in their cars and improved the To-Go experience for our To-Go guests. Finally, we have implemented systems for touchless menus and contactless payments for enhanced guest safety.

We believe that our current systems and practice of implementing regular updates will position us well to support current needs and future growth. Information systems projects are prioritized based on strategic, financial, regulatory and other business advantage criteria.

Competition

Competition in the restaurant industry is intense. We compete with well-established food service companies on the basis of taste, quality and price of the food offered, service, atmosphere, location, take-out and delivery options and overall dining experience. Our competitors include a large and diverse group of restaurant chains and individual restaurants that range from independent local operators that have opened restaurants in various markets to well-capitalized national restaurant companies. We also face competition from meal kit delivery services as well as the supermarket industry. In addition, improving product offerings of fast casual and quick-service restaurants and better execution of off-premise sales, together with negative economic conditions could cause consumers to choose less

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expensive alternatives. Although we believe that we compete favorably with respect to each of the above factors, other restaurants and retail establishments compete for the same casual dining guests, quality site locations and restaurant-level employees as we do. We expect intense competition to continue in all of these areas.

Trademarks

Our registered trademarks and service marks include, among others, our trade names and our logo and proprietary rights related to certain core menu offerings. We have registered all of our significant marks for our restaurants with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. We have registered or have registrations pending for our most significant trademarks and service marks in 50 foreign jurisdictions. To better protect our brands, we have also registered various Internet domain names. We believe that our trademarks, service marks and other proprietary rights have significant value and are important to our brand-building efforts and the marketing of our restaurant concepts.

Government Regulation

We are subject to a variety of federal, state, local and international laws affecting our business. For a discussion of the risks and potential impact on our business of a failure by us to comply with applicable laws and regulations, see Item 1A, Risk Factors.

Each of our restaurants is subject to permitting and licensing requirements and regulations by a number of government authorities, which may include, among others, alcoholic beverage control, health and safety, sanitation, labor, zoning and public safety agencies in the state and/or municipality in which each restaurant is located. The development and operation of restaurants depends on selecting and acquiring suitable sites, which are subject to zoning, land use, environmental, traffic and other regulations. In addition to domestic regulations, our international business exposes us to additional regulations, including antitrust and tax requirements, anti-boycott legislation, import/export and customs regulations and other international trade regulations, the USA Patriot Act and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

We are subject to laws and regulations relating to the preparation and sale of food, including regulations regarding product safety, nutritional content and menu labeling. In 2018, federal regulations went into effect under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 ("PPACA") requiring new menu nutritional labeling requirements. As a result, we include calorie information on our menus and make additional nutritional information available at our restaurants and on our websites. Future regulatory action may occur which could result in further changes in the federal nutritional disclosure requirements.

In order to serve alcoholic beverages in our restaurants, we must comply with alcoholic beverage control regulations which require each of our restaurants to apply to a state authority, and, in certain locations, county or municipal authorities, for a license or permit to sell alcoholic beverages on the premises. These licenses or permits must be renewed annually and may be revoked or suspended for cause at any time. Alcoholic beverage control regulations affect numerous aspects of restaurant operations, including minimum age of patrons and employees, hours of operation, advertising, training, wholesale purchasing, inventory control and handling, storage and dispensing of alcoholic beverages. State and local authorities in many jurisdictions routinely monitor compliance with alcoholic beverage laws. The failure of a restaurant to obtain or retain these licenses or permits would have a material adverse effect on the restaurant’s operations. We are also subject in certain states to "dram shop" statutes, which generally provide a person injured by an intoxicated person the right to recover damages from an establishment that wrongfully served alcoholic beverages to the intoxicated person. Consistent with industry standards, we carry liquor liability coverage as part of our existing comprehensive general liability insurance as well as excess umbrella coverage. In fiscal 2020, the sale of alcoholic beverages accounted for 8.6% of our Texas Roadhouse restaurant sales. As a result of the significant increase in To-Go sales due to the pandemic, we sold fewer alcoholic beverages compared to fiscal 2019.

Our restaurant operations are also subject to federal and state labor laws governing such matters as minimum and tipped wage requirements, overtime pay, health benefits, unemployment taxes, workers’ compensation, work eligibility requirements, working conditions, safety standards, and hiring and employment practices. We have many restaurants located in states or municipalities where the minimum and/or tipped wage is greater than the federal minimum and/or tipped wage. We anticipate that additional federal and state legislation significantly increasing minimum and/or tipped wage standards will be enacted in future periods and in other jurisdictions. Further regulatory action may occur which could result in changes to healthcare eligibility, design and cost structure.

A significant number of our hourly restaurant personnel receive tips as part of their compensation and are paid at or

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above a minimum wage rate after giving effect to applicable tips. We rely on our employees to accurately disclose the full amount of their tip income. We base our FICA tax reporting on the disclosures provided to us by such tipped employees.

Our facilities must comply with the applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ("ADA") and related state accessibility statutes. Under the ADA and related state laws, we must provide equivalent service to disabled persons and make reasonable accommodation for their employment. In addition, when constructing or undertaking remodeling of our restaurants, we must make those facilities accessible.

As a result of the pandemic, certain state and local jurisdictions have enacted various health, safety and other regulations that have impacted our restaurants. Compliance with these regulations has led to decreased sales, increased costs, and operational complexity. We expect our operating results to continue to be impacted until at least such time that these regulations are lifted.

We are subject to laws relating to information security, privacy, cashless payments and consumer credit protection and fraud. An increasing number of governments and industry groups worldwide have established data privacy laws and standards for the protection of personal information, including social security numbers, financial information (including credit card numbers), and health information.

Seasonality

Our business is also subject to minor seasonal fluctuations. Historically, sales in most of our restaurants have been higher during the winter months of each year. Holidays, changes in weather, severe weather and similar conditions may impact sales volumes seasonally in some operating regions. As a result, our quarterly operating results and comparable restaurant sales may fluctuate due to seasonality. Accordingly, results for any one quarter are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any other quarter or for any year and comparable restaurant sales for any particular future period may decrease.

Beginning in March 2020, our quarterly operating results were severely impacted by the pandemic which resulted in significant fluctuations between quarters. We expect that our quarterly operating results will continue to fluctuate until such time that all dining room restrictions related to the pandemic are lifted.

Human Capital Management

As of December 29, 2020, we employed approximately 61,600 people. These employees include 681 executive and administrative personnel and 2,666 restaurant management personnel, while the remainder were hourly restaurant personnel. Many of our hourly restaurant employees work part-time. None of our employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement. We consider our employee relations to be good.

Our business relies on our ability to attract and retain talented employees. To attract and retain talent, we strive to maintain our culture through shared core values, a performance-based compensation program supported by competitive benefits and health programs, and a diverse, inclusive and supportive workplace, with opportunities for our employees to grow and develop in their careers.

Maintaining our Culture and Core Values. In our restaurants and at our Support Center, we are committed to our shared Core Values of Passion, Partnership, Integrity, and Fun…all with Purpose. These Core Values form the foundation of who we are as a company and how we interact with respect, appreciation, and fairness towards one another every day. We also believe that diversity and inclusion are vital parts of our culture. We value and welcome employees of all walks of life to share their gifts and strengths while working in our restaurants and the Support Center, as we strive to reflect the communities we are proud to serve. As a result, we are committed to attracting, retaining, engaging and developing a workforce that mirrors the diversity of our guests and is committed to upholding our shared values.

Performance-based Compensation and Benefits. We support our employees by offering competitive wages and benefits for eligible employees. We also offer a performance-based compensation program to our managing partners and market partners. Each of these positions earns a base salary plus a performance bonus, which represents a percentage of each of their respective restaurant’s pre-tax income. As a result of the pandemic and the impact on restaurant operating results, we guaranteed a portion of these performance bonuses in the periods that were the most significantly impacted. By providing our partners with a significant stake in the success of our restaurants, we believe that we are

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able to attract and retain talented, experienced and highly motivated managing and market partners.

In addition to salaries, these programs (which vary by employee level) include, among other items, bonuses, stock awards, retirement savings plans, healthcare and insurance benefits, health savings and flexible spending accounts, paid time off, paid parental leave and various employee assistance programs. As a result of the pandemic, we provided increased benefits to our employees in the form of enhanced sick pay and accrued vacation benefits and also provided a premium holiday on health insurance.

Development. We motivate and develop our employees by providing them with opportunities for increased responsibilities and advancement. We provide numerous training opportunities for our employees, with a focus on continuous learning and development. With thousands of leadership positions across our restaurants, we provide a pathway and training for thousands of individuals across the country to advance from entry-level jobs into management roles. In addition, our geographic footprint often allows us to offer our restaurant team members relocation options at similar roles when personal circumstances require it.

Health and Safety. The health and safety of our employees is a top priority. In response to the pandemic, we implemented changes at our restaurants to help protect our employees and guests. This included providing personal protective equipment for our employees, adding a sanitation coordinator position at each restaurant who is responsible for cleaning high touch areas, adding hand sanitizer stations at each restaurant, and supplying each restaurant with a chemical sanitation sprayer. In addition, the majority of our Support Center employees continue to work remotely. For the employees that continue to work on-site in our Support Center, we have implemented additional measures to ensure their safety including enhanced sanitation efforts and daily health and temperature checks. We believe we have been able to preserve our business continuity without sacrificing our commitment to keeping our employees safe during the pandemic.

Website Access to Reports

We make our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports, filed or furnished pursuant to section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, available, free of charge on or through our Internet website, www.texasroadhouse.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). The SEC maintains an internet site at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.

Information about our Executive Officers

Set forth below are the name, age, position and a brief account of the business experience of each of our executive officers. Executive officers are appointed by our Board of Directors and serve until their successors are elected or until resignation or removal, in accordance with their employment agreements. There are no family relationships among any of our executive officers.

Name

    

Age

    

Position

W. Kent Taylor

65

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Gerald L. Morgan

60

President

S. Chris Jacobsen

55

Chief Marketing Officer

Tonya R. Robinson

52

Chief Financial Officer

Douglas W. Thompson

57

Chief Operations Officer

W. Kent Taylor. Mr. Taylor founded Texas Roadhouse in 1993. He resumed his role as Chief Executive Officer in August 2011, a position he held between May 2000 and October 2004. He was named Chairman of the Company and Board in October 2004. Before his founding of our concept, Mr. Taylor founded and co-owned Buckhead Bar and Grill in Louisville, Kentucky. Mr. Taylor has over 35 years of experience in the restaurant industry.

Gerald L. Morgan. Mr. Morgan was appointed President in December 2020. He assumed this role from Mr. Taylor. He joined Texas Roadhouse in 1997 and has held a number of positions, including Managing Partner, Market

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Partner and Regional Market Partner. Mr. Morgan has more than 35 years of restaurant management experience with Texas Roadhouse, Bennigan’s Restaurants, and Burger King.

S. Chris Jacobsen. Mr. Jacobsen was appointed Chief Marketing Officer in February 2016. Mr. Jacobsen joined Texas Roadhouse in January 2003 and has served as Vice President of Marketing since 2011. Prior to joining us, Mr. Jacobsen was employed by Papa John’s International and Waffle House, Inc. where he held various senior level marketing positions. He has over 25 years of restaurant industry experience.

Tonya R. Robinson. Ms. Robinson was appointed Chief Financial Officer in May 2018. She joined Texas Roadhouse in December 1998, during which time she has held the positions of Controller, Director of Financial Reporting and Vice President of Finance and Investor Relations. Ms. Robinson has over 20 years of restaurant industry experience.

Douglas W. Thompson. Mr. Thompson was appointed Chief Operating Officer in August 2018. He joined Texas Roadhouse in 2002 as a Market Partner and has served as our Vice President of Operations since 2015. Before joining the Company, Mr. Thompson was a single and multi-unit operator with both Outback Steakhouse, Inc. and Bennigan’s Restaurants. Mr. Thompson has over 30 years of restaurant industry experience.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Careful consideration should be given to the risks described below. If any of the risks and uncertainties described in the cautionary factors described below actually occurs, our business, financial condition and results of operations, and the trading price of our common stock could be materially and adversely affected. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible to predict the impact of all these factors on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Risks Related to our Growth and Operating Strategy

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted and is expected to continue to disrupt our business, which has and could continue to materially affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations, for an extended period of time.

On March 13, 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic was declared a National Public Health Emergency. Shortly after the national emergency declaration, state and local officials began placing restrictions on restaurants, some of which allowed To-Go or curbside service only while others limited capacity in the dining room. By late March all of our domestic company and franchise restaurants were under state or local order which only allowed for To-Go or curbside service. Beginning in early May 2020, state and local guidelines began to allow dining rooms to re-open, typically at a limited capacity. While all of our dining rooms were able to re-open in some capacity, many were required to close again in areas more severely impacted by the pandemic. As of December 29, 2020, 82% of our company restaurants had their dining rooms operating under various limited capacity restrictions. Our remaining restaurants were limited to outdoor and/or To-Go or curbside service only.

As a result of the dining room restrictions and temporary closures, we have experienced a significant decrease in traffic which has impacted our operating results. While the majority of our dining rooms have re-opened, a significant portion continue to operate under capacity restrictions that severely limit the number of guests we can serve. In addition, while we have seen significant sales growth in our To-Go program, even with dining rooms re-opened, we currently do not expect these sales will generate a similar profit margin and cash flows to our normal operating model. We expect our operating results to continue to be impacted until at least such time that all state and local restrictions are lifted, and our dining rooms can operate at full capacity. We cannot predict how long the pandemic will last, how long it will take until all state and local restrictions will be lifted, or the extent to which our dining rooms will have to close again. In addition, we cannot predict the overall impact on the economy or consumer spending habits. The impact on our operating results as well as the operational and financial measures we have implemented in response to the pandemic have been included throughout this report.

The pandemic has also adversely impacted our ability to open new restaurants. At the onset of the pandemic, we delayed construction on all restaurants that were not substantially complete. As a result, we only opened 22 restaurants in 2020 across all concepts. As of December 29, 2020, 10 restaurants were under construction. Our ability to grow our

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business could be further impacted, particularly if we have to delay construction on these sites in future periods.

In March 2020, we borrowed $190.0 million under our Amended Credit Agreement in order to enhance our financial flexibility. The Amended Credit Agreement also provides us the option to increase the credit facility by $200.0 million subject to certain limitations, including approval by the syndicate of lenders, set forth in the Amended Credit Agreement. On May 11, 2020, as a precautionary measure to further enhance financial flexibility, we amended the revolving credit facility to increase the amount available under the facility by $82.5 million and drew down $50.0 million of this amount. If the pandemic continues to adversely impact our business for a significant period of time, we may need to further increase the credit facility and/or seek other sources of liquidity. There is no guarantee that we can increase the credit facility or that additional liquidity will be readily available or available at favorable terms.

Our suppliers could be adversely impacted by the pandemic. If our supplier’s employees are unable to work, whether because of illness, quarantine, limitations on travel or other government restrictions in connection with the pandemic, we could face shortages of food items or other supplies at our restaurants and our operations and sales could be adversely impacted by such interruptions.

The capacity restrictions and temporary closures of our dining rooms have resulted in decreased staffing levels at our restaurants. We have taken compensation actions to support certain restaurant employees during the pandemic, but those actions may not be enough to compensate them until such time that our dining rooms can re-open at full capacity. Those restaurant employees might seek and find other employment during the interruption, which could have a material adverse effect on our ability to properly staff our restaurants with experienced team members once we resume our normal operations.

Our restaurant operations could be further disrupted if a significant number of restaurants have employees diagnosed with COVID-19 resulting in some or all of the restaurant’s employees being quarantined and our restaurant facilities having to be disinfected. If a significant percentage of our workforce is unable to work, whether because of illness or required quarantine, our operations may be negatively impacted which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

If we fail to manage our growth effectively, it could harm our business.

Failure to manage our growth effectively could harm our business. We have grown significantly since our inception and intend to continue growing in the future. Our objective is to grow our business and increase shareholder value by (1) expanding our base of company restaurants that are profitable, (2) increasing sales and profits at existing restaurants, and (3) pursuing other strategic initiatives or business opportunities. While these methods of achieving our objective are important to us, historically the most significant means of achieving our objective has been through opening new restaurants and operating these restaurants on a profitable basis. As we open and operate more restaurants, our rate of expansion relative to the size of our existing restaurant base will likely decline, which may make it increasingly difficult to achieve levels of sales and profitability growth that we have seen in the past. In addition, our existing restaurant management systems, field support systems, financial and management controls and information systems may not be adequate to support our planned expansion. Our ability to manage our growth effectively will require us to continue to enhance these systems, procedures and controls and to locate, hire, train and retain management and operating personnel. We also place a lot of importance on our culture, which we believe has been an important contributor to our success. In addition to challenges relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, as we grow, we may have difficulty maintaining our culture or adapting it sufficiently to meet the needs of our operations, or finding new employees (including new employees arising from strategic initiatives) to assimilate to our culture and brand standards. We cannot assure you that we will be able to respond on a timely basis to all of the changing demands that our planned expansion will impose on management and on our existing infrastructure. If we were unable to manage our growth effectively, our business and operating results could be materially adversely impacted.

Our growth strategy, which primarily depends on our ability to open new restaurants that are profitable, is subject to many factors, some of which are beyond our control.

We cannot assure you that we will be able to open new restaurants that are profitable in accordance with our expansion plans. We have experienced delays in opening some of our restaurants in the past, including significant delays in 2020 due to the pandemic, and may experience delays in the future. Delays or failures in opening new restaurants could adversely affect our growth strategy. One of our biggest challenges in executing our growth strategy is locating

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and securing an adequate supply of suitable new restaurant sites. Competition for suitable restaurant sites in our target markets is intense.

In addition, we have generally been able to fund the construction of new restaurants from cash provided by our operations. If our operations continue to be significantly impacted by the pandemic, our ability to open new restaurants could also be impacted.

Once opened, we anticipate that our new restaurants will generally take several months to reach planned operating levels due to start-up inefficiencies typically associated with new restaurants. We cannot assure you that any restaurant we open will be profitable or obtain operating results similar to those of our existing restaurants. Some of our new restaurants will be located in areas where we have little or no meaningful experience. Those new markets may have smaller trade areas and different competitive conditions, consumer tastes and discretionary spending patterns than our traditional, existing markets, which may cause our new store locations to be less successful than restaurants in our existing market areas. Restaurants opened in new markets may open at lower average weekly sales volume than restaurants opened in existing markets and may have higher restaurant-level operating expense ratios than in existing markets. Sales at restaurants opened in new markets may take longer to reach average unit volume, if at all, thereby affecting our overall profitability. Additionally, the opening of a new restaurant could negatively impact sales at one or more of our existing nearby restaurants, which could adversely affect our financial performance.

Our ability to open new restaurants that are profitable will also depend on numerous other factors, many of which are beyond our control, including, but not limited to, the following:

our ability to hire, train and retain qualified operating personnel, especially market partners and managing partners who can execute our business strategy;
our ability to negotiate suitable purchase or lease terms;
the availability of construction materials and labor;
our ability to control construction and development costs of new restaurants;
our ability to secure required governmental approvals and permits in a timely manner, or at all;
road construction and other factors limiting access to the restaurant;
delays by our landlord or other developers in constructing other parts of a development adjacent to our premises in a timely manner;
redevelopment of other parts of a development adjacent to our premises that affect the parking available for our restaurant;
our ability to secure liquor licenses;
general economic conditions, including an economic recession;
changes in federal and state tax laws;
the cost and availability of capital to fund construction costs and pre-opening expenses; and
the impact of inclement weather, natural disasters and other calamities.

You should not rely on past changes in our average unit volume or our comparable restaurant sales as an indication of our future results of operations because they may fluctuate significantly.

A number of factors have historically affected, and will continue to affect, our average unit volume and comparable restaurant sales, including, among other factors:

consumer awareness and understanding of our brands;

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our ability to execute our business strategy effectively;
competition, either from our competitors in the restaurant industry or our own restaurants;
the impact of inclement weather, natural disasters and other calamities;
consumer trends and seasonality;
our ability to increase menu prices without adversely impacting guest traffic counts or per person average check growth;
introduction of new menu items;
mandated dining room closures and/or dining rooms operating at limited capacity;
negative publicity regarding food safety, health concerns, quality of service, and other food or beverage related matters, including the integrity of our or our suppliers’ food processing;
general economic conditions, including an economic recession, which can affect restaurant traffic, local labor costs and prices we pay for the food products and other supplies we use; and
effects of actual or threatened terrorist attacks.

Our average unit volume and comparable restaurant sales may not increase at rates achieved in the past, which may affect our sales growth and will continue to be a critical factor affecting our profitability. In addition, changes in our average unit volume and comparable restaurant sales could cause the price of our common stock to fluctuate substantially.

The development of new restaurant concepts may not contribute to our growth.

The development of new restaurant concepts may not be as successful as our experience in the development of the Texas Roadhouse concept. In May 2013, we launched a new casual dining concept, Bubba’s 33, a family-friendly, sports restaurant that has expanded to 31 restaurants as of December 29, 2020. In December 2014, we launched a new fast-casual concept, Jaggers, which offers drive-thru service, that has expanded to three restaurants as of December 29, 2020.

Bubba’s 33 and Jaggers each have lower brand awareness and less operating experience than most Texas Roadhouse restaurants. In addition, Bubba’s 33 restaurants have a higher initial investment cost and Jaggers has a lower per person average check amount. As a result, the development of these concepts may not contribute to our average unit volume growth and/or profitability in an incremental way. We can provide no assurance that new units will be accepted in the markets targeted for the expansion of these concepts or that we will be able to achieve our targeted returns when opening new locations. In the future, we may determine not to move forward with any further expansion of these concepts. These decisions could limit our overall long-term growth. Additionally, expansion of these concepts might divert our management’s attention from other business concerns and could have an adverse impact on our core Texas Roadhouse business.

Our expansion into international markets presents increased economic, political, regulatory and other risks.

As of December 29, 2020, our operations include 28 Texas Roadhouse franchise restaurants in ten countries outside the United States, and we expect to have further international expansion in the future. The entrance into international markets may not be as successful as our experience in the development of the Texas Roadhouse concept domestically or any success we have had in other international markets. In addition, operating in international markets may require significant resources and management attention and will subject us to economic, political and regulatory risks that are different from and incremental to those in the United States. In addition to the risks that we face in the United States, our international operations involve risks that could adversely affect our business, including:

the need to adapt our brands for specific cultural and language differences;
new and different sources of competition;

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the ability to identify appropriate business partners;
difficulties and costs associated with staffing and managing foreign operations;
difficulties in adapting and sourcing product specifications for international restaurant locations;
fluctuations in currency exchange rates, which could impact revenues and expenses of our international operations and expose us to foreign currency exchange rate risk;
difficulties in complying with local laws, regulations, and customs in foreign jurisdictions;
unexpected changes in regulatory requirements or tariffs on goods needed to construct and/or operate our restaurants;
political or social unrest, economic instability and destabilization of a region;
effects of actual or threatened terrorist attacks;
health concerns from global pandemics;
compliance with U.S. laws such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and similar laws in foreign jurisdictions;
differences in enforceability and registration of intellectual property and contract rights;
adverse tax consequences;
profit repatriation and other restrictions on the transfer of funds; and
different and more stringent user protection, data protection, privacy and other laws.

Our failure to manage any of these risks successfully could harm our future international operations and our overall business and results of our operations.

We are also subject to governmental regulations throughout the world impacting the way we do business with our international franchisees. These include antitrust and tax requirements, anti-boycott regulations, import/export/customs, tariffs and other international trade regulations, the USA Patriot Act and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Failure to comply with any such legal requirements could subject us to monetary liabilities and other sanctions, which could adversely impact our business and financial performance.

Acquisition of existing restaurants from our domestic franchisees and other strategic initiatives may have unanticipated consequences that could harm our business and our financial condition.

We plan to continue to opportunistically acquire existing restaurants from our domestic franchisees over time. Additionally, from time to time, we evaluate potential mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures or other strategic initiatives (including retail initiatives utilizing our intellectual property) to acquire or develop additional business channels or concepts, and/or change the business strategy regarding an existing concept. To successfully execute any acquisition or development strategy, we will need to identify suitable acquisition or development candidates, negotiate acceptable acquisition or development terms and possibly obtain appropriate financing.

Any acquisition or future development that we pursue, including the on-going development of new concepts or retail initiatives utilizing our intellectual property, whether or not successfully completed, may involve risks, including:

material adverse effects on our operating results, particularly in the fiscal quarters immediately following the acquisition or development as the restaurants are integrated into our operations;
risks associated with entering into new domestic markets or conducting operations where we have no or limited prior experience;
risks associated with successfully integrating new employees, processes and systems;

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risks inherent in accurately assessing the value, future growth potential, strengths, weaknesses, contingent and other liabilities and potential profitability of acquisition candidates, and our ability to achieve projected economic and operating synergies, without impacting our underlying business; and
the diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns.

Future acquisitions of existing restaurants from our franchisees or other strategic partners, which may be accomplished through a cash purchase transaction, the issuance of shares of common stock or a combination of both, could have a dilutive impact on holders of our common stock, and result in the incurrence of debt and contingent liabilities and impairment charges related to goodwill and other tangible and intangible assets, any of which could harm our business and financial condition.

Additionally, we may evaluate other means to leverage our competitive strengths, including the expansion of our products across other strategic initiatives or business opportunities (including retail initiatives utilizing our intellectual property). The expansion of our products may damage our reputation if products bearing our brands are not of the same quality or value that guests associate with our brands. In addition, we may experience dilution of the goodwill associated with our brands as it becomes more common and increasingly accessible.

We are subject to all of the risks associated with leasing space subject to long-term non-cancelable leases, as well as risks related to renewal.

The majority of our company restaurants are located on leased premises. Payments under our operating leases account for a significant portion of our operating expenses. Additional sites that we lease are likely to be subject to similar long-term non-cancelable leases. In connection with the relocation, other operational changes, or closure of any restaurant, we may nonetheless be committed to perform on our obligations under the applicable lease including, among other things, paying the base rent for the balance of the lease term.

In addition, as each of our leases expires, there can be no assurance we will be able to renew our expiring leases after the expiration of all remaining renewal options, either on commercially acceptable terms or at all. As a result, at the end of the lease term and expiration of all renewal periods, we may be unable to renew the lease without substantial additional cost, if at all. As a result, we may be required to relocate or close a restaurant, which could subject us to construction and other costs and risks, and may have an adverse effect on our operating performance.

Approximately 21% of our company restaurants are located in Texas and Florida and, as a result, we are sensitive to economic and other trends and developments in those states.

As of December 29, 2020, we operated a total of 71 company restaurants in Texas and 41 company restaurants in Florida. As a result, we are particularly susceptible to adverse trends and economic conditions in those states, including declines in oil prices that may increase levels of unemployment and cause other economic pressures that may result in lower sales and profits at our restaurants in oil regions of Texas and surrounding areas. In addition, given our geographic concentration in these states, negative publicity regarding any of our restaurants in either Texas or Florida could have a material adverse effect on our business and operations, as could other occurrences in either Texas or Florida such as health epidemics or pandemics (such as COVID-19), local strikes, energy shortages or extreme fluctuations in energy prices, droughts, earthquakes, hurricanes, fires or other natural disasters.

Changes in consumer preferences and discretionary spending could adversely affect our business.

Our success depends, in part, upon the popularity of our food products. Continued social concerns or shifts in consumer preferences away from our restaurants or cuisine, particularly beef, would harm our business. In response to the pandemic, many consumers have preferred to order food To-Go or by delivery rather than dining in at full-service restaurants, and if these preferences continue and consumers continue to avoid gathering in public places in large groups, we may need to further adapt our offerings to accommodate these changes. Also, our success depends to a significant extent on discretionary consumer spending, which is influenced by general economic conditions and the availability of discretionary income. Accordingly, we may experience declines in sales during economic downturns or during periods of uncertainty. This includes any downturns that result from the pandemic. Any material decline in the amount of discretionary spending could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

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Our quarterly operating results may fluctuate significantly and could fall below the expectations of securities analysts and investors due to a number of factors, some of which are beyond our control, resulting in a decline in our stock price.

Our quarterly operating results may fluctuate significantly because of several factors, including:

the timing of new restaurant openings and related expenses;
restaurant operating costs for our newly-opened restaurants, which are often materially greater during the first several months of operation than thereafter;
labor availability and costs for hourly and management personnel including mandated changes in federal and/or state minimum and tipped wage rates, overtime regulations, state unemployment taxes, or health benefits;
profitability of our restaurants, particularly in new markets;
changes in interest rates;
the impact of litigation, including negative publicity;
increases and decreases in average unit volume and comparable restaurant sales;
impairment of long-lived assets, including goodwill, and any loss on restaurant relocations or closures;
general economic conditions, including an economic recession, which can affect restaurant traffic, local labor costs, and prices we pay for the food products and other supplies we use;
mandated restaurant closures and/or dining rooms operating at limited capacity;
negative publicity regarding food safety and other food and beverage related matters, including the integrity of our, or our suppliers’, food processing;
negative publicity regarding health concerns and/or global pandemics;
negative publicity relating to the consumption of beef or other products we serve;
changes in consumer preferences and competitive conditions;
expansion to new domestic and/or international markets;
adverse weather conditions which impact guest traffic at our restaurants;
increases in infrastructure costs;
adoption of new, or changes in existing, accounting policies or practices;
changes in and/or interpretations of federal and state tax laws;
actual self-insurance claims varying from actuarial estimates;
fluctuations in commodity prices;
competitive actions; and
the impact of inclement weather, natural disasters and other calamities.

Our business is also subject to minor seasonal fluctuations. Historically, sales in most of our restaurants have been higher during the winter months of each year. Holidays, changes in weather, severe weather and similar conditions may impact sales volumes seasonally in some operating regions. As a result, our quarterly operating results and comparable

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restaurant sales may fluctuate as a result of seasonality. Accordingly, results for any one quarter are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any other quarter or for any year and comparable restaurant sales for any particular future period may decrease. In the future, operating results may fall below the expectations of securities analysts and investors. In that event, the price of our common stock could decrease.

Beginning in March 2020, our quarterly operating results were severely impacted by the pandemic which resulted in significant fluctuations between quarters. We expect that our quarterly operating results will continue to fluctuate until at least such time that all dining room restrictions related to the pandemic are lifted.

We rely heavily on information technology, and any material failure, weakness or interruption could prevent us from effectively operating our business.

We rely heavily on information systems in all aspects of our operations, including point-of-sale systems, financial systems, marketing programs, e-commerce, cyber-security and various other processes and transactions. Our point-of-sale processing in our restaurants includes payment of obligations, collection of cash, credit and debit card transactions and other processes and procedures. Our ability to efficiently and effectively manage our business depends significantly on the reliability, security and capacity of these systems. As our business needs continue to evolve, these systems will require upgrading and maintenance over time, consequently requiring significant future commitments of resources and capital. The failure of these systems to operate effectively, maintenance problems, upgrading or transitioning to new platforms or a material breach in the security of these systems could result in delays in guest service and reduce efficiency in our operations.

Additionally, our corporate systems and processes and corporate support for our restaurant operations are handled primarily at our Support Center. As a result of the pandemic, a significant portion of our Support Center staff continue to work remotely. We have disaster recovery procedures and business continuity plans in place to address most events of a crisis nature, including tornadoes and other natural disasters, and back up off-site locations for recovery of electronic and other forms of data information. However, if we are unable to fully implement our disaster recovery plans, we may experience delays in recovery of data, inability to perform vital corporate functions, tardiness in required reporting and compliance, failures to adequately support field operations and other breakdowns in normal communication and operating procedures that could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and exposure to administrative and other legal claims.

We outsource certain business processes to third-party vendors that subject us to risks, including disruptions in business and increased costs.

Some business processes are currently outsourced to third parties. Such processes include information technology processes, gift card tracking, credit card authorization and processing, insurance claims processing, unemployment claims processing, payroll tax filings, check payment processing, and other accounting processes. We also continue to evaluate our other business processes to determine if additional outsourcing is a viable option to accomplish our goals. We make a diligent effort to validate that all providers of outsourced services maintain customary internal controls, such as redundant processing facilities and adequate security frameworks to guard against breaches or data loss; however, there are no guarantees that failures will not occur. Failure of third parties to provide adequate services or internal controls over their processes could have an adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or ability to accomplish our financial and management reporting.

We may incur costs and adverse revenue consequences resulting from breaches of security related to confidential guest and/or employee information or the fraudulent use of credit cards.

The nature of our business involves the receipt and storage of information about our guests and employees. Hardware, software or other applications we develop and procure from third parties may contain defects in design or manufacture or other problems that could unexpectedly compromise information security. Unauthorized parties may also attempt to gain access to our systems and facilities through fraud, trickery or other forms of deceiving our employees or vendors. In addition, we accept electronic payment cards for payment in our restaurants. During 2020, approximately 80% of our transactions were by credit or debit cards, and such card usage could increase.  Other retailers have experienced actual or potential security breaches in which credit and debit card along with employee information may have been stolen. We may in the future become subject to claims for purportedly fraudulent transactions arising out of alleged theft of guest and/or employee information, and we may also be subject to lawsuits or other proceedings relating to these types of incidents. Any such claim or proceeding could cause us to incur significant unplanned expenses in excess of our insurance coverage,

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which could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.  If we fail to adequately control fraudulent credit card and debit card transactions to comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards, we may face diminished public perception of our security measures, fines and assessments from the card brands and significantly higher credit card and debit card related costs.  In addition, if there are malfunctions or other problems with our processing vendors, billing software or payment processing systems, our guest satisfaction may be adversely affected and one or more of the major payment networks could disallow our continued use of their payment methods.  The termination of our ability to process payments through any major payment network would significantly impact our ability to operate our business.

We may not be able to obtain and maintain licenses and permits necessary to operate our restaurants and compliance with governmental laws and regulations could adversely affect our operating results.

The restaurant industry is subject to various federal, state and local government regulations, including those relating to the sale of food and alcoholic beverages. Such regulations are subject to change from time to time, sometimes without notice to us. The failure to obtain and maintain these licenses, permits and approvals, including liquor licenses, could adversely affect our operating results. Difficulties or failure to obtain the required licenses and approvals could delay or result in our decision to cancel the opening of new restaurants. Local authorities may revoke, suspend or deny renewal of our liquor licenses if they determine that our conduct violates applicable regulations.

In addition to our having to comply with these licensing requirements, various federal and state labor laws govern our relationship with our employees and affect operating costs. These laws include minimum and tipped wage requirements, overtime pay, health benefits, unemployment taxes, workers’ compensation, work eligibility requirements and working conditions. A number of factors could adversely affect our operating results, including:

additional government-imposed increases in minimum and/or tipped wages, hour and overtime pay, paid leaves of absence, sick leave, and mandated health benefits;
increased tax reporting and tax payment requirements for employees who receive gratuities;
any failure of our employees to comply with laws and regulations governing work authorization or residency requirements resulting in disruption of our work force and adverse publicity;
a reduction in the number of states that allow gratuities to be credited toward minimum wage requirements; and
increased litigation including claims under federal and/or state wage and hour laws.

The federal Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in public accommodations and employment. Although our restaurants and other places of accommodation are designed to be accessible to the disabled, we could be required to make unexpected modifications to provide service to, or make reasonable accommodations, for disabled persons.

In addition, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, certain state and local jurisdictions have enacted various health, safety and other regulations that have impacted our restaurants. Compliance with these regulations has led to decreased sales, increased costs, and operational complexity. We cannot predict when these regulations may be lifted or the impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

Our failure or inability to enforce our trademarks or other proprietary rights could adversely affect our competitive position or the value of our brand.

We own certain common law trademark rights and a number of federal and international trademark and service mark registrations, including our trade names and logos, and proprietary rights relating to certain of our core menu offerings. We believe that our trademarks and other proprietary rights are important to our success and our competitive position. Therefore, we devote appropriate resources to the protection of our trademarks and proprietary rights. However, the protective actions that we take may not be enough to prevent unauthorized usage or imitation by others, which could harm our image, brand or competitive position and, if we commence litigation to enforce our rights, cause us to incur significant legal fees. Our inability to register or protect our marks and other propriety rights in foreign jurisdictions could adversely affect our competitive position in international markets.

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We cannot assure you that third parties will not claim that our trademarks or menu offerings infringe upon their proprietary rights. Any such claim, whether or not it has merit, could be time-consuming, result in costly litigation, cause delays in introducing new menu items in the future or require us to enter into royalty or licensing agreements. As a result, any such claim could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

We are subject to increasing legal complexity and could be party to litigation that could adversely affect us.

Increasing legal complexity will continue to affect our operations and results. We could be subject to legal proceedings that may adversely affect our business, including class actions, administrative proceedings, government investigations, employment and personal injury claims, claims alleging violations of federal and state laws regarding consumer, workplace and employment matters, wage and hour claims, discrimination and similar matters, landlord/tenant disputes, disputes with current and former suppliers, claims by current and former franchisees, and intellectual property claims (including claims that we infringed upon another party’s trademarks, copyrights or patents). Inconsistent standards imposed by governmental authorities can adversely affect our business and increase our exposure to litigation which could result in significant judgments, including punitive and liquidated damages, and injunctive relief.

Occasionally, our guests file complaints or lawsuits against us alleging that we are responsible for an illness or injury they suffered as a result of a visit to our restaurants, or that we have problems with food quality or operations. As a Company, we take responsible alcohol service seriously. However, we are subject to "dram shop" statutes. These statutes generally allow a person injured by an intoxicated person to recover damages from an establishment that wrongfully served alcoholic beverages to the intoxicated person. Some litigation against restaurant chains has resulted in significant judgments, including punitive damages, under dram shop statutes. Because a plaintiff may seek punitive damages, which may not be covered by insurance, this type of action could have an adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations. It is also possible that employees, guests or others could make claims against us as a result of the pandemic, and the nature and scope of such matters, if any, is unknown.

Litigation involving our relationship with franchisees and the legal distinction between our franchisees and us for employment law purposes, if determined adversely, could increase costs, negatively impact the business prospects of our franchisees and subject us to incremental liability for their actions. We are also subject to the legal and compliance risks associated with privacy, data collection, protection and management, in particular as it relates to information we collect when we provide optional technology-related services to franchisees.

Our operating results could also be affected by the following:

The relative level of our defense costs and nature and procedural status of pending proceedings;
The cost and other effects of settlements, judgments or consent decrees, which may require us to make disclosures or to take other actions that may affect perceptions of our brands and products;
Adverse results of pending or future litigation, including litigation challenging the composition and preparation of our products, or the appropriateness or accuracy of our marketing or other communication practices; and
The scope and terms of insurance or indemnification protections that we may have.

Regardless of whether any claims against us are valid or whether we are liable, claims may be expensive to defend and may divert time, attention and money away from our operations and hurt our performance. A judgment significantly in excess of any applicable insurance coverage could materially adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations. Further, adverse publicity resulting from these claims may hurt our business.

Our current insurance may not provide adequate levels of coverage against claims.

We currently maintain insurance customary for businesses of our size and type. However, there are types of losses we may incur that cannot be insured against or that we believe are not economically reasonable to insure. Such damages could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and/or liquidity. In addition, we self-insure a significant portion of expected losses under our health, workers’ compensation, general liability, employment practices liability and property insurance programs. Unanticipated changes in the actuarial assumptions and management estimates underlying our reserves for these losses could result in materially different amounts of expense under these programs, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.

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Decreased cash flow from operations, or an inability to access credit could negatively affect our business initiatives or may result in our inability to execute our revenue, expense, and capital allocation strategies.

Our ability to fund our operating plans and to implement our capital allocation strategies depends on sufficient cash flow from operations and/or other financing, including the use of funding under our amended revolving credit facility. We also may seek access to the debt and/or equity capital markets. There can be no assurance, however, that these sources of financing will be available on terms favorable to us, or at all. Our capital allocation strategies include, but are not limited to, new restaurant development, payment of dividends (even though the dividend program was suspended due to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic), refurbishment or relocation of existing restaurants, repurchases of our common stock and franchise acquisitions. If we experience decreased cash flow from operations, similar to what we experienced in the current year, our ability to fund our operations and planned initiatives, and to take advantage of growth opportunities, may be delayed or negatively affected. In addition, these disruptions or a negative effect on our revenues could affect our ability to borrow or comply with our covenants under our amended revolving credit facility. If we are unable to raise additional capital, our growth could be impeded.

Our existing credit facility limits our ability to incur additional debt.

The lenders’ obligation to extend credit under our amended revolving credit facility depends on our maintaining certain financial covenants. If we are unable to maintain these covenants, we would be unable to obtain additional financing under this amended revolving credit facility. The amended revolving credit facility permits us to incur additional secured or unsecured indebtedness outside the revolving credit facility, except for the incurrence of secured indebtedness that in the aggregate is equal to or greater than $125.0 million and 20% of our consolidated tangible net worth or circumstances where the incurrence of secured or unsecured indebtedness would prevent us from complying with our financial covenants. If we are unable to borrow additional capital or have sufficient liquidity to either repay or refinance the then outstanding balance at the expiration of our amended revolving credit facility, or upon violation of the covenants, our growth could be impeded and our financial performance could be materially adversely affected.

We may be required to record additional impairment charges in the future.

In accordance with accounting guidance as it relates to the impairment of long-lived assets, we make certain estimates and projections with regard to company restaurant operations, as well as our overall performance in connection with our impairment analyses for long-lived assets. When impairment triggers are deemed to exist for any company restaurant, the estimated undiscounted future cash flows for the restaurant are compared to its carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, an impairment charge would be recorded equal to the difference between the carrying value and the estimated fair value.

We also review the value of our goodwill on an annual basis and when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of goodwill or other intangible assets may exceed the fair value of such assets. The estimates of fair value are based upon the best information available as of the date of the assessment and incorporate management assumptions about expected future cash flows and contemplate other valuation measurements and techniques.

The estimates of fair value used in these analyses require the use of judgment, certain assumptions and estimates of future operating results. If actual results differ from our estimates or assumptions, additional impairment charges may be required in the future. If impairment charges are significant, our results of operations could be adversely affected.

Failure to retain the services of our key management personnel, or to successfully execute succession planning and attract additional qualified personnel could harm our business.

Our future success depends on the continued services and performance of our key management personnel. Our future performance will depend on our ability to motivate and retain these and other key officers and managers, particularly regional market partners, market partners and managing partners. Competition for these employees is intense. The loss of the services of members of our senior management team or other key officers or managers or the inability to attract additional qualified personnel as needed could materially harm our business. In addition, our business could suffer from the misconduct of any of our key personnel.

Our franchisees could take actions that could harm our business.

Both our domestic and international franchisees are contractually obligated to operate their restaurants in accordance with Texas Roadhouse standards. We also provide training and support to franchisees. However, most

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franchisees are independent third parties that we do not control, and these franchisees own, operate and oversee the daily operations of their restaurants. As a result, the ultimate success and quality of any franchise restaurant rests with the franchisee. If franchisees do not successfully operate restaurants in a manner consistent with our standards, the Texas Roadhouse image and reputation could be harmed, which in turn could adversely affect our business and operating results.

Risks Related to the Restaurant Industry

Changes in food and supply costs could adversely affect our results of operations.

Our profitability depends in part on our ability to anticipate and react to changes in food and supply costs. Any increase in food prices, particularly proteins, could adversely affect our operating results. In addition, we are susceptible to increases in food costs as a result of factors beyond our control, such as food supply constrictions, weather conditions, food safety concerns, global pandemics, product recalls, global market and trade conditions, and government regulations. We cannot predict whether we will be able to anticipate and react to changing food costs by adjusting our purchasing practices and menu prices, and a failure to do so could adversely affect our operating results. Extreme and/or long term increases in commodity prices could adversely affect our future results, especially if we are unable, primarily due to competitive reasons, to increase menu prices. Additionally, if there is a time lag between the increasing commodity prices and our ability to increase menu prices or if we believe the commodity price increase to be short in duration and we choose not to pass on the cost increases, our short-term results could be negatively affected. Also, if we adjust pricing there is no assurance that we will realize the full benefit of any adjustment due to changes in our guests’ menu item selections and guest traffic.

We currently purchase the majority of our beef from three beef suppliers under annual contracts. While we maintain relationships with additional suppliers, if any of these vendors were unable to fulfill its obligations under its contracts, we could encounter supply shortages and incur higher costs to secure adequate supplies, either of which would harm our business.

Our business could be adversely affected by increased labor costs or labor shortages.

Labor is a primary component in the cost of operating our business. We devote significant resources to recruiting and training our restaurant managers and hourly employees. Increased labor costs due to competition, unionization, increased minimum and tipped wages, changes in hour and overtime pay, state unemployment rates or employee benefits costs (including workers’ compensation and health insurance), company staffing initiatives, or otherwise would adversely impact our operating expenses.

Increased competition for qualified employees caused by a shortage in the labor pool exerts upward pressure on wages paid to attract and retain such personnel, resulting in higher labor costs, together with greater recruitment and training expense. We could suffer from significant indirect costs, including restaurant disruptions due to management or hourly labor turnover and potential delays in new restaurant openings. A shortage in the labor pool could also cause our restaurants to be required to operate with reduced staff which could negatively impact our ability to provide adequate service levels to our guests resulting in adverse guest reactions and a possible reduction in guest traffic counts. Additionally, so long as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, personal or public health concerns related to the pandemic might make some existing personnel or potential candidates reluctant to work in enclosed restaurant environments.

We have many restaurants located in states or municipalities where the minimum and/or tipped wage is greater than the federal minimum and/or tipped wage. We anticipate that additional legislation significantly increasing minimum and/or tipped wage standards will be enacted in future periods and in other jurisdictions. Any government actions related to employee compensation or employer liability in response to the pandemic, whether temporary or permanent, could increase our labor costs. In addition, regulatory actions which result in changes to healthcare eligibility, design and cost structure could occur. Any increases in minimum and/or tipped wages or increases in employee benefits costs will result in higher labor costs.

In addition, the pandemic resulted in a number of staffing challenges at our restaurants in the current year. To address these challenges, we provided relief pay and enhanced benefits for our hourly employees. The relief pay included pay for employees who received significantly less or no hours at locations where dining rooms were required to close. The benefits included certain sick pay and accrued vacation enhancements as well as a premium holiday on health insurance. These actions were performed to retain employees and ensure that we maintained adequate staffing levels as

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our dining rooms re-opened.

Our operating margin will be adversely affected to the extent that we are unable or are unwilling to offset any increase in these labor costs through higher prices on our products. Our distributors and suppliers also may be affected by higher minimum wage and benefit standards which could result in higher costs for goods and services supplied to us. Our success depends on our ability to attract, motivate and retain qualified employees to keep pace with our growth strategy. If we are unable to do so, our results of operations may also be adversely affected.

Our objective to increase sales and profits at existing restaurants could be adversely affected by macroeconomic conditions.

The pandemic has significantly impacted our business as well as the global economy. During 2021 and beyond, the U.S. and global economies could further suffer from a downturn in economic activity. Recessionary economic cycles, higher interest rates, higher fuel and other energy costs, inflation, increases in commodity prices, higher levels of unemployment, higher consumer debt levels, higher tax rates and other changes in tax laws or other economic factors that may affect consumer spending or buying habits could adversely affect the demand for our products. In addition, there is no assurance that any governmental plans to stimulate the economy will foster growth in consumer spending or buying habits. As in the past, we could experience reduced guest traffic or we may be unable or unwilling to increase the prices we charge for our products to offset higher costs or fewer transactions, either of which could reduce our sales and profit margins. Also, landlords or other tenants in the shopping centers in which some of our restaurants are located may experience difficulty as a result of macroeconomic trends or cease to operate, which could in turn negatively affect guest traffic at our restaurants. All of these factors could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

Our success depends on our ability to compete with many food service businesses.

The restaurant industry is intensely competitive. We compete with many well-established food service companies on the basis of taste, quality and price of products offered, guest service, atmosphere, location, take-out and delivery options and overall guest experience. Our competitors include a large and diverse group of restaurant chains and individual restaurants that range from independent local operators that have opened restaurants in various markets to well-capitalized national restaurant companies. We also face competition from meal kit delivery services as well as the supermarket industry. In addition, improving product offerings of fast casual and quick-service restaurants, together with negative economic conditions could cause consumers to choose less expensive alternatives. As our competitors expand their operations, we expect competition to intensify. We also compete with other restaurant chains and other retail establishments for quality site locations and employees. Additionally, our competitors may generate or better implement business strategies that improve the value and the relevance of their brands and reputation, relative to ours. This could include the testing of delivery via internal or third-party methods or better execution around guests’ To-Go experience in response to dine-in capacity restrictions.

The food service industry is affected by litigation and publicity concerning food quality, health and other issues, which can cause guests to avoid our restaurants and result in significant liabilities or litigation costs.

Food service businesses can be adversely affected by litigation and complaints from guests, consumer groups or government authorities resulting from food quality, illness, injury or other health concerns or operating issues stemming from one restaurant or a limited number of restaurants. Adverse publicity about these allegations may negatively affect us, regardless of whether the allegations are true, by discouraging guests from eating at our restaurants. We could also incur significant liabilities if a lawsuit or claim results in a decision against us or litigation costs regardless of the result.

Our business could be adversely affected by our inability to respond to or effectively manage social media.

As part of our marketing strategy, we utilize social media platforms to promote our brands and attract and retain guests. Our strategy may not be successful, resulting in expenses incurred without improvement in guest traffic or brand relevance. In addition, a variety of risks are associated with the use of social media, including improper disclosure of proprietary information, negative comments about us, exposure of personally identifiable information, fraud, or dissemination of false information. The inappropriate use of social media vehicles by our guests or employees could increase our costs, lead to litigation or result in negative publicity that could damage our reputation and adversely affect our results of operations.

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Given the marked increase in the use of social media platforms along with smart phones in recent years, individuals have access to a broad audience of consumers and other interested persons. The availability of information on social media platforms is virtually immediate as is its impact. Many social media platforms immediately publish the content their subscribers and participants post, often without filters or checks on the accuracy of the content posted. Information concerning our Company may be posted on such platforms at any time. Additionally, social media has increasingly been utilized to target specific companies or brands as a result of a variety of actions or inactions, or perceived actions or inactions, that are disfavored by interest groups and such campaigns can rapidly accelerate and impact consumer behavior. If we are unable to quickly and effectively respond to such reports, we may suffer declines in guest traffic. The impact may be immediate without affording us an opportunity for redress or correction. These factors could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Health and social concerns relating to the consumption of beef or other food products could affect consumer preferences and could negatively impact our results of operations.

Like other restaurant chains, consumer preferences could be affected by health concerns about the consumption of beef, the key ingredient in many of our menu items, or negative publicity concerning food quality and food safety, including food-borne illnesses. In addition, consumer preferences may be impacted by current and future menu-labeling requirements. In 2018, federal disclosure requirements went into effect under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 requiring new menu nutritional labeling requirements. As a result, we include calorie information on our menus and make additional nutritional information available at our restaurants and on our websites. However, future regulatory action may occur which could result in further changes in the nutritional disclosure requirements. We cannot make any assurances regarding our ability to effectively respond to changes in consumer health perceptions and to adapt our menu offerings to trends in eating habits. The imposition of menu-labeling laws could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial position, as well as the restaurant industry in general. The labeling requirements and any negative publicity concerning any of the food products we serve may adversely affect demand for our food and could result in a decrease in guest traffic to our restaurants. If we react to the labeling requirements or negative publicity by changing our concepts or our menu offerings or their ingredients, we may lose guests who do not prefer the new concept or products, and we may not be able to attract sufficient new guests to produce the revenue needed to make our restaurants profitable. In addition, we may have different or additional competitors for our intended guests as a result of a change in our concept and may not be able to compete successfully against those competitors. A decrease in guest traffic to our restaurants as a result of these health concerns or negative publicity or as a result of a change in our menu or concept could materially harm our business.

Food safety and sanitation, food-borne illness and health concerns may have an adverse effect on our business by reducing demand and increasing costs.

Food safety and sanitation is a top priority, and we dedicate substantial resources to help our guests enjoy safe, quality food products. However, food-borne illnesses and food safety issues occur in the food industry from time to time. Any report or publicity, whether true or not, linking us to instances of food-borne illness or other food safety issues, including food tampering or contamination, could adversely affect our brands and reputation as well as our revenue and profits. In addition, instances of food-borne illness, food tampering or food contamination occurring solely at restaurants of our competitors could result in negative publicity about the food service industry generally and adversely impact our revenue and profits. Heightened concern regarding restaurant safety caused by the COVID-19 pandemic would likely magnify such adverse impact.

Furthermore, our reliance on third-party food suppliers and distributors increases the risk that food-borne illness incidents could be caused by factors outside of our control and that multiple locations would be affected rather than a single restaurant. We cannot assure that all food items are properly maintained during transport throughout the supply chain and that our employees will identify all products that may be spoiled and should not be used in our restaurants. If our guests become ill from food-borne illnesses, we could be forced to temporarily close some restaurants. Furthermore, any instances of food contamination, whether or not at our restaurants, could subject us or our suppliers to a food recall.

In addition to the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19, the United States and other countries have experienced, or may experience in the future, outbreaks of viruses, such as Hepatitis A, Norovirus, Ebola, Avian Flu, SARS and H1N1. To the extent that a virus is food-borne, future outbreaks may adversely affect the price and availability of certain food products and cause our guests to eat less of a product which may materially adversely affect our business.

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Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure, Our Stock Ownership and Our Common Stock

Provisions in our charter documents and Delaware law may delay or prevent our acquisition by a third party.

Our certificate of incorporation and by-laws contain several provisions that may make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of us without the approval of our Board of Directors. These provisions include, among other things, advance notice for raising business or making nominations at meetings and "blank check" preferred stock. Blank check preferred stock enables our Board of Directors, without approval of the shareholders, to designate and issue additional series of preferred stock with such dividend, liquidation, conversion, voting or other rights, including the right to issue convertible securities with no limitations on conversion, as our Board of Directors may determine. The issuance of blank check preferred stock may adversely affect the voting and other rights of the holders of our common stock as our Board of Directors may designate and issue preferred stock with terms that are senior to our common stock. These provisions may make it more difficult or expensive for a third party to acquire a majority of our outstanding common stock. These provisions also may delay, prevent or deter a merger, acquisition, tender offer, proxy contest or other transaction that might otherwise result in our stockholders receiving a premium over the market price for their common stock. If we issue preferred shares in the future that have a preference over our common stock with respect to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, or if we issue preferred shares with voting rights that dilute the voting power of our common stock, the rights of our common stockholders or the market price of our common stock may be adversely affected.

The Delaware General Corporation Law prohibits us from engaging in "business combinations" with "interested shareholders" (with some exceptions) unless such transaction is approved in a prescribed manner. The existence of this provision could have an anti-takeover effect with respect to transactions not approved in advance by the Board of Directors, including discouraging attempts that might result in a premium over the market price for our common stock.

There can be no assurance that we will continue to pay dividends on our common stock or repurchase our common stock up to the maximum amounts permitted under our previously announced repurchase program.

Payment of cash dividends on our common stock or repurchases of our common stock are subject to compliance with applicable laws and depends on, among other things, our results of operations, financial condition, level of indebtedness, capital requirements, business prospects and other factors that our Board of Directors may deem relevant. We temporarily suspended all cash dividends and share repurchases to enhance our financial flexibility as a result of the pandemic. Once this suspension has been lifted, there can be no assurance that we will continue to pay dividends or repurchase our common stock at the same levels we have historically.

Our business could be negatively affected as a result of actions of activist shareholders, and such activism could impact the trading value of our common stock.

We value constructive input from our shareholders and the investment community. Our Board of Directors and management team are committed to acting in the best interests of all of our shareholders. There is no assurance that the actions taken by our Board of Directors and management in seeking to maintain constructive engagement with our shareholders will be successful.

Responding to actions by activist shareholders can be costly and time-consuming, disrupting our operations and diverting the attention of management and our employees. Such activities could interfere with our ability to execute our strategic plan. The perceived uncertainties as to our future direction also resulting from activist strategies could also affect the market price and volatility of our common stock.

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ITEM 1B—UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2—PROPERTIES

Properties

Our Support Center is located in Louisville, Kentucky. We occupy this facility under a master lease with Paragon Centre Holdings, LLC, a limited liability company in which we have a minority ownership position. As of December 29, 2020, we leased 133,023 square feet. Our lease expires on October 31, 2048, including all applicable extensions. Of the 537 company restaurants in operation as of December 29, 2020, we owned 148 locations and leased 389 locations, as shown in the following table.

State

    

Owned

    

Leased

    

Total

 

Alabama

 

3

 

5

 

8

Alaska

 

 

2

 

2

Arizona

 

5

 

14

 

19

Arkansas

 

1

 

5

 

6

California

 

1

 

3

 

4

Colorado

 

7

 

10

 

17

Connecticut

 

 

5

 

5

Delaware

 

1

 

1

 

2

Florida

 

7

 

34

 

41

Georgia

 

4

 

8

 

12

Idaho

 

1

 

4

 

5

Illinois

 

3

 

14

 

17

Indiana

 

13

 

8

 

21

Iowa

 

2

 

8

 

10

Kansas

 

2

 

4

 

6

Kentucky

 

4

 

11

 

15

Louisiana

 

2

 

8

 

10

Maine

 

 

3

 

3

Maryland

 

 

8

 

8

Massachusetts

 

1

 

9

 

10

Michigan

 

5

 

11

 

16

Minnesota

 

1

 

4

 

5

Mississippi

 

1

 

2

 

3

Missouri

 

2

 

15

 

17

Nebraska

 

1

 

2

 

3

Nevada

 

 

2

 

2

New Hampshire

 

2

 

1

 

3

New Jersey

 

 

10

 

10

New Mexico

 

1

 

5

 

6

New York

 

3

 

18

 

21

North Carolina

 

4

 

16

 

20

North Dakota

 

 

2

 

2

Ohio

 

12

 

21

 

33

Oklahoma

 

2

 

6

 

8

Oregon

 

 

2

 

2

Pennsylvania

 

3

 

22

 

25

Rhode Island

 

 

3

 

3

South Carolina

 

 

3

 

3

South Dakota

 

1

 

1

 

2

Tennessee

 

 

15

 

15

Texas

 

39

 

32

 

71

Utah

 

1

 

8

 

9

Vermont

 

 

1

 

1

Virginia

 

6

 

13

 

19

Washington

 

 

2

 

2

West Virginia

 

1

 

2

 

3

Wisconsin

 

4

 

6

 

10

Wyoming

 

2

 

 

2

Total

 

148

 

389

 

537

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Additional information concerning our properties and leasing arrangements is included in note 2(g) and note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 3—LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Occasionally, we are a defendant in litigation arising in the ordinary course of our business, including "slip and fall" accidents, employment related claims, claims related to our service of alcohol, and claims from guests or employees alleging illness, injury or food quality, health or operational concerns. None of these types of litigation, most of which are covered by insurance, has had a material effect on us during the periods covered by this report and, as of the date of this report, we are not party to any litigation that we believe could have a material adverse effect on our business.

ITEM 4—MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

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PART II

ITEM 5—MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol TXRH.

The number of holders of record of our common stock as of February 17, 2021 was 179.

In 2011, our Board of Directors declared our first quarterly dividend of $0.08 per share of common stock. On February 20, 2020, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.36 per share of common stock which was paid on March 27, 2020. On March 24, 2020, the Board of Directors voted to suspend the payment of quarterly cash dividends of the Company’s common stock, effective with respect to dividends occurring after March 27, 2020. This was done to preserve cash flow during the pandemic. The declaration and payment of cash dividends on our common stock is at the discretion of our Board of Directors, and any decision to declare a dividend will be based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, earnings, financial condition, applicable covenants under our amended credit facility and other contractual restrictions, or other factors deemed relevant. We are currently evaluating when we will resume the payment of cash dividends.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities

There were no equity securities sold by the Company during the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Issuer Repurchases of Securities

In 2008, our Board of Directors approved our first stock repurchase program. From inception through December 29, 2020, we have paid $369.0 million through our authorized stock repurchase programs to repurchase 17,722,505 shares of our common stock at an average price per share of $20.82. On May 31, 2019, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program under which we may repurchase up to $250.0 million of our common stock. This stock repurchase program has no expiration date and replaced a previous stock repurchase program which was approved on May 22, 2014. All repurchases to date have been made through open market transactions. In 2020, we paid $12.6 million to repurchase 252,409 shares of our common stock. The Company suspended all share repurchase activity on March 17, 2020 in order to preserve cash flow due to the pandemic. As of December 29, 2020, $147.8 million remains authorized for stock repurchases. We are currently evaluating when we will resume the repurchase of shares.

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Stock Performance Graph

The following graph sets forth the cumulative total return experienced by holders of the Company’s common stock compared to the cumulative total return of the Russell 3000 Restaurant Index and the Russell 3000 Index for the five year period ended December 29, 2020, the last trading day of our fiscal year. The graph assumes the values of the investment in our common stock and each index was $100 on December 29, 2015 and the reinvestment of all dividends paid during the period of the securities comprising the indices.

Note: The stock price performance shown on the graph below does not indicate future performance.

Comparison of Cumulative Total Return Since December 29, 2015

Among Texas Roadhouse, Inc., the Russell 3000 Index and the Russell 3000 Restaurant Index

Graphic

    

12/29/2015

    

12/27/2016

    

12/26/2017

    

12/24/2018

    

12/31/2019

    

12/29/2020

 

Texas Roadhouse, Inc.

$

100.00

$

137.44

$

149.97

$

157.54

$

156.18

$

218.97

Russell 3000

$

100.00

$

110.05

$

129.40

$

115.63

$

154.29

$

182.00

Russell 3000 Restaurant

$

100.00

$

103.97

$

123.69

$

123.89

$

158.36

$

183.33

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ITEM 6—SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

We derived the selected consolidated financial data as of and for the years 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2016 from our audited consolidated financial statements.

The Company utilizes a 52 or 53 week accounting period that typically ends on the last Tuesday in December. The Company utilizes a 13 or 14 week accounting period for quarterly reporting purposes. Fiscal years 2020, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were 52 weeks in length while fiscal year 2019 was 53 weeks in length. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of our results for any future period.

Fiscal Year

 

    

2020

    

2019

    

2018

    

2017

    

2016

 

 

(in thousands, except per share data)

Consolidated Statements of Income:

Revenue:

Restaurant sales and other

$

2,380,177

$

2,734,177

$

2,437,115

$

2,203,017

$

1,974,261

Franchise royalties and fees

 

17,946

 

21,986

 

20,334

 

16,514

 

16,453

Total revenue

 

2,398,123

 

2,756,163

 

2,457,449

 

2,219,531

 

1,990,714

Income from operations

 

23,844

 

212,023

 

187,789

 

186,206

 

171,900

Income before taxes

 

19,253

 

213,915

 

188,551

 

186,117

 

171,756

Income tax (benefit) expense

 

(15,672)

 

32,397

 

24,257

 

48,581

 

51,183

Net income including noncontrolling interests

$

34,925

$

181,518

$

164,294

$

137,536

$

120,573

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

3,670

 

7,066

 

6,069

 

6,010

 

4,975

Net income attributable to Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and subsidiaries

$

31,255

$

174,452

$

158,225

$

131,526

$

115,598

Net income per common share:

Basic

$

0.45

$

2.47

$

2.21

$

1.85

$

1.64

Diluted

$

0.45

$

2.46

$

2.20

$

1.84

$

1.63

Weighted average shares outstanding:

Basic

 

69,438

 

70,509

 

71,467

 

70,989

 

70,396

Diluted

 

69,893

 

70,916

 

71,964

 

71,527

 

71,052

Cash dividends declared per share

$

0.36

$

1.20

$

1.00

$

0.84

$

0.76

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Fiscal Year

 

    

2020

    

2019

    

2018

    

2017

    

2016

 

 

($ in thousands)

Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

363,155

$

107,879

$

210,125

$

150,918

$

112,944

Total assets

 

2,325,161

 

1,983,565

 

1,469,276

 

1,330,623

 

1,179,971

Current portion of operating lease liabilities

19,271

17,263

-

-

-

Current maturities of long-term debt

50,000

-

-

9

159

Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion

572,171

538,710

-

-

-

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

 

190,000

 

-

 

-

 

50,000

 

50,550

Total liabilities

 

1,382,110

 

1,052,396

 

508,568

 

479,232

 

421,729

Noncontrolling interests

 

15,546

 

15,175

 

15,139

 

12,312

 

8,016

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and subsidiaries stockholders’ equity

$

927,505

$

915,994

$

945,569

$

839,079

$

750,226

Selected Operating Data (unaudited):

Restaurants:

Company - Texas Roadhouse

 

503

 

484

 

464

 

440

 

413

Company - Bubba’s 33

 

31

 

28

 

25

 

20

 

16

Company - Jaggers

 

3

 

2

 

2

 

2

 

2

Franchise - Domestic

 

69

 

69

 

69

 

70

 

73

Franchise - International

28

28

22

17

13

Total

 

634

 

611

 

582

 

549

 

517

Company restaurant information:

Store weeks

 

27,181

 

26,473

 

24,693

 

23,274

 

21,583

Comparable restaurant sales (1)

 

(14.2)

%  

 

4.7

%  

 

5.4

%  

 

4.5

%  

 

3.5

%

Texas Roadhouse restaurants only:

Comparable restaurant sales (1)

 

(14.1)

%  

 

4.6

%  

 

5.4

%  

 

4.5

%  

 

3.6

%

Average unit volume (2)

$

4,649

$

5,555

$

5,209

$

4,973

$

4,805

Net cash provided by operating activities

$

230,438

$

374,298

$

352,868

$

286,373

$

257,065

Net cash used in investing activities

$

(161,105)

$

(214,820)

$

(158,145)

$

(178,156)

$

(164,738)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

$

185,943

$

(261,724)

$

(135,516)

$

(70,243)

$

(38,717)

(1)Comparable restaurant sales reflects the change in sales over the same period of the prior year for the comparable restaurant base. We define the comparable restaurant base to include those restaurants open for a full 18 months before the beginning of the period measured, excluding sales from restaurants permanently closed during the period.
(2)Average unit volume represents the average annual restaurant sales from Texas Roadhouse company restaurants open for a full six months before the beginning of the period measured, excluding sales from restaurants permanently closed during the period. Additionally, average unit volume of company restaurants in the table above was adjusted to reflect the restaurant sales of any acquired franchise restaurants. In addition, average unit volume for 2019 includes 53 weeks compared to 52 weeks for all other periods presented.

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ITEM 7—MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The discussion and analysis below for the Company should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes to such financial statements (pages F-1 to F-29), "Forward-looking Statements" (page 3) and Risk Factors set forth in Item 1A.

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations focuses on discussion of 2020 results as compared to 2019 results. For discussion of 2019 results as compared to 2018 results, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” within our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 filed with the SEC on February 28, 2020.

Our Company

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. is a growing restaurant company operating predominately in the casual dining segment. Our founder, chairman and chief executive officer, W. Kent Taylor, started the business in 1993 with the opening of the first Texas Roadhouse restaurant in Clarksville, Indiana. Since then, we have grown to 634 restaurants in 49 states and ten foreign countries. Our mission statement is "Legendary Food, Legendary Service®." Our operating strategy is designed to position each of our restaurants as the local hometown destination for a broad segment of consumers seeking high-quality, affordable meals served with friendly, attentive service. As of December 29, 2020, our 634 restaurants included:

537 "company restaurants," of which 517 were wholly-owned and 20 were majority-owned. The results of operations of company restaurants are included in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. The portion of income attributable to noncontrolling interests in company restaurants that are not wholly-owned is reflected in the line item entitled "Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests" in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Of the 537 restaurants we owned and operated at the end of 2020, we operated 503 as Texas Roadhouse restaurants, 31 as Bubba’s 33 restaurants and three as Jaggers restaurants.
97 "franchise restaurants," 24 of which we have a 5.0% to 10.0% ownership interest. The income derived from our minority interests in these franchise restaurants is reported in the line item entitled "Equity income from investments in unconsolidated affiliates" in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Additionally, we provide various management services to these 24 franchise restaurants, as well as five additional franchise restaurants in which we have no ownership interest. All of the franchise restaurants operated as Texas Roadhouse restaurants. Of the 97 franchise restaurants, 69 were domestic restaurants and 28 were international restaurants.

We have contractual arrangements which grant us the right to acquire at pre-determined formulas (i) the remaining equity interests in 18 of the 20 majority-owned company restaurants and (ii) 65 of the 69 domestic franchise restaurants.

Throughout this report, we use the term "restaurants" to include Texas Roadhouse and Bubba’s 33, unless otherwise noted.

Presentation of Financial and Operating Data

We operate on a fiscal year that typically ends on the last Tuesday in December. Fiscal year 2020 was 52 weeks in length, while the fourth quarter was 13 weeks in length. Fiscal year 2019 was 53 weeks in length and, as such, the fourth quarter was 14 weeks in length.

COVID-19 Impact

On March 13, 2020, the novel coronavirus ("COVID-19") pandemic (the "pandemic") was declared a National Public Health Emergency. Shortly after the national emergency declaration, state and local officials began placing restrictions on restaurants, some of which allowed To-Go or curbside service only while others limited capacity in the dining room. By late March, all of our domestic company and franchise restaurants were under state or local order which only allowed for To-Go or curbside service. Beginning in early May 2020, state and local guidelines began to allow dining rooms to re-open, typically at a limited capacity. While all of our dining rooms were able to open in some

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capacity, many were required to close again in areas more severely impacted by the pandemic. As of December 29, 2020, 82% of our company restaurants had their dining rooms operating under various limited capacity restrictions. Our remaining restaurants were limited to outdoor and/or To-Go or curbside service only.

In response to the impact of the pandemic on our restaurant operations, we have developed a hybrid operating model that accommodates our limited capacity dining rooms together with enhanced To-Go, which includes a curbside and/or drive-up operating model, as permitted by local guidelines. This includes design changes to our building to better accommodate the increased To-Go sales and the expansion of outdoor seating areas where allowed. We also have installed booth partitions in all of our restaurants as an added safety measure for our guests. In addition, we have increased our already strict sanitation requirements, are conducting daily health and temperature checks for all employees before they begin their shift and are requiring personal protective equipment to be worn by all restaurant employees at all times. As we work through the local regulations at each of our locations, the safety of our employees and guests remains our top priority.

As a result of the dining room restrictions and temporary closures, we have experienced a significant decrease in traffic which has impacted our operating results. While the majority of our dining rooms have re-opened, a significant portion continue to operate under capacity restrictions that severely limit the number of guests we can serve. In addition, while we have seen significant sales growth in our To-Go program, even with dining rooms re-opened, we currently do not expect these sales will generate a similar profit margin and cash flows to our normal operating model. We expect our operating results to continue to be impacted until at least such time that all state and local restrictions are lifted, and our dining rooms can operate at full capacity. We cannot predict how long the pandemic will last, how long it will take until all state and local restrictions will be lifted, or the extent to which our dining rooms will have to close again. In addition, we cannot predict the overall impact on the economy or consumer spending habits. The impact on our operating results as well as the operational and financial measures we have implemented in response to the pandemic have been included throughout this report.

In response to the pandemic, the Company and our Board of Directors implemented the following measures in 2020 to enhance financial flexibility:

Decreased the number of planned new restaurants for 2020;
Suspended all quarterly cash dividends occurring after March 27, 2020;
Suspended all share repurchase activity;
Expanded the capacity of the revolving credit facility and increased the borrowings by $240 million; and
Decreased compensation including voluntary reductions of salary and bonus for the executive and leadership teams to make relief grants available for restaurant employees. Each non-employee member of the Board of Directors also volunteered to forgo their director and committee fees along with any cash retainers effective April 1, 2020 and continuing throughout fiscal 2020.

Effective March 27, 2020, legislation referred to as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the "CARES Act") was passed to benefit companies that were significantly impacted by the pandemic. This legislation allowed for the deferral of the social security portion of the employer portion of FICA payroll taxes from the date of enactment through the end of 2020. Amounts are required to be repaid in equal installments at the end of 2021 and 2022. As of December 29, 2020, the Company had deferred $47.3 million in payroll taxes with the amount due in 2021 included in accrued wages and payroll taxes and the amount due in 2022 included in other liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.

The CARES Act also allowed for an Employee Retention Credit for companies severely impacted by the pandemic to encourage the retention of full-time employees. This refundable payroll tax credit was available for any company that had fully or partially suspended operations due to government order or experienced a significant decline in gross receipts and had employees who were paid but did not actually work. The Company provided various forms of relief pay for hourly restaurant employees throughout the year, as significant portion of which qualified for this tax credit. For the year ended December 29, 2020, we recorded $7.0 million related to this credit which is included in labor expense in our

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consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

Finally, the CARES Act provided for small business loans that were forgivable if certain criteria were met. The Company did not pursue any of these loans on behalf of company restaurants as we believe we have sufficient alternatives for raising capital if needed.

Long-term Strategies to Grow Earnings Per Share

Although a significant portion of 2020 required us to focus on adapting our business to account for the impacts of the pandemic, we remain committed to our core operating strategy that has defined and grown our brand. Our long-term strategies with respect to increasing net income and earnings per share, along with creating shareholder value, include the following:

Expanding Our Restaurant Base. We continue to evaluate opportunities to develop restaurants in existing markets and in new domestic and international markets. Domestically, we remain focused primarily on markets where we believe a significant demand for our restaurants exists because of population size, income levels and the presence of shopping and entertainment centers and a significant employment base. In recent years, we have relocated several existing Texas Roadhouse locations once the associated lease expired or as a result of eminent domain which allows us to move to a better site, update them to a current prototypical design, and/or obtain more favorable lease terms. We continue to evaluate these opportunities particularly as it relates to older locations with strong sales. Our ability to expand our restaurant base is influenced by many factors beyond our control and, therefore, we may not be able to achieve our anticipated growth.

In 2020, we opened 22 company restaurants while our franchise partners opened four restaurants. This included 18 Texas Roadhouse restaurants, three Bubba’s 33 restaurants, and one Jaggers restaurant. At the onset of the pandemic, we delayed construction on all restaurants that were not substantially complete which decreased our planned store openings for the year. We currently plan to open 25 to 30 company restaurants across all concepts in 2021. To the extent that state and local guidelines begin to further reduce capacity at our restaurants, we could pull back on development and reduce capital expenditures accordingly. In addition, we anticipate our existing franchise partners will open as many as six Texas Roadhouse restaurants, primarily international, in 2021.

Our average capital investment for the 18 Texas Roadhouse restaurants opened during 2020, including pre-opening expenses and a capitalized rent factor, was $6.2 million. We expect our average capital investment for Texas Roadhouse restaurants opening in 2021 to be approximately $5.5 million. Our average capital investment for the three Bubba’s 33 restaurants opened during 2020, including pre-opening expenses and a capitalized rent factor, was $7.3 million. We expect our average capital investment for Bubba’s 33 restaurants opening in 2021 to be approximately $6.9 million.

We remain focused on driving sales and managing restaurant investment costs in order to maintain our restaurant development in the future. Our capital investment (including cash and non-cash costs) for new restaurants varies significantly depending on a number of factors including, but not limited to: the square footage, layout, scope of any required site work, type of construction labor, local permitting requirements, our ability to negotiate with landlords, cost of liquor and other licenses and hook-up fees and geographical location. In addition, we have seen increased building costs as a result of the pandemic.

We have entered into area development and franchise agreements for the development and operation of Texas Roadhouse restaurants in several foreign countries and one U.S territory. We currently have signed franchise and/or development agreements in nine countries in the Middle East as well as Taiwan, the Philippines, Mexico, China, South Korea, Brazil and Puerto Rico. As of December 29, 2020, we had 15 restaurants open in five countries in the Middle East, four restaurants open in Taiwan, five in the Philippines, two in South Korea, and one each in Mexico and China for a total of 28 restaurants in ten foreign countries. For the existing international agreements, the franchisee is generally required to pay us a franchise fee for each restaurant to be opened, royalties on the gross sales of each restaurant and a development fee for our grant of development rights in the named countries. We anticipate that the specific business terms of any future franchise agreement for international restaurants might vary significantly from the standard terms of our domestic agreements and from the terms of existing international agreements, depending on the territory to be franchised and the extent of franchisor-provided services to each franchisee.

Maintaining and/or Improving Restaurant Level Profitability. We continue to balance the impacts of inflationary pressures with our value positioning as we remain focused on our long-term success. This may create a challenge in

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terms of maintaining and/or increasing restaurant-level profitability (restaurant margin), in any given year, depending on the level of inflation we experience. Restaurant margin is not a U.S. generally accepted accounting principle ("GAAP") measure and should not be considered in isolation, or as an alternative from income from operations. See further discussion of restaurant margin below. In addition to restaurant margin, as a percentage of restaurant and other sales, we also focus on the growth of restaurant margin dollars per store week as a measure of restaurant level-profitability. In terms of driving higher comparable restaurant sales, we remain focused on encouraging repeat visits by our guests and attracting new guests through our continued commitment to operational standards relating to food and service quality. To attract new guests and increase the frequency of visits of our existing guests, we also continue to drive various localized marketing programs, focus on speed of service and increase throughput by adding seats and parking at certain restaurants. In addition, with the increase in To-Go sales in prior years and the significant increase in the current year due to the pandemic, we are currently testing changes to our building layout to help better accommodate higher To-Go volumes at our restaurants.

In addition, we continue to look for ways through various strategic initiatives to drive awareness of our brands and increase profitability. At the onset of the pandemic, we began selling ready-to-grill steaks and pork for customers to prepare at home. While we reduced our store-level offerings around ready-to-grill products once our dining rooms began to re-open, based on the success of this program we have developed Texas Roadhouse Butcher Shop. This on-line platform allows for the purchase and delivery hand-cut quality steaks that are available in our restaurants. This platform launched in our Q4 2020 fiscal quarter.

Leveraging Our Scalable Infrastructure. To support our growth, we have made significant investments in our infrastructure over the past several years, including information and accounting systems, real estate, human resources, legal, marketing, international and restaurant operations, including the development of new concepts. In addition, in Q4 2018 we increased our number of regional market partners, market partners and regional support teams. Whether we are able to leverage our infrastructure in future years by growing our general and administrative costs at a slower rate than our revenue will depend, in part, on our new restaurant openings, our comparable restaurant sales growth rate going forward and the level of investment we continue to make in our infrastructure.

Returning Capital to Shareholders. We continue to evaluate opportunities to return capital to our shareholders, including the payment of dividends and repurchase of common stock. In 2011, our Board of Directors declared our first quarterly dividend of $0.08 per share of common stock. On February 20, 2020, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.36 per share of common stock which was paid on March 27, 2020. On March 24, 2020, the Board of Directors voted to suspend the payment of quarterly cash dividends on the Company’s common stock, effective with respect to dividends occurring after March 27, 2020. This was done to preserve cash flow due to the pandemic. The declaration and payment of cash dividends on our common stock is at the discretion of our Board of Directors, and any decision to declare a dividend will be based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, earnings, financial condition, applicable covenants under our amended credit facility, other contractual restrictions and other factors deemed relevant. We are currently evaluating when we will resume the payment of cash dividends.

In 2008, our Board of Directors approved our first stock repurchase program. From inception through December 29, 2020, we have paid $369.0 million through our authorized stock repurchase programs to repurchase 17,722,505 shares of our common stock at an average price per share of $20.82. On May 31, 2019, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program under which we may repurchase up to $250.0 million of our common stock. This stock repurchase program has no expiration date and replaced a previous stock repurchase program which was approved on May 22, 2014. All repurchases to date have been made through open market transactions. For the year ended December 29, 2020, we paid $12.6 million to repurchase 252,409 shares of our common stock. The Company suspended all share repurchase activity on March 17, 2020 in order to preserve cash flow due to the pandemic. As of December 29, 2020, $147.8 million remains authorized for stock repurchases. We are currently evaluating when we will resume the repurchase of shares.

Key Operating Personnel

Key management personnel who have a significant impact on the performance of our restaurants include market partners, managing partners, kitchen managers, service managers and assistant managers. Managing partners are single restaurant operators who have primary responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the entire restaurant. Kitchen managers have primary responsibility for managing the kitchen staff and overall kitchen operations including food preparation and food quality. Service managers have primary responsibility for managing the front of house staff and

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overall dining room operations including service quality and the guest experience. The assistant managers support our managing partners, kitchen, and service managers. All managers are responsible for maintaining our standards of quality and performance. We use market partners to oversee the operation of our restaurants. Each market partner oversees a group of varying sizes of managing partners and their respective management teams. Market partners are also responsible for the hiring and development of each restaurant’s management team and assisting in the site selection process. Through regular visits to the restaurants, the market partners facilitate adherence to all aspects of our concepts, strategies and standards of quality.

Managing partners and market partners are required, as a condition of employment, to sign a multi-year employment agreement. The annual compensation of our managing partners and market partners includes a base salary plus a percentage of the pre-tax income of the restaurant(s) they operate or supervise. Managing partners and market partners are eligible to participate in our equity incentive plan and are generally required to make refundable deposits of $25,000 and $50,000, respectively. Generally, the deposits are refunded after five years of service.

Key Measures We Use To Evaluate Our Company

Key measures we use to evaluate and assess our business include the following:

Number of Restaurant Openings. Number of restaurant openings reflects the number of restaurants opened during a particular fiscal period. For company restaurant openings, we incur pre-opening costs, which are defined below, before the restaurant opens. Typically, new Texas Roadhouse restaurants open with an initial start-up period of higher than normalized sales volumes, which decrease to a steady level approximately three to six months after opening. However, although sales volumes are generally higher, so are initial costs, resulting in restaurant margins that are generally lower during the start-up period of operation and increase to a steady level approximately three to six months after opening.

Comparable Restaurant Sales. Comparable restaurant sales reflects the change in sales for company restaurants over the same period of the prior year for the comparable restaurant base. We define the comparable restaurant base to include those restaurants open for a full 18 months before the beginning of the period measured excluding restaurants permanently closed during the period. Comparable restaurant sales can be impacted by changes in guest traffic counts or by changes in the per person average check amount. Menu price changes and the mix of menu items sold can affect the per person average check amount.

Average Unit Volume. Average unit volume represents the average annual restaurant sales for company restaurants open for a full six months before the beginning of the period measured excluding sales of restaurants permanently closed during the period. Historically, average unit volume growth is less than comparable restaurant sales growth which indicates that newer restaurants are operating with sales levels lower than the company average. At times, average unit volume growth may be more than comparable restaurant sales growth which indicates that newer restaurants are operating with sales levels higher than the company average.

Store Weeks. Store weeks represent the number of weeks that our company restaurants were open during the reporting period. Store weeks include weeks in which a restaurant is temporarily closed.

Restaurant Margin. Restaurant margin (in dollars and as a percentage of restaurant and other sales) represents restaurant and other sales less restaurant-level operating costs, including food and beverage costs, labor, rent and other operating costs. Restaurant margin is not a measurement determined in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered in isolation, or as an alternative, to income from operations. This non-GAAP measure is not indicative of overall company performance and profitability in that this measure does not accrue directly to the benefit of shareholders due to the nature of the costs excluded. Restaurant margin is widely regarded as a useful metric by which to evaluate restaurant-level operating efficiency and performance. In calculating restaurant margin, we exclude certain non-restaurant-level costs that support operations, including pre-opening and general and administrative expenses, but do not have a direct impact on restaurant-level operational efficiency and performance. We also exclude depreciation and amortization expense, substantially all of which relates to restaurant-level assets, as it represents a non-cash charge for the investment in our restaurants. We also exclude impairment and closure expense as we believe this provides a clearer perspective of the Company’s ongoing operating performance and a more useful comparison to prior period results. Restaurant margin as presented may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies in our industry. A reconciliation of income from operations to restaurant margin is included in the Results of Operations section below.

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Other Key Definitions

Restaurant and Other Sales. Restaurant sales include gross food and beverage sales, net of promotions and discounts, for all company restaurants. Sales taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are accounted for on a net basis and therefore are excluded from restaurant sales in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Other sales include the amortization of fees associated with our third party gift card sales net of the amortization of gift card breakage income.  These amounts are amortized consistent with the historic redemption pattern of the associated gift card or on actual redemptions in periods where redemptions do not align with historic redemption patterns.

Franchise Royalties and Fees. Franchise royalties consist of royalties, as defined in our franchise agreement, paid to us by our domestic and international franchisees. Domestic and/or international franchisees also typically pay an initial franchise fee and/or development fee for each new restaurant or territory. The terms of the international agreements may vary significantly from our domestic agreements. These include advertising fees paid by domestic franchisees to our system-wide marketing and advertising fund and management fees paid by certain domestic franchisees for supervisory and administrative services that we perform.

Food and Beverage Costs. Food and beverage costs consists of the costs of raw materials and ingredients used in the preparation of food and beverage products sold in our company restaurants. Approximately half of our food and beverage costs relates to beef costs.

Restaurant Labor Expenses. Restaurant labor expenses include all direct and indirect labor costs incurred in operations except for profit sharing incentive compensation expenses earned by our restaurant managing partners and market partners. These profit sharing expenses are reflected in restaurant other operating expenses. Restaurant labor expenses also include share-based compensation expense related to restaurant-level employees.

Restaurant Rent Expense. Restaurant rent expense includes all rent, except pre-opening rent, associated with the leasing of real estate and includes base, percentage and straight-line rent expense.

Restaurant Other Operating Expenses. Restaurant other operating expenses consist of all other restaurant-level operating costs, the major components of which are utilities, dining room and To-Go supplies, local store advertising, repairs and maintenance, equipment rent, property taxes, credit card fees, and general liability insurance. Profit sharing incentive compensation expenses earned by our restaurant managing partners and market partners are also included in restaurant other operating expenses.

Pre-opening Expenses. Pre-opening expenses, which are charged to operations as incurred, consist of expenses incurred before the opening of a new or relocated restaurant and are comprised principally of opening team and training compensation and benefits, travel expenses, rent, food, beverage and other initial supplies and expenses. On average, over 70% of total pre-opening costs incurred per restaurant opening relate to the hiring and training of employees. Pre-opening costs vary by location depending on a number of factors, including the size and physical layout of each location; the number of management and hourly employees required to operate each restaurant; the availability of qualified restaurant staff members; the cost of travel and lodging for different geographic areas; the timing of the restaurant opening; and the extent of unexpected delays, if any, in obtaining final licenses and permits to open the restaurants.

Depreciation and Amortization Expenses. Depreciation and amortization expenses ("D&A") include the depreciation of fixed assets and amortization of intangibles with definite lives, substantially all of which relates to restaurant-level assets.

Impairment and Closure Costs, Net. Impairment and closure costs, net include any impairment of long-lived assets, including property and equipment, operating lease right-of-use assets and goodwill, and expenses associated with the closure of a restaurant. Closure costs also include any gains or losses associated with a relocated restaurant or the sale of a closed restaurant and/or assets held for sale as well as lease costs associated with closed or relocated restaurants.

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses ("G&A") are comprised of expenses associated with corporate and administrative functions that support development and restaurant operations and provide an infrastructure to support future growth including advertising costs incurred. G&A also includes legal fees, settlement charges and share-based compensation expense related to executive officers, Support Center employees and market

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partners and the realized and unrealized holding gains and losses related to the investments in our deferred compensation plan.

Interest Expense (Income), Net. Interest expense (income), net includes interest expense on our debt or financing obligations including the amortization of loan fees reduced by earnings on cash and cash equivalents.

Equity Income (Loss) from Unconsolidated Affiliates. Equity income (loss) includes our percentage share of net income earned by unconsolidated affiliates. This includes our 5.0% to 10.0% equity interest in 24 franchise restaurants. Additionally, we own a 40% equity interest in four non-Texas Roadhouse restaurants as part of a joint venture agreement with a casual dining restaurant operator in China.

Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests. Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests represents the portion of income attributable to the other owners of the majority-owned restaurants. Our consolidated subsidiaries include 20 majority-owned restaurants for all periods presented.

2020 Financial Highlights

Total revenue decreased $358.0 million or 13.0% to $2.4 billion in 2020 compared to $2.8 billion in 2019. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in average unit volumes driven by a decrease in comparable restaurant sales. While store weeks increased 2.7% in 2020, comparable restaurant sales decreased 14.2%. The decrease in average unit volumes is primarily due to our dining rooms operating under various limited capacity restrictions due to the pandemic. Also, the addition of the 53rd week in 2019 resulted in $59.0 million in restaurant and other sales.

Restaurant margin decreased $208.6 million or 44.0% to $265.6 million in 2020 compared to $474.2 million in 2019 and restaurant margin, as a percentage of restaurant and other sales, decreased to 11.2% in 2020 compared to 17.3% in 2019. The decrease in restaurant margin, as a percentage of restaurant and other sales, was due to lower sales along with higher costs due to the pandemic. In addition, restaurant margin was pressured by an increase in To-Go sales which typically result in a less profitable transaction. See further discussion of specific drivers included below.

Net income decreased $143.2 million or 82.1% to $31.3 million in 2020 compared to $174.5 million in 2019 primarily due to lower restaurant margin dollars partially offset by lower general and administrative expenses and an income tax benefit. Diluted earnings per share decreased 81.8% to $0.45 from $2.46 in the prior year. Also, the addition of the 53rd week in 2019 resulted in additional diluted earnings per share of $0.10 to $0.11.

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Results of Operations

Fiscal Year

2020

2019

  

  

 

$

    

%

$

    

%

(In thousands)

Consolidated Statements of Income:

    

    

    

    

    

Revenue:

Restaurant and other sales

2,380,177

99.3

2,734,177

99.2

Franchise royalties and fees

17,946

0.7

21,986

0.8

Total revenue

2,398,123

100.0

2,756,163

100.0

Costs and expenses:

(As a percentage of restaurant and other sales)

Restaurant operating costs (excluding depreciation and amortization shown separately below):

Food and beverage

780,646

32.8

883,357

32.3

Labor

875,764

36.8

905,614

33.1

Rent

54,401

2.3

52,531

1.9

Other operating

403,726

17.0

418,448

15.3

(As a percentage of total revenue)

Pre-opening

20,099

0.8

20,156

0.7

Depreciation and amortization

117,877

4.9

115,544

4.2

Impairment and closure, net

2,263

NM

(899)

NM

General and administrative

119,503

5.0

149,389

5.4

Total costs and expenses

2,374,279

99.0

2,544,140

92.3

Income from operations

23,844

1.0

212,023

7.7

Interest expense (income), net

4,091

0.2

(1,514)

(0.1)

Equity (loss) income from investments in unconsolidated affiliates

(500)

(0.0)

378

0.0

Income before taxes

19,253

0.8

213,915

7.8

Income tax (benefit) expense

(15,672)

(0.7)

32,397

1.2

Net income including noncontrolling interests

34,925

1.5

181,518

6.6

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

3,670

0.2

7,066

0.3

Net income attributable to Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and subsidiaries

31,255

1.3

174,452

6.3

NM – Not meaningful

Reconciliation of Income from Operations to Restaurant Margin

Fiscal Year Ended

2020

2019

(In thousands, except per store week)

Income from operations

$ 23,844

$ 212,023

Less:

Franchise royalties and fees

17,946

21,986

Add:

Pre-opening

20,099

20,156

Depreciation and amortization

117,877

115,544

Impairment and closure, net

2,263

(899)

General and administrative

119,503

149,389

Restaurant margin

$ 265,640

$ 474,227

Restaurant margin $/store week

$ 9,773

$ 17,914

Restaurant margin (as a percentage of restaurant and other sales)

11.2%

17.3%

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Restaurant Unit Activity

    

Total

Texas Roadhouse

Bubba's 33

    

Jaggers

Balance at December 31, 2019

 

611

581

28

 

2

Company openings

 

22

18

3

1

Company closings

(1)

(1)

Franchise openings - Domestic

2

2

Franchise openings - International

 

2

2

Franchise closings - International

(2)

(2)

Balance at December 29, 2020

 

634

600

31

 

3

 

December 29, 2020

 

December 31, 2019

Company - Texas Roadhouse

 

503

 

484

Company - Bubba's 33

 

31

 

28

Company - Jaggers

 

3

 

2

Franchise - Texas Roadhouse - U.S.

 

69

 

69

Franchise - Texas Roadhouse - International

 

28

 

28

Total

 

634

 

611

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Restaurant and Other Sales

Restaurant and other sales decreased 12.9% in 2020 compared to 2019. The following table summarizes certain key drivers and/or attributes of restaurant sales at company restaurants for the periods presented. Company restaurant count activity is shown in the restaurant unit activity table above.

    

2020

    

2019

    

Company Restaurants:

Increase in store weeks

 

2.7

%

7.2

%

(Decrease) increase in average unit volume

 

(16.3)

%

4.1

%

Other(1)

 

0.6

%

1.0

%

Total (decrease) increase in restaurant sales

 

(13.0)

%

12.3

%

Other sales(2)

0.1

%

(0.1)

%

Total (decrease) increase in restaurant and other sales

(12.9)

%

12.2

%

Store weeks

 

27,181

26,473

Comparable restaurant sales

 

(14.2)

%  

4.7

%  

Texas Roadhouse restaurants only:

Comparable restaurant sales

 

(14.1)

%  

4.6

%  

Average unit volume (in thousands)

$

4,649

$

5,555

Average unit volume (in thousands), 2019 adjusted (3)

$

4,649

$

5,427

Weekly sales by group:

Comparable restaurants (453 and 430 units, respectively)

89,621

105,336

Average unit volume restaurants (20 and 22 units, respectively)(4)

84,485

94,437

Restaurants less than six months old (30 and 32 units, respectively)

81,546

105,732

(1)Includes the impact of the year-over-year change in sales volume of all non-Texas Roadhouse restaurants, along with Texas Roadhouse restaurants open less than six months before the beginning of the period measured, and, if applicable, the impact of restaurants permanently closed or acquired during the period.
(2)Other sales, for 2020, represent $16.9 million related to the amortization of third-party gift card fees net of $10.1 million related to the amortization of gift card breakage income. Other sales, for 2019, represent $19.8 million related to the amortization of third-party gift card fees net of $10.7 million related to the amortization of gift card breakage income. The decrease in amounts for 2020 is primarily due to a decrease in gift card sales and redemptions.
(3)As 2019 contained 53 weeks, for comparative purposes, 2019 average unit volumes were adjusted to a 52-week basis.
(4)Average unit volume restaurants include restaurants open a full six to 18 months before the beginning of the period measured.

The decrease in restaurant sales for 2020 was primarily attributable to the decrease in average unit volumes, driven by a decline in comparable restaurant sales, partially offset by an increase in store weeks. The decrease in comparable restaurant sales was driven by the dining room closures and capacity restrictions due to the pandemic. In late March, all of our domestic company and franchise restaurants were required to temporarily close their dining rooms and shifted to a To-Go only model. Our expanded To-Go model, which includes a curbside and/or drive-up operating model, allows guests to order via phone, through our mobile app, on-line, or once on site. As the dining rooms were allowed to re-open, we implemented a hybrid operating model with limited capacity dining rooms together with enhanced To-Go, which includes a curbside and/or drive-up operating model, as permitted by local guidelines. As of December 29, 2020, 82% of our company restaurants had their dining rooms operating under various limited capacity restrictions.

Our expanded To-Go model helped to offset the loss of dining room sales particularly at the onset of the pandemic when all of our dining rooms were closed. In addition, we continued to see significant To-Go sales once our dining rooms began to re-open. To-Go sales as a percentage of total restaurant sales were 27.0% in 2020 compared to 7.2% in 2019.

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In addition to our expanded To-Go model, we also added family value packs which include four entrées with an assortment of sides, and ready-to-grill steaks and pork that allow customers to order their preferred cut of meat to prepare at home. The majority of the sales around the family value packs and ready-to-grill occurred in the first half of 2020, when all of our dining rooms were closed. In total, these items represented less than 3% of restaurant sales for the year.

As a result of the significant change in our operating model in the first half of 2020, including the offering of these items, we do not believe that our per person average check and guest traffic counts provide a meaningful comparison to the prior year period. As such, these amounts have not been disclosed for 2020.

In addition, in late October 2020 we implemented a menu price increase of approximately 1.0% which was the only increase taken for 2020. We may take additional pricing in 2021 if needed.

We opened 22 company restaurants across all concepts in 2020. At the onset of the pandemic, we delayed construction on all restaurants that were not substantially complete which decreased our planned store openings for the year. We currently plan to open 25 to 30 company restaurants across all concepts in 2021. To the extent that state and local guidelines begin to further reduce capacity at our restaurants, we could pull back on development and reduce capital expenditures accordingly.

Franchise Royalties and Fees

Franchise royalties and fees decreased by $4.0 million or 18.4% compared to 2019 due to lower average unit volume driven by comparable restaurant sales decreases at domestic and international franchise stores as well as the impact of the 53rd week in 2019. Comparable restaurant sales at domestic and international franchise stores decreased 17.3% in 2020. These comparable restaurant sales decreases include the impact of international locations that were temporarily closed during the year.

Additionally, in 2020, we waived royalties of $0.4 million for international franchisees in countries that were significantly impacted by the pandemic. We also made royalty deferral arrangements for many of our domestic and international franchisees. The majority of these royalty waiver and deferral arrangements were through the end of our Q2 2020 fiscal quarter.

Our existing domestic franchise partners opened two Texas Roadhouse restaurants in 2020. In addition, our existing international franchise restaurant partners opened two restaurants and closed two restaurants in 2020. We also acquired two domestic franchise restaurants in the fourth quarter of 2020. We anticipate our existing franchise partners will open as many as six Texas Roadhouse restaurants, primarily international, in 2021.

Food and Beverage Costs

Food and beverage costs, as a percentage of restaurant and other sales, increased to 32.8% in 2020 from 32.3% in 2019 primarily due to higher commodity inflation partially offset by a change in mix of items sold, including fewer alcoholic beverages. Commodity inflation was 2.1% in 2020, primarily driven by higher beef costs.

For 2021, we expect commodity cost inflation of approximately 3.0%.

Restaurant Labor Expenses

Restaurant labor expense, as a percentage of restaurant and other sales, increased to 36.8% in 2020 compared to 33.1% in 2019. This increase was primarily due to higher wage rates, increased benefits provided to our employees related to the pandemic, higher costs associated with health insurance, and a decrease in average unit volume. These increases were partially offset by employee retention payroll tax credits of $7.0 million related to relief pay paid to our hourly restaurant employees as well as a decrease in worker’s compensation costs.

Higher wage rates were due to a significant number of employees moving from a tipped wage rate to a non-tipped wage rate due to the significant increase in To-Go sales. In addition, we incurred costs of $20.2 million for relief pay and enhanced benefits for our hourly employees. The relief pay was based on their level of hours worked prior to the pandemic and indexed for tenure. In addition, we enhanced certain sick pay and accrued vacation benefits and also provided a premium holiday on health insurance. Higher health insurance costs were due to higher claim costs as well as

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rate and enrollment increases. The increased claim costs, driven by unfavorable claims experience, resulted in $3.8 million of unfavorable adjustments to our actuarial reserve estimate in 2020.

The employee retention payroll tax credit of $7.0 million was a credit made available through the CARES Act and related to relief pay for our hourly employees that was paid throughout 2020. The decrease in workers’ compensation expense was due to changes in our claims development history included in our Q3 2020 actuarial reserve estimate that resulted in a favorable adjustment of $1.8 million.

Restaurant Rent Expense

Restaurant rent expense, as a percentage of restaurant and other sales, increased to 2.3% in 2020 compared to 1.9% in 2019 due to the decrease in average unit volume and the benefit of the 53rd week in 2019 along with higher rent expense, as a percentage of restaurant and other sales, at our newer restaurants.

Restaurant Other Operating Expenses

Restaurant other operating expenses, as a percentage of restaurant and other sales, increased to 17.0% in 2020 from 15.3% in 2019. This increase was due to a decrease in average unit volume, higher supplies expense and higher general liability insurance expense partially offset by lower losses on remodeling projects, laundry and linen and advertising expenses. Higher supplies expense was due to an increase in To-Go supplies, personal protective equipment, and other costs to support our hybrid operating model throughout the year. The increase in general liability insurance expense was due to changes in our claims development history included in our Q3 2020 actuarial reserve estimate that resulted in an unfavorable adjustment of $1.4 million. This compared to a favorable adjustment of $1.1 million in 2019. In addition, due to the significant decrease in our average unit volumes, expenses that are largely fixed, including utilities, property taxes, and other outside services increased as a percentage of restaurant and other sales.

Restaurant Pre-opening Expenses

Pre-opening expenses decreased to $20.1 million in 2020 from $20.2 million in 2019. The change in pre-opening expense is primarily driven by the number and timing of restaurant openings in a given year. Pre-opening costs will typically fluctuate from period to period based on the specific pre-opening costs incurred for each restaurant, the number and timing of restaurant openings and the number and timing of restaurant managers hired.

Depreciation and Amortization Expenses ("D&A")

D&A, as a percentage of revenue, increased to 4.9% in 2020 compared to 4.2% in 2019. The increase was primarily due to a decrease in average unit volume and higher depreciation at new restaurants partially offset by lower accelerated depreciation. In 2019, our accelerated depreciation was higher due to the planned relocation of several restaurants.

Impairment and Closure Costs, Net

Impairment and closure costs, net were $2.3 million and ($0.9) million in 2020 and 2019, respectively. In 2020, impairment and closure costs, net included $1.2 million related to the impairment of the fixed assets and operating lease right-of-use assets at four restaurants, all of which have relocated or are scheduled to be relocated. In addition, we recorded goodwill impairment of $1.1 million related to two restaurants. In 2019, impairment and closure costs, net included a gain of $2.6 million related to the forced relocation of one restaurant and $1.1 million related to the impairment of the operating lease right-of-use asset at an underperforming restaurant.

General and Administrative Expenses ("G&A")

G&A, as a percentage of total revenue, decreased to 5.0% in 2020 compared to 5.4% in 2019. The decrease was primarily driven by lower incentive and performance-based compensation costs, lower managing partner conference costs and lower travel costs partially offset by a decrease in average unit volume. Managing partner conference costs were lower in 2020 due to the cancellation of our annual conference.

As a result of the pandemic, our executive and leadership teams voluntarily agreed to reductions of salary and bonus for a portion of our 2020 fiscal year. Also, each non-employee member of our Board of Directors volunteered to forgo their director and committee fees and any cash retainers for a portion of our 2020 fiscal year.

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We are currently subject to various claims and contingencies that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of business, including those related to litigation, business transactions, employee-related matters and taxes, among others. See note 13 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion of these matters.

Interest Expense (Income) Expense, Net

Interest expense was $4.1 million compared to interest income of $1.5 million in 2019. The increase in interest expense was primarily driven by additional borrowings on our credit facility due to the pandemic along with reduced earnings on our cash and cash equivalents.

Income Taxes

Our effective tax rate was a benefit of 81.4% in 2020 compared to expense of 15.1% in 2019. The benefit was primarily due to the impact of FICA tip and Work opportunity tax credits on lower pre-tax income. Additionally, these credits exceeded our federal tax liability in 2020 but we expect to utilize these credits in the future years or by carrying back to our 2019 tax year.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The following table presents a summary of our net cash provided by (used in) operating, investing and financing activities (in thousands):

Fiscal Year

 

2020

2019

Net cash provided by operating activities

$

230,438

    

$

374,298

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(161,105)

 

(214,820)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

185,943

 

(261,724)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

$

255,276

$

(102,246)

Net cash provided by operating activities was $230.4 million in 2020 compared to $374.3 million in 2019. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in net income and a decrease in deferred income taxes partially offset by favorable changes in working capital. Working capital changes included the benefit of deferred payroll taxes related to the CARES Act.

Our operations have not required significant working capital and like many restaurant companies we can operate with negative working capital. Sales are primarily for cash, and restaurant operations do not require significant inventories or receivables. In addition, we receive trade credit for the purchase of food, beverages and supplies, thereby reducing the need for incremental working capital to support growth.

Net cash used in investing activities was $161.1 million in 2020 compared to $214.8 million in 2019. The decrease is primarily due to a decrease in capital expenditures partially offset by the purchase of two franchise restaurants in 2020. The decrease in capital expenditures is primarily due to a delay in our development schedule due to the pandemic and decreased expenditures due to the completion of the remodel of our Support Center office.

We require capital principally for the development of new company restaurants, the refurbishment or relocation of existing restaurants and the acquisition of franchise restaurants, if any. We either lease our restaurant site locations under operating leases for periods of five to 30 years (including renewal periods) or purchase the land when appropriate. As of December 29, 2020, 148 of the 537 company restaurants have been developed on land which we own.

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The following table presents a summary of capital expenditures (in thousands):

2020

    

2019

New company restaurants

$

78,941

$

99,957

Refurbishment of existing restaurants

 

47,735

 

63,548

Relocation of existing restaurants

17,917

25,131

Capital expenditures related to Support Center office

9,808

25,704

Total capital expenditures

$

154,401

$

214,340

At the onset of the pandemic, we delayed construction on all restaurants that were not substantially complete which decreased our planned restaurant openings for the year. In addition, we delayed any projects on existing restaurants that were not critical to their operations. In 2021, we expect our capital expenditures to be $210.0 million to $220.0 million and we currently plan to open 25 to 30 company restaurants across all concepts. To the extent that state and local guidelines begin to significantly reduce capacity and/or re-close dining rooms, we could pull back on development and reduce capital expenditure spend accordingly.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $185.9 million in 2020 compared to net cash used in financing activities of $261.7 million in 2019. The increase is primarily due to increased borrowings under our revolving credit facility offset by a decrease in share repurchases and dividends paid.

In March 2020, we increased our borrowings by $190.0 million as a precautionary measure in order to bolster our cash position and enhance financial flexibility. On May 11, 2020, we amended the revolving credit facility to increase the amount available under the facility by $82.5 million and drew down $50.0 million of the increased amount. The proceeds from these borrowings, which totaled $240.0 million, are being used for general corporate purposes, including, without limitation, working capital, capital expenditures in the ordinary course of business, or other lawful corporate purposes, all in accordance with and subject to the terms and conditions of the facility. If the pandemic continues to adversely impact our business for a significant period of time, we may need to further increase the credit facility and/or seek other sources of liquidity. There is no guarantee that we can increase the credit facility or that additional liquidity will be readily available or available at favorable terms.

On May 31, 2019, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program under which we may repurchase up to $250.0 million of our common stock. This stock repurchase program has no expiration date and replaced a previous stock repurchase program which was approved on May 22, 2014. All repurchases to date under our stock repurchase programs have been made through open market transactions. The timing and the amount of any repurchases will be determined by management under parameters established by the Board of Directors, based on an evaluation of our stock price, market conditions and other corporate considerations. During 2020, we paid $12.6 million to repurchase 252,409 shares of our common stock. On March 17, 2020, we suspended all share repurchase activity. As of December 29, 2020, $147.8 million remains authorized for stock repurchases. We are currently evaluating when we will resume the repurchase of shares.

On February 20, 2020, our Board of Directors authorized the payment of a cash dividend of $0.36 per share of common stock. The payment of this dividend totaling $25.0 million was distributed on March 27, 2020 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 11, 2020. On March 24, 2020, the Board of Directors voted to suspend the payment of quarterly cash dividends of the Company’s common stock, effective with respect to dividends occurring after March 27, 2020. We are currently evaluating when we will resume the payment of cash dividends.

We paid distributions of $3.4 million and $6.4 million to equity holders of all of our 20 majority-owned company restaurants in 2020 and 2019, respectively.

On August 7, 2017, we entered into the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Amended Credit Agreement") with respect to our revolving credit facility with a syndicate of commercial lenders led by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., PNC Bank, N.A., and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. The revolving credit facility remains an unsecured, revolving credit agreement under which we may borrow up to $200.0 million with the option to increase the revolving credit facility by an additional $200.0 million subject to certain limitations, including approval by the syndicate of lenders. On May 11, 2020, we amended the revolving credit facility to provide for an incremental revolving credit facility of up to $82.5 million. This amount reduced the additional $200.0 million that was available under the revolving credit facility. The maturity date for the incremental revolving credit facility is May 10, 2021. The maturity date for the original

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revolving credit facility remains August 5, 2022.

The terms of the amendment require us to pay interest on outstanding borrowings of the original revolving credit facility at LIBOR plus a margin of 1.50% and to pay a commitment fee of 0.25% per year on any unused portion of the revolving credit facility through the end of our Q1 2021 fiscal quarter. The amendment also provides an Alternate Base Rate that may be substituted for LIBOR. As of December 29, 2020, we had $190.0 million outstanding on the original revolving credit facility and $1.8 million of availability, net of $8.2 million of outstanding letters of credit. This outstanding amount is included as long-term debt on our consolidated balance sheet.

The terms of the amendment also require us to pay interest on outstanding borrowings of the incremental revolving credit facility at LIBOR, which is subject to a floor of 1.0%, plus a margin of 2.25% and to pay a commitment fee of 0.50% per year on any unused portion of the incremental revolving credit facility through the maturity date. As of December 29, 2020, we had $50.0 million outstanding and $32.5 million of availability on the incremental revolving credit facility. This outstanding amount is included as current maturities of long-term debt on our consolidated balance sheet.

The weighted-average interest rate for the revolving credit facility as of December 29, 2020 was 1.98%.

The lenders’ obligation to extend credit pursuant to the Amended Credit Agreement depends on us maintaining certain financial covenants. The amendment to the revolving credit facility also modified the financial covenants through the end of our Q1 2021 fiscal quarter. We were in compliance with all financial covenants as of December 29, 2020.

Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes the amount of payments due under specified contractual obligations as of December 29, 2020 (in thousands):

Payments Due by Period

Less than

More than

    

Total

    

1 year

    

1 - 3 Years

    

3 - 5 Years

    

5 years

Long-term debt obligation, including current maturities

$

240,000

$

50,000

190,000

$

$

Obligation under finance lease

2,122

2,122

Interest(1)

 

10,287

 

4,083

2,389

571

3,244

Operating lease obligations

 

1,046,273

 

56,201

114,484

112,844

762,744

Capital obligations

 

95,870

 

95,870

 

 

 

Total contractual obligations(2)

$

1,394,552

$

206,154

$

306,873

$

113,415

$

768,110

(1)Includes interest on our revolving credit facility and interest on a finance lease. Uses interest rates on our revolving credit facility as of December 29, 2020 for our variable rate debt. We assumed $240.0 million remains outstanding on our revolving credit facility through the respective maturity for all borrowings. We assumed a constant interest rate until maturity on our finance lease.
(2)Unrecognized tax benefits under ASC 740, Income Taxes, are not significant and excluded from this amount.

We have no material minimum purchase commitments with our vendors that extend beyond a year. See notes 5 and 8 to the consolidated financial statements for details of contractual obligations.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

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Guarantees

As of December 29, 2020 and December 31, 2019, we were contingently liable for $13.0 million and $13.9 million, respectively, for seven leases, listed in the table below. These amounts represent the maximum potential liability of future payments under the guarantees. In the event of default, the indemnity and default clauses in our assignment agreements govern our ability to pursue and recover damages incurred. No material liabilities have been recorded as of December 29, 2020 as the likelihood of default was deemed to be less than probable and the fair value of the guarantees is not considered significant.

    

Lease

    

Current Lease

 

Assignment Date

Term Expiration

 

Everett, Massachusetts (1)(2)

 

September 2002

 

February 2023

Longmont, Colorado (1)

 

October 2003

 

May 2029

Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania (1)

 

October 2004

 

March 2026

Fargo, North Dakota (1)

 

February 2006

 

July 2026

Logan, Utah (1)

 

January 2009

 

August 2024

Irving, Texas (3)

December 2013

December 2024

Louisville, Kentucky (3)(4)

December 2013

November 2023

(1)Real estate lease agreements for restaurant locations which we entered into before granting franchise rights to those restaurants. We have subsequently assigned the leases to the franchisees, but remain contingently liable, under the terms of the lease, if the franchisee defaults.
(2)As discussed in note 17 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements, this restaurant is owned in part by our founder.
(3)Leases associated with non-Texas Roadhouse restaurants which were sold. The leases were assigned to the acquirer, but we remain contingently liable under the terms of the lease if the acquirer defaults.
(4)We may be released from liability after the initial lease term expiration contingent upon certain conditions being met by the acquirer.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The above discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Our significant accounting policies are described in note 2 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Critical accounting policies are those that we believe are most important to portraying our financial condition and results of operations and also require the greatest amount of subjective or complex judgments by management. Judgments or uncertainties regarding the application of these policies may result in materially different amounts being reported under different conditions or using different assumptions. We consider the following policies to be the most critical in understanding the judgments that are involved in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

Impairment of Long-lived Assets. We evaluate long-lived assets related to each restaurant to be held and used in the business, such as property and equipment, operating lease right-of-use assets and intangible assets subject to amortization, for impairment whenever events and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a restaurant may not be recoverable. For the purposes of this evaluation, we define the asset group at the individual restaurant level. When we evaluate the restaurants, cash flows are the primary indicator of impairment. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by comparison of the carrying amount of the restaurant to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the restaurant. Under our policies, trailing 12-month cash flow results under a predetermined amount at the individual restaurant level signals a potential impairment. In our evaluation of restaurants that do not meet the cash flow threshold, we estimate future undiscounted cash flows from operating the restaurant over its estimated useful life, which can be a period of over 20 years. In the estimation of future cash flows, we consider the period of time the restaurant has been open, the trend of operations over such period and future periods and expectations for future sales growth. We limit assumptions about important factors such as trend of future operations and sales growth to those that are supportable based upon our plans for the restaurant and actual results at comparable restaurants. Both qualitative and quantitative information are considered when evaluating for potential impairments. As we assess the ongoing expected cash flows and carrying amounts of our long-lived assets, these factors could cause us to realize a material impairment charge.

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If assets are determined to be impaired, we measure the impairment charge by calculating the amount by which the asset carrying amount exceeds its estimated fair value. The determination of asset fair value is also subject to significant judgment. We generally measure estimated fair value by discounting estimated future cash flows. When fair value is measured by discounting estimated future cash flows, the assumptions used are consistent with what we believe hypothetical market participants would use. We also use a discount rate that is commensurate with the risk inherent in the projected cash flows. If these assumptions change in the future, we may be required to record impairment charges for these assets.

In 2020, as a result of our quarterly impairment analysis, we recorded a total charge of $1.2 million related to the impairment of the fixed assets and operating lease right-of-use assets at four restaurants, all of which have relocated or are scheduled to be relocated. See note 16 in the consolidated financial statements for further discussion regarding closures and impairments recorded in 2020, 2019 and 2018.

Goodwill. Goodwill is tested annually for impairment and is tested more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. We have assigned goodwill to our reporting units, which we consider to be the individual restaurant level. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit. The determination of impairment consists of two steps. First, we determine the fair value of the reporting unit and compare it to its carrying amount. The fair value of the reporting unit may be based on several valuation approaches including capitalization of earnings, discounted cash flows, comparable public company market multiples and comparable acquisition market multiples. Second, if the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill over the fair value of the reporting unit.

The valuation approaches used to determine fair value are subject to key judgments and assumptions that are sensitive to change such as judgments and assumptions about appropriate revenue growth rates, operating margins, weighted average cost of capital, and comparable company and acquisition market multiples. In estimating the fair value using the capitalization of earnings or discounted cash flows methods we consider the period of time the restaurant has been open, the trend of operations over such period and future periods, expectations of future sales growth and terminal value. Assumptions about important factors such as the trend of future operations and sales growth are limited to those that are supportable based upon the plans for the restaurant and actual results at comparable restaurants. When developing these key judgments and assumptions, we consider economic, operational and market conditions that could impact fair value. The judgments and assumptions used are consistent with what we believe hypothetical market participants would use. However, estimates are inherently uncertain and represent only our reasonable expectations regarding future developments. If the estimates used in performing the impairment test prove inaccurate, the fair value of the restaurants may ultimately prove to be significantly lower, thereby causing the carrying value to exceed the fair value and indicating impairment has occurred.

At December 29, 2020, we had 73 reporting units, primarily at the restaurant level, with allocated goodwill of $127.0 million. The average amount of goodwill associated with each reporting unit is $1.7 million with six reporting units having goodwill in excess of $4.0 million. In connection with our annual impairment analysis, we recorded an impairment charge of $1.1 million related to two restaurant reporting units. Since we determine the fair value of goodwill at the restaurant level, any significant decreases in cash flows at these restaurants or others could further trigger impairment charges in the future. The fair value of each of our reporting units, excluding the two in which we recorded impairment charges in the current year, was substantially in excess of their respective carrying values as of the 2020 goodwill impairment test. See note 16 in the consolidated financial statements for further discussion regarding closures and impairments recorded in 2020, 2019 and 2018.

Effects of Inflation

We have not operated in a period of high commodity inflation for the last several years; however, we have experienced material increases in certain commodity costs, specifically beef, in the past. In addition, a significant number of our employees are paid at rates related to the federal and/or state minimum or tipped wages and, accordingly, increases in minimum or tipped wages have increased our labor costs for the last several years. We have increased menu prices and made other adjustments over the past few years, in an effort to offset increases in our restaurant and operating costs resulting from inflation. Whether we are able and/or choose to continue to offset the effects of inflation will determine to what extent, if any, inflation affects our restaurant profitability in future periods.

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ITEM 7A—QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates on variable rate debt and changes in commodity prices. Our exposure to interest rate fluctuations is limited to our outstanding bank debt. On May 11, 2020, we amended the revolving credit facility to provide for an incremental revolving credit facility of up to $82.5 million and to modify the financial covenants through the end of our Q1 2021 fiscal quarter. The terms of the amended revolving credit facility require us to pay interest on outstanding borrowings at London Interbank Offering Rate ("LIBOR") plus a margin of 1.50% and to pay a commitment fee of 0.25% per year on any unused portion of the revolving credit facility through the end of our Q1 2021 fiscal quarter. The amendment also provides an Alternate Base Rate that may be substituted for LIBOR. Subsequent to our Q1 2021 fiscal quarter, we are required to pay interest on outstanding borrowings at LIBOR plus a margin of 0.875% to 2.25% and to pay a commitment fee of 0.125% to 0.40% depending on our consolidated net leverage ratio. As of December 29, 2020, we had $190.0 million outstanding on our amended credit agreement. This outstanding amount is included as long-term debt on our consolidated balance sheet.

The terms of the amendment also require us to pay interest on outstanding borrowings of the incremental revolving credit facility at LIBOR, which is subject to a floor of 1.0%, plus a margin of 2.25% and to pay a commitment fee of 0.50% per year on any unused portion of the incremental revolving credit facility through the maturity date. As of December 29, 2020, we had $50.0 million outstanding and $32.5 million of availability on the incremental revolving credit facility. This outstanding amount is included as current maturities of long-term debt on our consolidated balance sheet.

The weighted-average interest rate for the $240.0 million of combined borrowings on our revolving credit facility as of December 29, 2020 was 1.98%. Should interest rates based on these variable rate borrowings increase by one percentage point, our estimated annual interest expense would increase by $2.4 million.

In an effort to secure high quality, low cost ingredients used in the products sold in our restaurants, we employ various purchasing and pricing contract techniques. When purchasing certain types of commodities, we may be subject to prevailing market conditions resulting in unpredictable price volatility. For certain commodities, we may also enter into contracts for terms of one year or less that are either fixed price agreements or fixed volume agreements where the price is negotiated with reference to fluctuating market prices. We currently do not use financial instruments to hedge commodity prices, but we will continue to evaluate their effectiveness. Extreme and/or long term increases in commodity prices could adversely affect our future results, especially if we are unable, primarily due to competitive reasons, to increase menu prices. Additionally, if there is a time lag between the increasing commodity prices and our ability to increase menu prices or if we believe the commodity price increase to be short in duration and we choose not to pass on the cost increases, our short-term financial results could be negatively affected.

We are subject to business risk as our beef supply is highly dependent upon three vendors. If these vendors were unable to fulfill their obligations under their contracts, we may encounter supply shortages and incur higher costs to secure adequate supplies, any of which would harm our business.

ITEM 8—FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL DATA

See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements at Item 15.

ITEM 9—CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

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ITEM 9A—CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

We have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to, and as defined in, Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on the evaluation, performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer (the "CEO") and the Chief Financial Officer (the "CFO"), our management, including the CEO and CFO, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 29, 2020.

Changes in internal control

There were no significant changes to the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 29, 2020 that materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, our management is required to assess the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of the end of each fiscal year and report, based on that assessment, whether the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective.

Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. As defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f), internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by our Board of Directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Therefore, internal control over financial reporting determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and may not prevent or detect all misstatements.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our CEO and CFO, we assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of the end of the period covered by this report. In this assessment, the Company applied criteria based on the "Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013)" issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. These criteria are in the areas of control environment, risk assessment, control activities, information and communication, and monitoring. The Company’s assessment included documenting, evaluating and testing the design and operating effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting. Based upon this evaluation, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 29, 2020.

KPMG LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited our Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K, has also audited the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 29, 2020 as stated in their report at F-3.

ITEM 9B—OTHER INFORMATION

None.

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PART III

ITEM 10—DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Information regarding our directors is incorporated herein by reference to the information set forth under "Election of Directors" in our Definitive Proxy Statement to be dated on or about April 2, 2021.

Information regarding our executive officers has been included in Part I of this Annual Report under the caption "Executive Officers of the Company."

Information regarding our corporate governance is incorporated herein by reference to the information set forth in our Definitive Proxy Statement to be dated on or about April 2, 2021.

ITEM 11—EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Incorporated by reference from our Definitive Proxy Statement to be dated on or about April 2, 2021.

ITEM 12—SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Incorporated by reference from our Definitive Proxy Statement to be dated on or about April 2, 2021.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

As of December 29, 2020, shares of common stock authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans are summarized in the following table. See note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of the plans.

    

Shares to Be

    

Shares

 

Issued Upon

Available for

 

Plan Category

Vest Date (1)

Future Grants

 

Plans approved by stockholders

 

872,563

2,340,630

Plans not approved by stockholders

 

Total

 

872,563

2,340,630

(1)Total number of shares consists of 793,563 restricted stock units and 79,000 performance stock units. Shares in this column are excluded from the Shares Available for Future Grants column. No stock options were outstanding as of December 29, 2020.

ITEM 13—CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

Incorporated by reference from our Definitive Proxy Statement to be dated on or about April 2, 2021.

ITEM 14—PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

Incorporated by reference from our Definitive Proxy Statement to be dated on or about April 2, 2021.

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PART IV

ITEM 15—EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

1.

Consolidated Financial Statements

Description

Page Number
in Report

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

F-1

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 29, 2020 and December 31, 2019

F-5

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 29, 2020, December 31, 2019 and December 25, 2018

F-6

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 29, 2020, December 31, 2019 and December 25, 2018

F-7

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 29, 2020, December 31, 2019 and December 25, 2018

F-8

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

F-9

2.

Financial Statement Schedules

Omitted due to inapplicability or because required information is shown in our Consolidated Financial Statements or notes thereto.

3.

Exhibits

Exhibit
No.

Description

3.1

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 28, 2016) (File No. 000- 50972)

3.2

Bylaws of Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Registrant (File No. 333-115259))

4.1

Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of May 7, 2004, among Registrant and others (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Registrant (File No. 333-115259))

4.2

Description of Securities (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 (File No. 000-50972))

10.1

Form of Director and Executive Officer Indemnification Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Registrant (File No. 333-115259))

10.2

Form of Limited Partnership Agreement and Operating Agreement for certain company-managed Texas Roadhouse restaurants, including schedule of the owners of such restaurants and the aggregate interests held by directors, executive officers and 5% stockholders who are parties to such an agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Registrant (File No. 333-115259))

10.3

Form of Franchise Agreement and Preliminary Agreement for a Texas Roadhouse restaurant franchise, including schedule of directors, executive officers and 5% stockholders which have entered into either agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Registrant (File No. 333-115259))

10.4

Schedule of the owners of company-managed Texas Roadhouse restaurants and the aggregate interests held by directors, executive officers and 5% stockholders who are parties to Limited Partnership Agreements and Operating Agreements as of December 29, 2020 the form of which is set forth in Exhibit 10.2 of this Form 10-K

10.5

Schedule of the directors, executive officers and 5% stockholders which have entered into Franchise Agreements or Preliminary Agreements for a Texas Roadhouse Franchise as of December 29, 2020 the form of which is set forth in Exhibit 10.3 of this Form 10-K

10.6*

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Appendix A to the Texas Roadhouse, Inc. Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 5, 2013 (File No. 000-50972))

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Exhibit
No.

Description

10.7*

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award under the Texas Roadhouse, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 25, 2013 (File No. 000-50972))

10.8*

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. Cash Bonus Plan for cash incentive awards granted pursuant to the Texas Roadhouse, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 25, 2013 (File No. 000-50972))

10.9*

Employment Agreement between the Registrant and W. Kent Taylor entered into as of December 26, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 25, 2018 (File No. 000-50972))

10.10*

Employment Agreement between the Registrant and S. Chris Jacobsen entered into as of December 26, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 26, 2017 (File No. 000-50972))

10.11*

Form of Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Texas Roadhouse, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2015 (File No. 000-50972))

10.12*

Employment Agreement between Texas Roadhouse Management Corp. and Tonya Robinson entered into as of May 18, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 26, 2018 (File No. 000-50972))

10.13*

Employment Agreement between Texas Roadhouse Management Corp. and Doug Thompson entered into as of August 23, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 25, 2018 (File No. 000-50972))

10.14*

Amended and Restated Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Texas Roadhouse, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan for officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.40 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2014 (File No. 000-50972))

10.15*

Amended and Restated Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Texas Roadhouse, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan for non-officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.41 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2014 (File No. 000-50972))

10.16*

Second Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Plan of Texas Roadhouse Management Corp., as amended December 19, 2007 and December 31, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.42 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2014 (File No. 000-50972))

10.17*

Third Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Plan of Texas Roadhouse Management Corp., effective January 1, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.43 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2014 (File No. 000-50972))

10.18*

Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement under Texas Roadhouse, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.47 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2015 (File No. 000-50972))

10.19

Master Lease Agreement dated October 26, 2018 between Paragon Centre Holdings, LLC and Texas Roadhouse Holdings LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 25, 2018 (File No. 000-50972))

10.20

Consent Decree dated March 31, 2017, among Texas Roadhouse, Inc., Texas Roadhouse Holdings LLC, Texas Roadhouse Management Corp. and the EEOC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 31, 2017 (File No. 000-50972))

10.23

Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of August 7, 2017, by and among Texas Roadhouse Inc., and the lenders named therein and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 7, 2017 (File No. 000-50972))

10.24*

Consulting Agreement and General Release of Claims between Scott M. Colosi and Texas Roadhouse, Inc., Texas Roadhouse Holdings LLC and Texas Roadhouse Management Corp. entered into July 3, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 3, 2019 (File No. 000-50972))

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Exhibit
No.

Description

10.25*

Executive Transition and Consulting Agreement between Celia Catlett and Texas Roadhouse, Inc., Texas Roadhouse Holdings LLC and Texas Roadhouse Management Corp. entered into on August 21, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 21, 2019 (File No. 000-50972))

10.26

Assignment and Assumption Agreement between Texas Roadhouse Holdings LLC and Texas Roadhouse, Inc. dated October 26, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 (File No. 000-50972))

10.27

First Amendment to Paragon Centre Master Lease Agreement between Paragon Centre Holdings, LLC and Texas Roadhouse, Inc. dated December 13, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 (File No. 000-50972))

10.28*

First Amendment to 2018 Employment Agreement between Texas Roadhouse Management Corp. and W. Kent Taylor dated March 24, 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 the Registrant's Current Report on 8-K dated March 24, 2020 (File No. 000-50972))

10.29*

First Amendment to 2018 Employment Agreement between Texas Roadhouse Management Corp. and Doug Thompson dated April 6, 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on 8-K dated April 6, 2020 (File No. 000-50972))

10.30*

First Amendment to 2018 Employment Agreement between Texas Roadhouse Management Corp. and S. Chris Jacobsen dated April 6, 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on 8-K dated April 6, 2020 (File No. 000-50972))

10.31*

First Amendment to 2018 Employment Agreement between Texas Roadhouse Management Corp. and Tonya Robinson dated April 6, 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant's Current Report on 8-K dated April 6, 2020 (File No. 000-50972))

10.32

First Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of May 11, 2020, by and among Texas Roadhouse, Inc., and the lenders named therein and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on 8-K dated May 11, 2020 (File No. 000-50972))

10.33*

Employment Agreement between Registrant and Gerald L. Morgan entered into as of December 17, 2020

10.34*

Employment Agreement between Registrant and W. Kent Taylor entered into as of December 30, 2020

10.35*

Employment Agreement between Registrant and Doug Thompson entered into as of December 30, 2020

10.36*

Employment Agreement between Registrant and S. Chris Jacobsen entered into as of December 30, 2020

10.37*

Employment Agreement between Registrant and Tonya Robinson entered into as of December 30, 2020

21.1

List of Subsidiaries

23.1

Consent of KPMG LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

101

The following financial statements from the Texas Roadhouse, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2020, filed February 26, 2021, formatted in inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language (iXBRL): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (v) the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

104

Cover page, formatted in iXBRL and contained in Exhibit 101.

61

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*

Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit to Form 10-K.

ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY

Not applicable.

62

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

TEXAS ROADHOUSE, INC.

By:

/s/ W. Kent Taylor

W. Kent Taylor

Chairman of the Company, Chief Executive

Officer, Director

Date: February 26, 2021

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this Annual Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature

    

Title

    

Date

/s/ W. Kent Taylor

W. Kent Taylor

Chairman of the Company, Chief Executive Officer, Director
(Principal Executive Officer)

February 26, 2021

/s/ Tonya R. Robinson

Tonya R. Robinson

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

(Principal Accounting Officer)

February 26, 2021

/s/ Michael A. Crawford

Michael A. Crawford

Director

February 26, 2021

/s/ Gregory N. Moore

Gregory N. Moore

Director

February 26, 2021

/s/ Curtis A. Warfield

Director

February 26, 2021

Curtis A. Warfield

/s/ Kathleen M. Widmer

Kathleen M. Widmer

Director

February 26, 2021

/s/ James R. Zarley

James R. Zarley

Director

February 26, 2021

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
Texas Roadhouse, Inc.:

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 29, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 29, 2020, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 29, 2020 and December 31, 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 29, 2020, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 29, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated February 26, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Change in Accounting Principle

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, effective December 26, 2018, the Company changed its method of accounting for leases due to the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standard Codification Topic 842, Leases.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matter

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of a critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

Potential indicators of impairment of long-lived assets

As discussed in Notes 2 and 16 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company assesses long-lived assets, primarily related to restaurants held and used in the business, including property and equipment and

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Table of Contents

right-of-use assets, for potential impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a restaurant, or asset group, may not be recoverable. Trailing 12-month cash flows under predetermined amounts at the individual restaurant level are the Company’s primary indicator that the carrying amount of a restaurant may not be recoverable. Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, and the operating lease right-of-use asset, net as of December 29, 2020 were $1,088.6 million and $530.6 million, respectively.

We identified the assessment of the Company’s determination of potential indicators of impairment of long-lived assets as a critical audit matter. Subjective auditor judgement was required to evaluate the events or circumstances indicating the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable, including the determination of the cash flow thresholds, the utilization of the trailing 12-month cash flows to identify a potential impairment trigger, and the consideration of the impact of the pandemic on the Company’s cash flows.

The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls over the Company’s long-lived asset impairment process, including controls relating to determination and identification of potential indicators of impairment. We evaluated the Company’s methodology of using trailing 12-month cash flow results under predetermined thresholds at the individual restaurant level as a potential indicator of impairment. Specifically, we evaluated the Company’s assessment of the factors considered, including the cash flows at the individual restaurant level and the cash flow thresholds used in the Company’s analysis, as well as the impact of the pandemic. We tested that those restaurants with trailing 12-month cash flows were evaluated for potential impairment triggers and we compared the trailing 12-month cash flows to historical financial data. We also assessed other events and circumstances that could have been indicative of a potential impairment trigger by reviewing management’s development reports and related meeting minutes and the board of directors meeting minutes.

/s/ KPMG LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1998.

Louisville, Kentucky
February 26, 2021

F-2

Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
Texas Roadhouse, Inc.:

Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

We have audited Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 29, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 29, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 29, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 29, 2020, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements), and our report dated February 26, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become

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inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Louisville, Kentucky
February 26, 2021

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Table of Contents

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

    

 

December 29, 2020

December 31, 2019

 

Assets

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

363,155

$

107,879

Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $11 at December 29, 2020 and $12 at December 31, 2019

 

98,418

 

99,305

Inventories, net

 

22,364

 

20,267

Prepaid income taxes

 

4,502

 

2,015

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

22,212

 

18,433

Total current assets

 

510,651

 

247,899

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $763,700 at December 29, 2020 and $678,988 at December 31, 2019

 

1,088,623

 

1,056,563

Operating lease right-of-use assets, net

530,625

499,801

Goodwill

 

127,001

 

124,748

Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $14,341 at December 29, 2020 and $14,141 at December 31, 2019

 

2,271

 

1,234

Other assets

 

65,990

 

53,320

Total assets

$

2,325,161

$

1,983,565

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

Current liabilities:

Current portion of operating lease liabilities

$

19,271

$

17,263

Current maturities of long-term debt

50,000

Accounts payable

66,977

61,653

Deferred revenue-gift cards

 

232,812

 

209,258

Accrued wages and payroll taxes

 

51,982

 

39,699

Income taxes payable

2,859

Accrued taxes and licenses

 

24,751

 

30,433

Other accrued liabilities

 

57,666

 

58,914

Total current liabilities

 

506,318

 

417,220

Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion

572,171

538,710

Long-term debt

 

190,000

 

Restricted stock and other deposits

 

7,481

 

8,249

Deferred tax liabilities, net

 

2,802

 

22,695

Other liabilities

 

103,338

 

65,522

Total liabilities

 

1,382,110

 

1,052,396

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and subsidiaries stockholders’ equity:

Preferred stock ($0.001 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding)

 

 

Common stock ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 69,561,861 and 69,400,252 shares issued and outstanding at December 29, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively)

 

70

 

69

Additional paid-in-capital

 

145,626

 

140,501

Retained earnings

 

781,915

 

775,649

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(106)

 

(225)

Total Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and subsidiaries stockholders’ equity

 

927,505

 

915,994

Noncontrolling interests

 

15,546

 

15,175

Total equity

 

943,051

 

931,169

Total liabilities and equity

$

2,325,161

$

1,983,565

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Table of Contents

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income

(in thousands, except per share data)

Fiscal Year Ended

 

December 29,

    

December 31,

    

December 25,

 

    

 

2020

2019

2018

 

Revenue:

Restaurant and other sales

$

2,380,177

$

2,734,177

$

2,437,115

Franchise royalties and fees

17,946

21,986

20,334

Total revenue

 

2,398,123

 

2,756,163

 

2,457,449

Costs and expenses:

Restaurant operating costs (excluding depreciation and amortization shown separately below):

Food and beverage

 

780,646

 

883,357

 

795,300

Labor

 

875,764

 

905,614

 

793,384

Rent

 

54,401

 

52,531

 

48,791

Other operating

 

403,726

 

418,448

 

375,477

Pre-opening

 

20,099

 

20,156

 

19,051

Depreciation and amortization

 

117,877

 

115,544

 

101,216

Impairment and closure, net

 

2,263

 

(899)

 

278

General and administrative

 

119,503

 

149,389

 

136,163

Total costs and expenses

 

2,374,279

 

2,544,140

 

2,269,660

Income from operations

 

23,844

 

212,023

 

187,789

Interest expense (income), net

 

4,091

 

(1,514)

 

591

Equity (loss) income from investments in unconsolidated affiliates

 

(500)

 

378

 

1,353

Income before taxes

19,253

213,915

188,551

Income tax (benefit) expense

 

(15,672)

 

32,397

 

24,257

Net income including noncontrolling interests

34,925

181,518

164,294

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

3,670

 

7,066

 

6,069

Net income attributable to Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and subsidiaries

$

31,255

$

174,452

$

158,225

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of ($40), ($1) and $53, respectively

119

3

(189)

Total comprehensive income

$

31,374

$

174,455

$

158,036

Net income per common share attributable to Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and subsidiaries:

Basic

$

0.45

$

2.47

$

2.21

Diluted

$

0.45

$

2.46

$

2.20

Weighted average shares outstanding:

Basic

 

69,438

 

70,509

 

71,467

Diluted

 

69,893

 

70,916

 

71,964

Cash dividends declared per share

$

0.36

$

1.20

$

1.00

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

F-6

Table of Contents

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)

    

    

    

    

    

Accumulated

    

Total Texas

    

    

 

Additional

Other

Roadhouse, Inc.

 

Par

Paid-in-

Retained

Comprehensive

and

Noncontrolling

 

Shares

Value

Capital

Earnings

Loss

Subsidiaries

Interests

Total

 

Balance, December 26, 2017

 

71,168,897

$

71

$

236,548

$

602,499

$

(39)

$

839,079

$

12,312

$

851,391

Net income

 

 

 

 

158,225

 

 

158,225

 

6,069

 

164,294

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

(189)

 

(189)

 

 

(189)

Noncontrolling interests contribution

2,551

2,551

Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(5,746)

 

(5,746)

Acquisition of noncontrolling interest

(75)

(75)

(47)

(122)

Contribution from executive officer

1,000

1,000

1,000

Dividends declared ($1.00 per share)

 

 

 

 

(71,509)

 

 

(71,509)

 

 

(71,509)

Shares issued under share-based compensation plans including tax effects

 

684,804

 

1

 

(1)

 

 

 

 

 

Indirect repurchase of shares for minimum tax withholdings

 

(236,191)

 

 

(14,067)

 

 

 

(14,067)

 

 

(14,067)

Cumulative effect of adoption of ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, net of tax

(878)

(878)

(878)

Share-based compensation

 

 

 

33,983

 

 

 

33,983

 

 

33,983

Balance, December 25, 2018

 

71,617,510

$

72

$

257,388

$

688,337

$

(228)

$

945,569

$

15,139

$

960,708

Net income

 

 

 

 

174,452

 

 

174,452

 

7,066

 

181,518

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

3

3

3

Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(6,357)

 

(6,357)

Acquisition of noncontrolling interest and other

(70)

(70)

(673)

(743)

Dividends declared ($1.20 per share)

 

 

 

 

(84,462)

 

 

(84,462)

 

 

(84,462)

Shares issued under share-based compensation plans including tax effects

 

617,395

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Indirect repurchase of shares for minimum tax withholdings

 

(209,408)

 

 

(12,471)

 

 

 

(12,471)

 

 

(12,471)

Repurchase of shares of common stock

(2,625,245)

(3)

(139,846)

(139,849)

(139,849)

Cumulative effect of adoption of ASC 842, Leases, net of tax

(2,678)

(2,678)

(2,678)

Share-based compensation

 

 

 

35,500

 

 

 

35,500

 

 

35,500

Balance, December 31, 2019

 

69,400,252

$

69

$

140,501

$

775,649

$

(225)

$

915,994

$

15,175

$

931,169

Net income

 

 

 

 

31,255

 

 

31,255

 

3,670

 

34,925

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

119

119

119

Noncontrolling interests contribution

133

133

Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3,432)

 

(3,432)

Dividends declared ($0.36 per share)

 

 

 

 

(24,989)

 

 

(24,989)

 

 

(24,989)

Shares issued under share-based compensation plans including tax effects

 

615,181

 

1

 

(1)

 

 

 

 

 

Indirect repurchase of shares for minimum tax withholdings

 

(201,163)

 

 

(11,684)

 

 

 

(11,684)

 

 

(11,684)

Repurchase of shares of common stock

(252,409)

(12,621)

(12,621)

(12,621)

Share-based compensation

 

 

 

29,431

 

 

 

29,431

 

 

29,431

Balance, December 29, 2020

 

69,561,861

$

70

$

145,626

$

781,915

$

(106)

$

927,505

$

15,546

$

943,051

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

F-7

Table of Contents

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands)

December 29,

    

December 31,

    

December 25,

 

    

2020

2019

2018

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net income including noncontrolling interests

$

34,925

$

181,518

$

164,294

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization

 

117,877

 

115,544

 

101,216

Deferred income taxes

 

(19,932)

 

6,335

 

12,319

Loss on disposition of assets

 

3,144

 

5,885

 

6,008

Impairment and closure costs

 

2,290

 

(1,283)

 

105

Contribution from executive officer

1,000

Equity loss (income) from investments in unconsolidated affiliates

 

500

 

(378)

 

(1,353)

Distributions of income received from investments in unconsolidated affiliates

 

329

 

1,837

 

656

Provision for doubtful accounts

 

(1)

 

(22)

 

(9)

Share-based compensation expense

 

29,431

 

35,500

 

33,983

Changes in operating working capital:

Receivables

 

1,058

 

(5,774)

 

(15,597)

Inventories

 

(2,017)

 

(1,414)

 

(2,495)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

(2,133)

 

(2,049)

 

(3,023)

Other assets

 

(12,698)

 

(12,823)

 

(4,290)

Accounts payable

 

490

 

407

 

8,882

Deferred revenue—gift cards

 

23,458

 

16,991

 

35,519

Accrued wages and payroll taxes

 

12,283

 

5,540

 

4,481

Prepaid income taxes and income taxes payable

 

372

 

5,554

 

(8,581)

Accrued taxes and licenses

 

(5,700)

 

5,802

 

2,634

Other accrued liabilities

 

4,099

 

(3,773)

 

7,569

Operating lease right-of-use assets and lease liabilities

 

4,635

 

5,826

 

Deferred rent

5,938

Other liabilities

 

38,028

 

15,075

 

3,612

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

230,438

 

374,298

 

352,868

Cash flows from investing activities:

Capital expenditures—property and equipment

 

(154,401)

 

(214,340)

 

(155,980)

Acquisition of franchise restaurants, net of cash acquired

(10,580)

(1,536)

(2,165)

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

1,709

1,056

Proceeds from sale leaseback transaction

 

2,167

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(161,105)

 

(214,820)

 

(158,145)

Cash flows from financing activities:

Proceeds from revolving credit facility

240,000

Debt issuance costs

(641)

Proceeds from noncontrolling interest contribution

133

2,551

Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders

 

(3,432)

 

(6,357)

 

(5,746)

Acquisition of noncontrolling interest

(743)

(122)

(Repayments) proceeds from restricted stock and other deposits, net

 

(823)

 

62

 

418

Indirect repurchase of shares for minimum tax withholdings

 

(11,684)

 

(12,471)

 

(14,067)

Repurchase of shares of common stock

(12,621)

(139,849)

Principal payments on long-term debt

(50,000)

Dividends paid to shareholders

 

(24,989)

 

(102,366)

 

(68,550)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

185,943

 

(261,724)

 

(135,516)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

255,276

 

(102,246)

 

59,207

Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period

 

107,879

 

210,125

 

150,918

Cash and cash equivalents—end of period

$

363,155

$

107,879

$

210,125

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized

$

3,890

$

738

$

896

Income taxes paid

$

3,776

$

20,440

$

20,519

Capital expenditures included in current liabilities

$

14,808

$

15,416

$

7,332

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

F-8

Table of Contents

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

(1) Description of Business

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Texas Roadhouse, Inc. ("TRI"), our wholly-owned subsidiaries and subsidiaries in which we have a controlling interest (collectively, the "Company," "we," "our" and/or "us") as of December 29, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 29, 2020.

As of December 29, 2020, we owned and operated 537 restaurants and franchised an additional 97 restaurants in 49 states and ten foreign countries. Of the 537 company restaurants that were operating at December 29, 2020, 517 were wholly-owned and 20 were majority-owned. Of the 97 franchise restaurants, 69 were domestic and 28 were international restaurants.

As of December 31, 2019, we owned and operated 514 restaurants and franchised an additional 97 restaurants in 49 states and ten foreign countries. Of the 514 company restaurants that were operating at December 31, 2019, 494 were wholly-owned and 20 were majority-owned. Of the 97 franchise restaurants, 69 were domestic and 28 were international restaurants.

Risks and Uncertainties

The Company is subject to risks and uncertainties as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic (the "pandemic"). On March 13, 2020, the pandemic was declared a National Public Health Emergency. Shortly after the national emergency declaration, state and local officials began placing restrictions on restaurants, some of which allowed To-Go or curbside service only while others limited capacity in the dining room. By late March all of our domestic company and franchise restaurants were under state or local order which only allowed for To-Go or curbside service. Beginning in early May 2020, state and local guidelines began to allow dining rooms to re-open, typically at a limited capacity. While all of our dining rooms were able to re-open in some capacity, many were required to close again in areas more severely impacted by the pandemic. As of December 29, 2020, 82% of our company restaurants had their dining rooms operating under various limited capacity restrictions. Our remaining restaurants were limited to outdoor and/or To-Go or curbside service only.

In response to the impact of the pandemic on our restaurant operations, we have developed a hybrid operating model that accommodates our limited capacity dining rooms together with enhanced To-Go, which includes a curbside and/or drive-up operating model, as permitted by local guidelines. This includes design changes to our building to better accommodate the increased To-Go sales and the expansion of outdoor seating areas where allowed. We also have installed booth partitions in all of our restaurants as an added safety measure for our guests. In addition, we have increased our already strict sanitation requirements, are conducting daily health and temperature checks for all employees before they begin their shift and are requiring personal protective equipment to be worn by all restaurant employees at all times. As we work through the local regulations at each of our locations, the safety of our employees and guests remains our top priority.

As a result of the dining room restrictions and temporary closures, we have experienced a significant decrease in traffic which has impacted our operating results. While the majority of our dining rooms have re-opened, a significant portion continue to operate under capacity restrictions that severely limit the number of guests we can serve. In addition, while we have seen significant sales growth in our To-Go program, even with dining rooms re-opened, we currently do not expect these sales will generate a similar profit margin and cash flows to our normal operating model. We expect our operating results to continue to be impacted until at least such time that all state and local restrictions are lifted, and our dining rooms can operate at full capacity. We cannot predict how long the pandemic will last, how long it will take until all state and local restrictions will be lifted, or the extent to which our dining rooms will have to close again. In addition, we cannot predict the overall impact on the economy or consumer spending habits. The extent of these dining room restrictions and temporary closures will determine the significance of the impact to our financial condition, financial results, and liquidity in future periods. In addition, significant items subject to estimates and assumptions including the carrying amount of property and equipment, goodwill, and lease related assets could be impacted.

F-9

Table of Contents

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

(2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

(a) Principles of Consolidation

As of December 29, 2020 and December 31, 2019, we owned a 5.0% to 10.0% equity interest in 24 restaurants. Additionally, as of December 29, 2020 and December 31, 2019, we owned a 40% equity interest in four non-Texas Roadhouse restaurants as part of a joint venture agreement with a casual dining restaurant operator in China. The unconsolidated restaurants are accounted for using the equity method. Our investments in these unconsolidated affiliates are included in other assets in our consolidated balance sheets, and we record our percentage share of net income earned by these unconsolidated affiliates in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income under equity (loss) income from investments in unconsolidated affiliates. All significant intercompany balances and transactions for these unconsolidated restaurants as well as the entities whose accounts have been consolidated have been eliminated.

(b) Fiscal Year

We utilize a 52 or 53 week accounting period that typically ends on the last Tuesday in December. We utilize a 13 week accounting period for quarterly reporting purposes, except in years containing 53 weeks when the fourth quarter contains 14 weeks. Fiscal years 2020 and 2018 were 52 weeks in length and fiscal year 2019 was 53 weeks in length. In fiscal year 2019, the 53rd week added $59.0 million to restaurant and other sales and $0.10 to $0.11 to diluted earnings per share in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

(c) Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid debt instruments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents also included receivables from credit card companies, which amounted to $18.1 million and $22.4 million at December 29, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, because the balances are settled within two to three business days.

(d) Receivables

Receivables consist principally of amounts due from retail gift card providers, certain franchise restaurants for reimbursement of labor costs, pre-opening and other expenses, and franchise restaurants for royalty fees.

Receivables are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts is our best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in our existing accounts receivable. We determine the allowance based on historical write-off experience. We review our allowance for doubtful accounts quarterly. Past due balances over 120 days are reviewed individually for collectability. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote.

(e) Inventories

Inventories, consisting principally of food, beverages and supplies, are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or net realizable value.

(f) Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost. Expenditures for major renewals and betterments are capitalized while expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is computed on property and equipment, including assets located on leased properties, over the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the related assets or the underlying lease term using the straight-line method. In most cases, assets on leased properties are depreciated over a period of time which includes both the initial term of the lease and one or more option periods. See note 2(g) for further discussion of leases.

F-10

Table of Contents

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

The estimated useful lives are:

Land improvements

    

10 - 25 years

 

Buildings and leasehold improvements

 

10 - 25 years

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

 

3 - 10 years

The cost of purchasing transferable liquor licenses through open markets in jurisdictions with a limited number of authorized liquor licenses are capitalized as indefinite-lived assets and included in Property and equipment, net.

Repairs and maintenance expense amounted to $25.2 million, $27.9 million and $29.7 million for the years ended December 29, 2020, December 31, 2019 and December 25, 2018, respectively. These costs are included in other operating costs in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

(g) Leases

We lease land and/or buildings for the majority of our restaurants under non-cancelable lease agreements which have initial terms and one or more option periods.  In addition, certain of these leases contain pre-determined fixed escalations of the minimum rent over the lease term.

Beginning in 2019 with the adoption of ASC 842, Leases, we recognize operating lease right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities for these leases based on the present value of the lease payments over the lease term.  In addition, for those leases with fixed escalations, we recognize the related rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.  See note 8 for further discussion of leases. 

(h) Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of cost over fair value of assets of businesses acquired. In accordance with the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other ("ASC 350"), we perform tests to assess potential impairments at the reporting unit level, which we define as the individual restaurant level.  These tests are performed on an annual basis, or sooner if an event or other circumstance indicates that goodwill may be impaired.  Prior to 2019, this annual assessment occurred at the end of each fiscal year.  In 2019, we changed the annual assessment date to the beginning of our fourth quarter.  As our primary indicator of impairment is a decrease in cash flows and because we have a significant number of reporting units with goodwill, an earlier evaluation date allows us to more timely identify potential impairments.  This change was not due to any goodwill impairment concerns within any of our reporting units. In addition, we determined this did not represent a material change to a method of applying an accounting principle. 

The determination of impairment consists of two steps. First, we determine the fair value of the reporting unit and compare it to its carrying amount. The fair value of the reporting unit may be based on several valuation approaches including capitalization of earnings, discounted cash flows, comparable public company market multiples and comparable acquisition market multiples. Second, if the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the reporting unit.

The valuation approaches used to determine fair value are subject to key judgments and assumptions that are sensitive to change such as judgments and assumptions about appropriate revenue growth rates, operating margins, weighted average cost of capital and comparable company and acquisition market multiples. In estimating the fair value using the capitalization of earnings method or discounted cash flows, we consider the period of time the restaurant has been open, the trend of operations over such period and future periods, expectations of future sales growth and terminal value. Assumptions about important factors such as the trend of future operations and sales growth are limited to those that are supportable based upon the plans for the restaurant and actual results at comparable restaurants. When developing these key judgments and assumptions, we consider economic, operational and market conditions that could impact fair value. The judgments and assumptions used are consistent with what we believe hypothetical market

F-11

Table of Contents

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

participants would use. However, estimates are inherently uncertain and represent only our reasonable expectations regarding future developments. If the estimates used in performing the impairment test prove inaccurate, the fair value of the restaurants may ultimately prove to be significantly lower, thereby causing the carrying value to exceed the fair value and resulting in an impairment.

In 2020, as a result of our annual goodwill impairment analysis, we recorded goodwill impairment of $1.1 million related to two reporting units. In 2019 and 2018, we determined that there was no goodwill impairment. Refer to note 7 for additional information related to goodwill and intangible assets.

(i) Other Assets

Other assets consist primarily of deferred compensation plan assets, investments in unconsolidated affiliates and deposits. For further discussion of the deferred compensation plan, see note 15.

(j) Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets

In accordance with ASC 360, Property, Plant and Equipment, long-lived assets related to each restaurant to be held and used in the business, such as property and equipment, operating lease right-of-use assets and intangible assets subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a restaurant may not be recoverable. For the purposes of this evaluation, we define the asset group at the individual restaurant level. When we evaluate the restaurants, cash flows are the primary indicator of impairment. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the restaurant to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the restaurant. Under our policies, trailing 12-month cash flow results under a predetermined amount at the individual restaurant level signals potential impairment. In our evaluation of restaurants that do not meet the cash flow threshold, we estimate future undiscounted cash flows from operating the restaurant over its estimated useful life, which can be for a period of over 20 years. In the estimation of future cash flows, we consider the period of time the restaurant has been open, the trend of operations over such period and future periods and expectations of future sales growth. Assumptions about important factors such as the trend of future operations and sales growth are limited to those that are supportable based upon the plans for the restaurant and actual results at comparable restaurants. If the carrying amount of the restaurant exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value of the assets. We generally measure fair value by discounting estimated future cash flows. When fair value is measured by discounting estimated future cash flows, the assumptions used are consistent with what we believe hypothetical market participants would use. We also use a discount rate that is commensurate with the risk inherent in the projected cash flows. The adjusted carrying amounts of assets to be held and used are depreciated over their remaining useful life. See note 16 for further discussion of amounts recorded as part of our impairment analysis.

(k) Insurance Reserves

We self-insure a significant portion of expected losses under our health, workers’ compensation, general liability, employment practices liability, and property insurance programs. We purchase insurance for individual claims that exceed the retention amounts listed below:

Employment practices liability/Class Action

    

$500,000

/

$2,500,000

 

Workers' compensation

$350,000

General liability

$1,000,000

Property

$250,000

Employee healthcare

$350,000

We record a liability for unresolved claims and for an estimate of incurred but not reported claims based on historical experience. The estimated liability is based on a number of assumptions and factors regarding economic

F-12

Table of Contents

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

conditions, the frequency and severity of claims and claim development history and settlement practices. Our assumptions are reviewed, monitored, and adjusted when warranted by changing circumstances.

(l) Segment Reporting

We consider our restaurant and franchising operations as similar and have aggregated them into a single reportable segment. The majority of the restaurants operate in the U.S. within the casual dining segment of the restaurant industry, providing similar products to similar customers. The restaurants also possess similar pricing structures, resulting in similar long-term expected financial performance characteristics. As of December 29, 2020, we operated 537 restaurants, each as a single operating segment, and franchised an additional 97 restaurants. Revenue from external customers is derived principally from food and beverage sales. We do not rely on any major customers as a source of revenue.

(m) Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue from restaurant sales when food and beverage products are sold. Deferred revenue primarily represents our liability for gift cards that have been sold, but not yet redeemed. When the gift cards are redeemed, we recognize restaurant sales and reduce deferred revenue. We also recognize revenue from our franchising of Texas Roadhouse restaurants. This includes franchise royalties, initial and upfront franchise fees, fees paid to our domestic marketing and advertising fund, and fees for supervisory and administrative services.

We recognize revenue in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers.  This ASC requires an entity to allocate the transaction price received from customers to each separate and distinct performance obligation and recognize revenue as these performance obligations are satisfied.  We recognize sales-based royalties as franchise restaurant sales occur. For initial and upfront franchise fees from international development agreements, because the services we provide related to these fees do not contain separate and distinct performance obligations from the franchise right, these fees are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the associated franchise agreement. For further discussion of revenue, see note 3.

(n) Income Taxes

We account for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes, under which deferred assets and liabilities are recognized based upon anticipated future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying values of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. We recognize both interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits as part of income tax expense. A valuation allowance is established to reduce the carrying value of deferred tax assets if it is considered more likely than not that such assets will not be realized. Any change in the valuation allowance would be charged to income in the period such determination was made. For all years presented, no valuation allowances have been recorded.

(o) Advertising

We have a domestic system-wide marketing and advertising fund. We maintain control of the marketing and advertising fund and, as such, have consolidated the fund’s activity for all the years presented. Domestic company and franchise restaurants are required to remit a designated portion of sales, currently 0.3%, to the advertising fund. Advertising contributions related to company restaurants are recorded as a component of other operating costs. Advertising contributions received from our franchisees are recorded as a component of franchise royalties and fees in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

Other costs related to local restaurant area marketing initiatives are included in other operating costs in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. These costs and the company restaurant contribution amounted to $13.8 million, $18.3 million and $17.1 million for the years ended December 29, 2020, December 31, 2019 and December 25, 2018, respectively.

F-13

Table of Contents

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

(p) Pre-opening Expenses

Pre-opening expenses, which are charged to operations as incurred, consist of expenses incurred before the opening of a new or relocated restaurant and are comprised principally of opening team and training team compensation and benefits, travel expenses, rent, food, beverage and other initial supplies and expenses.

(q) Use of Estimates

We have made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reporting of revenue and expenses during the period to prepare these consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the carrying amount of property and equipment, goodwill, obligations related to insurance reserves, leases and leasehold improvements, legal reserves, gift card breakage and third party fees and income taxes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

(r) Comprehensive Income

ASC 220, Comprehensive Income, establishes standards for reporting and the presentation of comprehensive income and its components in a full set of financial statements. Comprehensive income consists of net income and foreign currency translation adjustments which are excluded from net income under GAAP. Foreign currency translation adjustment represents the unrealized impact of translating the financial statements of our foreign investment. This amount is not included in net income and would only be realized upon the disposition of our investment.

(s) Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair value is defined as the price that we would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. We use a three-tier fair value hierarchy based upon observable and non-observable inputs that prioritizes the information used to develop our assumptions regarding fair value. Fair value measurements are separately disclosed by level within the fair value hierarchy. Refer to note 15 for further discussion of fair value measurement.

(t) Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Financial Instruments

(Accounting Standards Update 2016-13, "ASU 2016-13")

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which requires measurement and recognition of expected versus incurred losses for financial assets held.  We adopted ASU 2016-13 as of the beginning of our 2020 fiscal year.  The adoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

F-14

Table of Contents

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

Goodwill

(Accounting Standards Update 2017-04, "ASU 2017-04")

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairment and is expected to reduce the cost and complexity of accounting for goodwill.  ASU 2017-04 removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation.  Instead, goodwill impairment will be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of the goodwill.  We adopted ASU 2017-04 as of the beginning of our 2020 fiscal year. The adoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Fair Value Measurement

(Accounting Standards Update 2018-13, "ASU 2018-13")

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement, which changes disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. We adopted ASU 2018-13 as of the beginning of our 2020 fiscal year. The adoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Income Taxes

(Accounting Standards Update 2019-12, "ASU 2019-12")

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes, which removes certain exceptions related to the approach for intraperiod tax allocations, the calculation of income taxes in interim periods, and the recognition of deferred taxes for investments. This guidance also simplifies aspects of accounting for recognizing deferred taxes for taxable goodwill. ASU 2019-12 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 (our 2021 fiscal year) and for interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted. We are currently assessing the impact of this new standard on our consolidated financial statements.

Reference Rate Reform

(Accounting Standards Update 2020-04, "ASU 2020-04")

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting, which provides temporary optional expedients and exceptions to the current guidance on contract modifications and hedge accounting. These changes are intended to simplify the market transition from the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates. This guidance is effective upon issuance to modifications made as early as the beginning of the interim period through December 31, 2022. We are currently assessing the impact of this new standard on our consolidated financial statements.

(3) Revenue

The following table disaggregates our revenue by major source (in thousands):

Fiscal Year Ended

December 29, 2020

December 31, 2019

December 25, 2018

Restaurant and other sales

$

2,380,177

$

2,734,177

$

2,437,115

Franchise royalties

15,542

19,445

17,443

Franchise fees

2,404

2,541

2,891

Total revenue

$

2,398,123

$

2,756,163

$

2,457,449

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Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

Restaurant sales include the sale of food and beverage products to our customers. We recognize this revenue when the products are sold. All sales taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are accounted for on a net basis and therefore are excluded from revenue in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

Other sales include the amortization of gift card breakage and fees associated with third party gift card sales. We record deferred revenue for gift cards that have been sold but not yet redeemed. When the gift cards are redeemed, we recognize restaurant sales and reduce deferred revenue. For some of the gift cards that are sold, the likelihood of redemption is remote. When the likelihood of a gift card's redemption is determined to be remote, we record a breakage adjustment and reduce deferred revenue by the amount never expected to be redeemed. We use historic gift card redemption patterns to determine when the likelihood of a gift card's redemption becomes remote and have determined that 4% of the value of the gift cards sold by the Company and our third party retailers will never be redeemed. This breakage adjustment is recorded consistent with the historic redemption pattern of the associated gift card or on actual redemptions in periods where redemptions do not align with historic redemption patterns. In addition, we incur fees on all gift cards that are sold through third party retailers. These fees are also deferred and recorded consistent with the historic redemption pattern of the associated gift cards or on actual redemptions in periods where redemptions do not align with historic redemption patterns. For the years ended December 29, 2020 and December 31, 2019, we recognized gift card fees, net of gift card breakage income, of $6.8 million and $9.1 million, respectively. Total deferred revenue related to our gift cards is included in deferred revenue-gift cards in our consolidated balance sheets and includes the full value of unredeemed gift cards less the amortized portion of the breakage rates and the unamortized portion of third party fees. As of December 29, 2020 and December 31, 2019, our deferred revenue balance related to gift cards was $232.8 million and $209.3 million, respectively. This change was primarily due to the sale of additional gift cards partially offset by the redemption of gift cards. We recognized restaurant sales of $115.5 million for the year ended December 29, 2020 related to the amount in deferred revenue as of December 31, 2019. We recognized restaurant sales of $135.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 related to the amount in deferred revenue as of December 25, 2018.

Franchise royalties include continuing fees received from our franchising of Texas Roadhouse restaurants. We execute franchise agreements for each franchise restaurant which sets out the terms of our arrangement with the franchisee. These agreements require the franchisee to pay ongoing royalties of generally 4.0% of gross sales from our domestic franchisees, along with royalties paid to us by our international franchisees. Franchise royalties are recognized as revenue as the corresponding franchise restaurant sales occur.

Franchise fees are all remaining fees from our franchisees including initial fees, upfront fees from international agreements, fees paid to our domestic marketing and advertising fund, and fees for supervisory and administrative services. Our franchise agreements typically require the franchisee to pay an initial, non-refundable fee. Subject to our approval and payment of a renewal fee, a franchisee may generally renew the franchise agreement upon its expiration. These initial fees and renewal fees are deferred and recognized over the term of the agreement. We also enter into area development agreements for the development of international Texas Roadhouse restaurants. Upfront fees from development agreements are deferred and recognized on a pro-rata basis over the term of the individual restaurant franchise agreement as restaurants under the development agreement are opened. Our domestic franchise agreement also requires our franchisees to remit 0.3% of sales to our system-wide marketing and advertising fund. These amounts are recognized as revenue as the corresponding franchise restaurant sales occur. Finally, we perform supervisory and administrative services for certain franchise restaurants for which we receive management fees, which are recognized as the services are performed. Total deferred revenue related to our franchise agreements is included in other liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets and was $1.9 million as of December 29, 2020 and December 31, 2019. We recognized revenue of $0.4 million and $0.3 million for the years ended December 29, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, related to the amounts in deferred revenue as of December 31, 2019 and December 25, 2018, respectively.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

(4) Acquisitions

In late 2020, we separately acquired two franchise restaurants. Pursuant to the terms of the acquisition agreements, we paid a total purchase price of $10.6 million. These transactions were accounted for using the purchase method as defined in ASC 805, Business Combinations ("ASC 805"). These acquisitions generated goodwill of $3.3 million, which is not amortizable for book purposes, but is deductible for tax purposes. We also acquired an intangible reacquired franchise right asset of $1.6 million which will be amortized over 3.4 years based on the remaining term of the franchise agreement.

In late 2019, we acquired one franchise restaurant which was subsequently relocated. Pursuant to the terms of the acquisition agreement, we paid a total purchase price of $1.5 million and accounted for this transaction using the purchase method as defined in ASC 805. This acquisition generated goodwill of $1.5 million, which is not amortizable for book purposes, but is deductible for tax purposes.

These acquisitions are consistent with our long-term strategy to increase net income and earnings per share. Pro forma results of operations and revenue and earnings for the years ended December 29, 2020 and December 31, 2019 have not been presented because the effect of the acquisitions was not material to our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

(5) Long-term Debt

On August 7, 2017, we entered into the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Amended Credit Agreement") with respect to our revolving credit facility with a syndicate of commercial lenders led by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., PNC Bank, N.A., and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. The amended revolving credit facility remains an unsecured, revolving credit agreement under which we may borrow up to $200.0 million with the option to increase the amended revolving credit facility by an additional $200.0 million subject to certain limitations, including approval by the syndicate of lenders.  On May 11, 2020, we amended the revolving credit facility to provide for an incremental revolving credit facility of up to $82.5 million. This amount reduced the additional $200.0 million that was available under the revolving credit facility. The maturity date for the incremental revolving credit facility is May 10, 2021. The maturity date for the original revolving credit facility remains August 5, 2022.

 

The terms of the amendment require us to pay interest on outstanding borrowings of the original revolving credit facility at the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus a margin of 1.50% and to pay a commitment fee of 0.25% per year on any unused portion of the amended revolving credit facility through the end of our Q1 2021 fiscal quarter. The amendment also provides an Alternate Base Rate that may be substituted for LIBOR. Subsequent to our Q1 2021 fiscal quarter, we are required to pay interest on outstanding borrowings at LIBOR plus a margin of 0.875% to 2.25% and to pay a commitment fee of 0.125% to 0.40% depending on our consolidated net leverage ratio. As of December 29, 2020, we had $190.0 million outstanding on the original revolving credit facility and $1.8 million of availability, net of $8.2 million of outstanding letters of credit. This outstanding amount is included as long-term debt on our consolidated balance sheet.

The terms of the amendment also require us to pay interest on outstanding borrowings of the incremental revolving credit facility at LIBOR, which is subject to a floor of 1.0%, plus a margin of 2.25% and to pay a commitment fee of 0.50% per year on any unused portion of the incremental revolving credit facility through the maturity date. As of December 29, 2020, we had $50.0 million outstanding and $32.5 million of availability on the incremental revolving credit facility. This outstanding amount is included as current maturities of long-term debt on our consolidated balance sheet.

The weighted-average interest rate for the $240.0 million of combined borrowings on our revolving credit facility as of December 29, 2020 was 1.98%. The weighted-average interest rate for the amended revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2019 was 2.64%.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

The lenders’ obligation to extend credit pursuant to the Amended Credit Agreement depends on us maintaining certain financial covenants. The amendment to the revolving credit facility also modified the financial covenants through the end of our Q1 2021 fiscal quarter. We were in compliance with all financial covenants as of December 29, 2020.

(6) Property and Equipment, Net

Property and equipment were as follows:

    

December 29,

    

December 31,

 

2020

2019

 

Land and improvements

$

143,482

$

135,708

Buildings and leasehold improvements

 

1,003,014

 

922,036

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

 

661,878

 

614,920

Construction in progress

 

32,362

 

51,924

Liquor licenses

 

11,587

 

10,963

 

1,852,323

 

1,735,551

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

(763,700)

 

(678,988)

$

1,088,623

$

1,056,563

For the year ended December 29, 2020, the amount of interest capitalized in connection with restaurant construction was $0.3 million. There was no interest capitalized in connection with restaurant construction for the year ended December 31, 2019. For the year ended December 25, 2018, the amount of interest capitalized in connection with restaurant construction was $0.1 million.

(7) Goodwill and Intangible Assets

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill and intangible assets are as follows:

Goodwill

Intangible Assets

Balance as of December 25, 2018 (1)

$

123,220

$

1,959

Additions

 

1,528

Amortization expense

 

(725)

Disposals and other, net

 

 

Impairment

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2019

$

124,748

$

1,234

Additions

 

3,329

1,600

Amortization expense

 

(563)

Disposals and other, net

 

Impairment

 

(1,076)

Balance as of December 29, 2020

$

127,001

$

2,271

(1)Net of $4.8 million of accumulated goodwill impairment losses.

Intangible assets consist of reacquired franchise rights. The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of the intangible assets at December 29, 2020 were $16.6 million and $14.3 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2019, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of the intangible assets was $15.4 million and $14.1 million, respectively. We amortize reacquired franchise rights on a straight-line basis over the remaining term of the franchise operating agreements, which varies by restaurant. Amortization expense for the next five years is expected to range from $0.1 million to $0.8 million. As further discussed in note 16, as a result of our 2020 goodwill impairment analysis, we determined that goodwill related to two restaurants was impaired. Refer to note 4 for discussion of the

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

acquisitions completed for the years ended December 29, 2020 and December 31, 2019.

(8) Leases

We recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for both real estate and equipment leases that have a term in excess of one year. As of December 29, 2020 and December 31, 2019, these amounts were as follows:

As of December 29, 2020

Real estate

Equipment

Total

Operating lease right-of-use assets

$

526,746

$

3,879

$

530,625

Current portion of operating lease liabilities

17,850

1,421

19,271

Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion

569,713

2,458

572,171

Total operating lease liabilities

$

587,563

$

3,879

$

591,442

As of December 31, 2019

Real estate

Equipment

Total

Operating lease right-of-use assets

$

495,903

$

3,898

$

499,801

Current portion of operating lease liabilities

15,966

1,297

17,263

Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion

536,109

2,601

538,710

Total operating lease liabilities

$

552,075

$

3,898

$

555,973

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Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

Information related to our real estate leases as of and for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2020 and December 31, 2019 was as follows (in thousands):

Fiscal Year Ended

Real estate costs

December 29, 2020

December 31, 2019

Operating lease

$

58,425

$

54,844

Variable lease

1,479

1,590

Short-term lease

90

120

Total lease costs

$

59,994

$

56,554

Real estate lease liability maturity analysis

As of December 29, 2020

2021

56,201

2022

57,225

2023

57,259

2024

57,353

2025

55,491

Thereafter

762,744

Total

$

1,046,273

Less interest

458,710

Total discounted operating lease liabilities

$

587,563

Fiscal Year Ended

Real estate leases other information

December 29, 2020

December 31, 2019

Cash paid for amounts included in measurement of operating lease liabilities

$

52,904

$

49,018

Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities

$

50,322

$

51,220

Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)

17.78

17.82

Weighted-average discount rate

6.71

6.77

Operating lease payments exclude $15.1 million of minimum lease payments for executed real estate leases that we have not yet taken possession. In addition to the above operating leases, as of December 29, 2020 we had one finance lease with a right-of-use asset balance and lease liability balance of $1.7 million and $2.1 million, respectively. The right-of-use asset balance is included as a component of other assets and the lease liability balance as a component of other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

In 2020, we entered into a sale leaseback transaction involving land that had recently been acquired.  The sale generated proceeds of $2.2 million and no gain or loss was recognized on the transaction.  The resulting operating lease is included in the operating lease right-of-use assets and lease liabilities noted above. 

We recognize operating lease right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities for real estate leases, including our restaurant leases and Support Center lease, as well as certain restaurant equipment leases based on the present value of the lease payments over the lease term. We estimate the present value based on our incremental borrowing rate which corresponds to the underlying lease term. In addition, operating lease right-of-use assets are reduced for accrued rent

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Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

and increased for any initial direct costs recognized at lease inception. For leases commencing in 2019 and later, we account for lease and non-lease components as a single lease component.

Certain of our operating leases contain predetermined fixed escalations of the minimum rent over the lease term. For these leases, we recognize the related rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. We may receive rent concessions or leasehold improvement incentives upon opening a restaurant that is subject to a lease which we consider when determining straight-line rent expense. We also may receive rent holidays, which would begin on the possession date and end when the store opens, during which no cash rent payments are typically due under the terms of the lease. Rent holidays are included in the lease term when determining straight-line rent expense. In recognizing straight-line rent expense, we record the difference between amounts charged to operations and amounts paid as accrued rent. Straight-line rent expense is included as an operating lease cost in the table above.

Certain of our operating leases contain clauses that provide for additional contingent rent based on a percentage of sales greater than certain specified target amounts. We recognize contingent rent expense prior to the achievement of the specified target that triggers the contingent rent, provided achievement of the target is considered probable. In addition, certain of our operating leases have variable escalations of the minimum rent that depend on an index or rate. For these leases, we recognize operating lease right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities based on the index or rate at the commencement date. Any subsequent changes to the index or rate are recognized as variable rent expense when the escalation is determinable. Contingent rent and variable rent expense are included as variable lease costs in the table above.

Rent expense for operating leases for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2018 consisted of the following:

Minimum rent—occupancy

$

47,741

Contingent rent

 

1,050

Rent expense, occupancy

 

48,791

Minimum rent—equipment and other

 

6,176

Rent expense

$

54,967

(9) Income Taxes

Components of our income tax (benefit) expense for the years ended December 29, 2020, December 31, 2019 and December 25, 2018 are as follows:

Fiscal Year Ended

 

    

December 29, 2020

    

December 31, 2019

    

December 25, 2018

 

Current:

Federal

$

(648)

$

15,643

$

2,934

State

 

4,505

 

10,050

 

8,794

Foreign

403

369

210

Total current

 

4,260

 

26,062

 

11,938

Deferred:

Federal

 

(16,859)

4,396

 

11,909

State

 

(3,073)

1,939

 

410

Total deferred

 

(19,932)

 

6,335

 

12,319

Income tax (benefit) expense

$

(15,672)

$

32,397

$

24,257

Our pre-tax income is substantially derived from domestic restaurants.

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Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to our effective tax rate for December 29, 2020, December 31, 2019 and December 25, 2018 is as follows:

Fiscal Year Ended

December 29, 2020

December 31, 2019

December 25, 2018

Tax at statutory federal rate

21.0

%  

21.0

%  

21.0

%

State and local tax, net of federal benefit

3.6

3.8

3.6

FICA tip tax credit

(92.5)

(9.4)

(9.6)

Work opportunity tax credit

(12.4)

(1.5)

(1.5)

Stock compensation

(2.3)

(0.1)

(1.4)

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

(3.0)

(0.6)

(0.8)

Officers compensation

2.6

1.2

1.7

Other

1.6

0.7

(0.1)

Total

(81.4)

%  

15.1

%  

12.9

%

Our effective tax rate was a benefit of 81.4% in 2020 compared to expense of 15.1% in 2019. This was primarily due to the impact of FICA tip and Work opportunity tax credits on lower pre-tax income. Additionally, these credits exceeded our federal tax liability in 2020 but we expect to utilize these credits in future years or by carrying back to our 2019 tax year.

Our effective tax rate increased to 15.1% in 2019 compared to 12.9% in 2018 primarily due to lower excess tax benefits related to our share-based compensation program partially offset by lower non-deductible officer compensation. In addition, the prior year tax rate benefitted from an adjustment related to tax reform that we recorded in conjunction with the filing of our 2017 tax return.

Components of deferred tax liabilities, net are as follows:

    

December 29, 2020

    

December 31, 2019

 

Deferred tax assets:

Deferred revenue—gift cards

$

26,692

$

16,122

Insurance reserves

5,998

4,774

Long-term deferred payroll taxes

5,995

Other reserves

 

705

 

601

Share-based compensation

 

5,621

 

5,510

Operating lease liabilities

146,803

137,744

Deferred compensation

 

12,778

 

10,503

Tax credit carryforwards

10,360

1,710

Other assets

 

2,119

 

2,482

Total deferred tax asset

 

217,071

 

179,446

Deferred tax liabilities:

Property and equipment

 

(71,263)

 

(63,777)

Goodwill and intangibles

 

(6,896)

 

(6,241)

Operating lease right-of-use asset

(131,718)

(123,813)

Other liabilities

(9,996)

(8,310)

Total deferred tax liability

 

(219,873)

 

(202,141)

Net deferred tax liability

$

(2,802)

$

(22,695)

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

As of December 29, 2020, we have federal tax credit carryforwards of $10.2 million expiring in 2040 and state tax credit carryforwards of $0.2 million expiring in 2023.  The federal tax credits include FICA tip and Work opportunity tax credits that exceeded credit limitations in the current year.  We expect to generate sufficient earnings in future periods and/or may implement tax planning strategies that would allow us to fully utilize these credits.  As such, we have not provided any valuation allowances for these credits, or any of our other deferred tax assets, as their realization is more likely than not.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending liability for unrecognized tax benefits, all of which would impact the effective tax rate if recognized, is as follows:

Balance at December 25, 2018

$

1,482

Additions to tax positions related to prior years

 

16

Additions to tax positions related to current year

362

Reductions due to statute expiration

(314)

Reductions due to exam settlements

 

Balance at December 31, 2019

 

1,546

Additions to tax positions related to prior years

148

Additions to tax positions related to current year

 

389

Reductions due to statute expiration

 

(421)

Reductions due to exam settlement

Balance at December 29, 2020

$

1,662

As of December 29, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the total amount of accrued penalties and interest related to uncertain tax provisions was not material.

All entities for which unrecognized tax benefits exist as of December 29, 2020 possess a December tax year-end. As a result, as of December 29, 2020, the tax years ended December 26, 2017, December 25, 2018 and December 31, 2019 remain subject to examination by all tax jurisdictions. As of December 29, 2020, no audits were in process by a tax jurisdiction that, if completed during the next twelve months, would be expected to result in a material change to our unrecognized tax benefits. Additionally, as of December 29, 2020, no event occurred that is likely to result in a significant increase or decrease in the unrecognized tax benefits through December 28, 2021.

(10) Preferred Stock

Our Board of Directors is authorized, without further vote or action by the holders of common stock, to issue from time to time up to an aggregate of 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series. Each series of preferred stock will have the number of shares, designations, preferences, voting powers, qualifications and special or relative rights or privileges as shall be determined by the Board of Directors, which may include, but are not limited to, dividend rights, voting rights, redemption and sinking fund provisions, liquidation preferences, conversion rights and preemptive rights. There were no shares of preferred stock outstanding at December 29, 2020 and December 31, 2019.

(11) Stockholders’ Equity

On May 31, 2019, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program under which we may repurchase up to $250.0 million of our common stock. This stock repurchase program has no expiration date and replaced a previous stock repurchase program which was approved on May 22, 2014. All repurchases to date under our stock repurchase programs have been made through open market transactions. The timing and the amount of any repurchases are determined by management under parameters established by our Board of Directors, based on an evaluation of our stock price, market conditions and other corporate considerations.

For the year ended December 29, 2020, we paid $12.6 million to repurchase 252,409 shares of our common stock. On March 17, 2020, we suspended all share repurchase activity. For the year ended December 31, 2019, we paid $139.8

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

million to repurchase 2,625,245 shares of our common stock. This includes repurchases of $89.6 million under the new repurchase program and repurchases of $50.2 million under the previous stock repurchase program. We did not repurchase any shares of common stock during the year ended December 25, 2018. As of December 29, 2020, we had $147.8 million remaining under our authorized stock repurchase program.

(12) Earnings Per Share

The share and net income per share data for all periods presented are based on the historical weighted-average shares outstanding. The diluted earnings per share calculations show the effect of the weighted-average restricted stock units outstanding from our equity incentive plans. Performance stock units are not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation until the performance-based criteria have been met. See note 14 for further discussion of our equity incentive plans. For the years ended December 29, 2020, December 31, 2019, and December 25, 2018, the shares of non-vested stock that were not included because they would have had an anti-dilutive effect were not significant.

The following table sets forth the calculation of earnings per share and weighted average shares outstanding (in thousands) as presented in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income:

Fiscal Year Ended

 

December 29,

    

December 31,

    

December 25,

 

 

2020

2019

2018

 

Net income attributable to Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and subsidiaries

$

31,255

$

174,452

$

158,225

Basic EPS:

Weighted-average common shares outstanding

 

69,438

 

70,509

 

71,467

Basic EPS

$

0.45

$

2.47

$

2.21

Diluted EPS:

Weighted-average common shares outstanding

 

69,438

 

70,509

 

71,467

Dilutive effect of nonvested stock

 

455

 

407

 

497

Shares-diluted

 

69,893

 

70,916

 

71,964

Diluted EPS

$

0.45

$

2.46

$

2.20

(13) Commitments and Contingencies

The estimated cost of completing capital project commitments at December 29, 2020 and December 31, 2019 was $95.9 million and $119.0 million, respectively.

As of December 29, 2020 and December 31, 2019, we are contingently liable for $13.0 million and $13.9 million, respectively, for seven leases listed in the table below. These amounts represent the maximum potential liability of future payments under the guarantees. In the event of default, the indemnity and default clauses in our assignment agreements govern our ability to pursue and recover damages incurred. No material liabilities have been recorded as of December 29, 2020 as the likelihood of default was deemed to be less than probable and the fair value of the guarantees is not considered significant.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

    

Lease
Assignment Date

    

Current Lease
Term Expiration

 

Everett, Massachusetts (1)(2)

 

September 2002

 

February 2023

Longmont, Colorado (1)

 

October 2003

 

May 2029

Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania (1)

 

October 2004

 

March 2026

Fargo, North Dakota (1)

 

February 2006

 

July 2026

Logan, Utah (1)

 

January 2009

 

August 2024

Irving, Texas (3)

December 2013

December 2024

Louisville, Kentucky (3)(4)

December 2013

November 2023

(1)Real estate lease agreements for restaurant locations which we entered into before granting franchise rights to those restaurants. We have subsequently assigned the leases to the franchisees, but remain contingently liable, under the terms of the lease, if the franchisee defaults.
(2)As discussed in note 17, this restaurant is owned in part by our founder.
(3)Leases associated with restaurants which were sold. The leases were assigned to the acquirer, but we remain contingently liable under the terms of the lease if the acquirer defaults.
(4)We may be released from liability after the initial contractual lease term expiration contingent upon certain conditions being met by the acquirer.

During the year ended December 29, 2020, we bought most of our beef from three suppliers. Although there are a limited number of beef suppliers, we believe that other suppliers could provide a similar product on comparable terms. A change in suppliers, however, could cause supply shortages, higher costs to secure adequate supplies and a possible loss of sales, which would affect operating results adversely. We have no material minimum purchase commitments with our vendors that extend beyond a year.

Occasionally, we are a defendant in litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, including "slip and fall" accidents, employment related claims, claims related to our service of alcohol, and claims from guests or employees alleging illness, injury or food quality, health or operational concerns. None of these types of litigation, most of which are covered by insurance, has had a material effect on us and, as of the date of this report, we are not party to any litigation that we believe could have a material adverse effect on our business.

(14) Share-based Compensation

On May 16, 2013, our stockholders approved the Texas Roadhouse, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "Plan"). The Plan provides for the granting of various forms of equity awards including options, stock appreciation rights, full value awards, and performance based awards. This plan replaced the Texas Roadhouse, Inc. 2004 Equity Incentive Plan. The Company provides restricted stock units ("RSUs") to employees as a form of share-based compensation. An RSU is the conditional right to receive one share of common stock upon satisfaction of the vesting requirement. In addition to RSUs, the Company provides performance stock units ("PSUs") to executives as a form of share-based compensation. A PSU is the conditional right to receive one share of common stock upon meeting a performance obligation along with the satisfaction of the vesting requirement. The following table summarizes the share-based compensation recorded in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income:

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Table of Contents

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

Fiscal Year Ended

 

December 29,

    

December 31,

    

December 25,

 

    

 

2020

2019

2018

 

Labor expense

$

10,081

$

9,032

$

8,463

General and administrative expense

 

19,350

 

26,468

 

25,520

Total share-based compensation expense

$

29,431

$

35,500

$

33,983

Share-based compensation activity by type of grant as of December 29, 2020 and changes during the period then ended are presented below. For both RSUs and PSUs, we do not estimate forfeitures as we record them as they occur.

Summary Details for RSUs

    

    

Weighted-Average

    

Weighted-Average

    

 

Grant Date Fair

Remaining Contractual

Aggregate

 

Shares

Value

Term (years)

Intrinsic Value

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2019

 

836,427

$

55.20

Granted

 

501,575

57.43

Forfeited

 

(25,204)

54.76

Vested

 

(519,235)

55.60

Outstanding at December 29, 2020

 

793,563

$

56.37

 

0.9

$

62,667

As of December 29, 2020, with respect to unvested RSUs, there was $19.2 million of unrecognized compensation cost that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.9 years. The vesting terms of the RSUs range from 1.0 to 5.0 years. The total intrinsic value of RSUs vested during the years ended December 29, 2020, December 31, 2019 and December 25, 2018 was $30.5 million, $27.8 million and $32.1 million, respectively. The excess tax benefit associated with vested RSUs for the years ended December 29, 2020, December 31, 2019 and December 25, 2018 was $0.4 million, $0.3 million and $1.9 million, respectively, which was recognized in the income tax provision.

Summary Details for PSUs

    

    

Weighted-Average

    

Weighted-Average

    

Grant Date Fair

Remaining Contractual

Aggregate

Shares

Value

Term (years)

Intrinsic Value

Outstanding at December 31, 2019

 

77,000

$

61.86

Granted

 

79,000

55.98

Incremental Performance Shares (1)

18,946

61.86

Forfeited

 

Vested

 

(95,946)

61.86

Outstanding at December 29, 2020

 

79,000

$

55.98

 

0.1

$

6,238

(1)Additional shares from the January 2019 PSU grant that vested in January 2020 due to exceeding the initial 100% target.

We grant PSUs to certain of our executives subject to a one-year vesting and the achievement of certain earnings targets, which determine the number of units to vest at the end of the vesting period.  Share-based compensation expense is recognized for the number of units expected to vest at the end of the period and is expensed beginning on the grant date and through the performance period.  For each grant, PSUs vest after meeting the performance and service conditions.  The total intrinsic value of PSUs vested during the years ended December 29, 2020, December 31, 2019 and December 25, 2018 was $5.4 million, $8.8 million and $8.9 million, respectively.

On January 8, 2021, 5,199 shares vested related to the January 2020 PSU grant and are expected to be distributed during the 13 weeks ending March 30, 2021. As of December 29, 2020, with respect to unvested PSUs, the amount of unrecognized compensation cost that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.1 year was not

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Table of Contents

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

significant. There was no allowable excess tax benefit associated with vested PSUs for the years ended December 29, 2020 and December 31, 2019. The excess tax benefit associated with vested PSUs for the year ended December 25, 2018 was $0.7 million which was recognized within the income tax provision.

(15) Fair Value Measurement

ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures ("ASC 820"), establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. ASC 820 establishes a three-level hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs in measuring fair value. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability on the measurement date.

Level 1

Inputs based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.

Level 2

Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the assets, either directly or indirectly.

Level 3

Inputs that are unobservable for the asset.

There were no transfers among levels within the fair value hierarchy during the year ended December 29, 2020.

The following table presents the fair values for our financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis:

Fair Value Measurements

 

    

Level

    

December 29, 2020

    

December 31, 2019

 

Deferred compensation plan—assets

 

1

$

55,633

$

44,623

Deferred compensation plan—liabilities

 

1

$

(55,614)

$

(44,679)

The Second Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Plan of Texas Roadhouse Management Corp., as amended, (the "Deferred Compensation Plan") is a nonqualified deferred compensation plan which allows highly compensated employees to defer receipt of a portion of their compensation and contribute such amounts to one or more investment funds held in a rabbi trust. We report the accounts of the rabbi trust in other assets and the corresponding liability in other liabilities in our consolidated financial statements. These investments are considered trading securities and are reported at fair value based on quoted market prices. The realized and unrealized holding gains and losses related to these investments, as well as the offsetting compensation expense, are recorded in general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

The following table presents the fair value of our assets measured on a nonrecurring basis:

Fair Value Measurements

Total gain (loss)

Fiscal Year Ended

    

    

December 29,

    

December 31,

    

December 29,

December 31,

Level

2020

2019

2020

    

2019

Long-lived assets held for sale

3

$

1,645

$

$

(432)

$

Long-lived assets held for use

 

1

$

$

1,684

$

(364)

$

1,190

Operating lease right-of-use assets

 

3

$

$

611

$

(413)

$

(1,144)

Goodwill

3

$

2,625

$

$

(1,076)

$

Investments in unconsolidated affiliates

3

$

1,531

$

$

(1,091)

$

Long-lived assets held for sale include land and building at a site that was relocated. These assets are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in our consolidated balance sheets. These assets are valued using a Level 3 input, i.e., information from broker listings discounted for estimated selling costs. This resulted in a loss of $0.4 million which is included in impairment and closure, net in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

Long-lived assets held for use as of December 29, 2020 include leasehold improvements for one restaurant

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Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

scheduled to be relocated in 2021. These assets were reduced to a fair value of zero in 2020. This resulted in a loss of $0.4 million which is included in impairment and closure, net in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Long-lived assets held for use as of December 31, 2019 include leasehold improvements for one restaurant that was subject to a forced relocation. This restaurant was relocated in February 2020 at which time the contractually negotiated amount for these assets was received.

Operating lease right-of-use assets as of December 29, 2020 include the lease related assets for one restaurant that relocated in February 2020 and one restaurant scheduled to be relocated in 2021. These assets were reduced to a fair value of zero in 2020. This resulted in a loss of $0.4 million which is included in impairment and closure, net in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Operating lease right-of-use assets as of December 31, 2019, include the lease related assets for one store that was permanently closed in April 2020.

 Goodwill includes two restaurants whose carrying values were determined to be in excess of their fair values as part of our annual goodwill impairment assessment. In determining the fair value, multiple valuation approaches were utilized which considered the historical results and anticipated future trends of operations for these restaurants. We consider this a Level 3 input. This resulted in a loss of $1.1 million which is included in impairment and closure, net in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

Investments in unconsolidated affiliates include a 40% equity interest in a China joint venture. This asset is valued using a Level 3 input, i.e., the amount we expect to receive upon the sale of this investment. This resulted in a loss of $1.1 million which is included in equity (loss) income from investments in unconsolidated affiliates in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

At December 29, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the fair values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximated their carrying values based on the short-term nature of these instruments. At December 29, 2020, the fair value of our revolving credit facility approximated its carrying value since it is a variable rate credit facility (Level 2).

(16) Impairment and Closure Costs

We recorded impairment and closure costs of $2.3 million, ($0.9) million and $0.3 million for the years ended December 29, 2020, December 31, 2019 and December 25, 2018.

Impairment and closure costs in 2020 included $1.2 million related to the impairment of the fixed assets and operating lease right-of-use assets at four restaurants, all of which have relocated or are scheduled to be relocated. In addition, in 2020, we recorded goodwill impairment of $1.1 million related to two restaurants.

Impairment and closure costs in 2019 included a gain of $2.6 million related to the forced relocation of one restaurant. This included a gain of $1.2 million related to the leasehold improvements and a gain of $1.4 million to settle a favorable operating lease. Also, in 2019, we recorded a charge of $1.1 million related to the impairment of the operating lease right-of-use asset at an underperforming restaurant. The remaining costs of $0.6 million related to costs associated with the relocation of restaurants.

Impairment and closure costs in 2018 were related to costs associated with the relocation of restaurants.

(17) Related Party Transactions

As of December 29, 2020, we had seven franchise restaurants and two majority-owned company restaurants owned in part by certain of our officers. These franchise entities paid us fees of $1.6 million for the year ended December 29, 2020. As of December 31, 2019 and December 25, 2018, we had six franchise restaurants and one majority-owned company restaurant owned in part by certain of our officers. These franchise entities paid us fees of $1.4 million and $1.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and December 25, 2018, respectively. As discussed in note 13, we

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Table of Contents

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

are contingently liable on a lease related to one of these franchise restaurants.

On December 3, 2018, we acquired one franchise restaurant owned in part by our founder. This entity paid us fees of $0.1 million for the year ended December 25, 2018.

In addition, in 2018, our founder made a personal contribution of $1.0 million to cover a portion of the planned expenses incurred as part of the annual managing partner conference which marked our 25th anniversary.  This amount was recorded as general and administrative expense on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income and as additional paid-in-capital on the consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity. 

(18) Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)

2020

 

    

First

    

Second

    

Third

    

Fourth

    

 

Quarter

Quarter

Quarter

Quarter

Total

 

Revenue

$

652,524

$

476,425

$

631,185

$

637,989

$

2,398,123

Total costs and expenses

$

636,734

$

523,743

$

596,209

$

617,593

$

2,374,279

Income (loss) from operations

$

15,790

$

(47,318)

$

34,976

$

20,396

$

23,844

Net income (loss) attributable to Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and subsidiaries

$

16,029

$

(33,553)

$

29,230

$

19,549

$

31,255

Basic earnings (loss) per common share

$

0.23

$

(0.48)

$

0.42

$

0.28

$

0.45

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share

$

0.23

$

(0.48)

$

0.42

$

0.28

$

0.45

Cash dividends declared per share

$

0.36

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

0.36

2019

 

    

First

    

Second

    

Third

    

Fourth

    

 

Quarter

Quarter

Quarter

Quarter

Total

 

Revenue

$

690,608

$

689,828

$

650,489

$

725,238

$

2,756,163

Total costs and expenses

$

630,163

$

636,545

$

605,605

$

671,827

$

2,544,140

Income from operations

$

60,445

$

53,283

$

44,884

$

53,411

$

212,023

Net income attributable to Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and subsidiaries

$

50,390

$

44,845

$

36,531

$

42,686

$

174,452

Basic earnings per common share

$

0.70

$

0.63

$

0.53

$

0.61

$

2.47

Diluted earnings per common share

$

0.70

$

0.63

$

0.52

$

0.61

$

2.46

Cash dividends declared per share

$

0.30

$

0.30

$

0.30

$

0.30

$

1.20

The fourth quarter of 2019 includes an estimated impact of $0.10 to $0.11 per diluted share for the 53rd week.

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