Why Texas Roadhouse Got Rid Of Its Iconic Peanuts

The only thing more iconic than the flavor of a Texas Roadhouse steak is the lighthearted atmosphere fueled for years by buckets of free, in-shell peanuts. That childlike joy we got from tossing peanut shells to the floor is one of the reasons why Texas Roadhouse became a haven for peanut lovers across the United States. While the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones has remained, the peanut presence has all but vanished due to safety and sanitation concerns. 

Even when the shells were being swept every 30 minutes, the floors were never completely clean, creating an impression of messiness. On top of that, walking on a blanket of peanut shells could cause people to slip and fall more easily. Besides the general unclean image of peanuts on the floor, this system posed an obvious hazard for guests with peanut allergies. 

While you probably won't see peanuts carpeting the floor of a Texas Roadhouse franchise as they did in the days of yore, it's possible that these legumes are still available for enjoyment in your local restaurant. That said, some patrons on social media report receiving their peanuts in packets or not at all. So long as you are dining in, many locations will still provide roasted and salted peanuts as a complimentary appetizer, though it's unlikely anyone will welcome you tossing the shells to the floor.

While many people are displeased by how trail mix often feels like it's all about the peanuts, Texas Roadhouse patrons are often charmed by how entangled this legume is with the chain's identity. Despite the sanitation and safety challenges, Texas Roadhouse locations may still provide peanuts, though conditions can vary. Today, diners report many locations now hand out pre-packaged peanuts or that you need to take the initiative and first ask your server for them.

Peanuts are not usually for sale as menu items at Texas Roadhouse, but there are ways to get your hands on a bag without reserving a table at a local franchise. If an organization wants to partner with Texas Roadhouse for a fundraiser, for example, you may see community members selling prepackaged peanuts for a good cause. Alternatively, you can keep an eye out for Texas Roadhouse peanuts at the next ball game, as these peanuts are now available in stadiums across the United States.