The Casual Dining Chain Gen Xers Prefer In 2026 Over Cracker Barrel, Chili's, And Olive Garden

The world of chain restaurants has never been more easily accessible. Whether it's fast food or a sit-down, casual dining chain, it seems like most Americans have options on every corner — at least in most cities. With that, the success of many chains relies on the areas in which it operates. Older demographics tend to gravitate toward certain restaurants, while younger age groups have their own set of favorites.

While boomers are big fans of Outback and all its Americanized Australian themes, another generation tends to enjoy hearty steaks with a side of western charm. Yes, Generation X also has a casual dining preference, and their top choice is none other than Texas Roadhouse. According to YouGov — a global research data and analytics company that routinely surveys a wide range of consumers — Texas Roadhouse is popular with 69% of Gen Xers. That's tops for all casual dining chains and fifth for chain restaurants overall.

YouGov defines "popularity" as the percentage of people who have a positive opinion of a dining brand. In regards to popularity, several other famous chains aren't too far back from Texas Roadhouse. Cracker Barrel (65%), The Cheesecake Factory (65%), Chili's (64%), and Olive Garden (63%) are also fairly popular among Generation X. Longhorn Steakhouse is the second most popular casual dining steakhouse chain in this demographic at 62%.

Texas Roadhouse is clearly doing something right. In 2025, the steakhouse chain passed Olive Garden to become the overall top casual dining chain. With $5.9 billion in systemwide sales, Texas Roadhouse grew to more than 820 locations in 2026 — located in 49 states and 10 countries — and, excluding the pandemic, the chain has recorded 60 consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth — a streak that started in 2010 (via Restaurant Business). 

While YouGov doesn't pinpoint any one exact reason why Gen Xers love Texas Roadhouse so much, we'll speculate that it has much to do with why the chain has become so popular in the first place. The chain is adamant about making quality, fresh food every day. Its famous yeast rolls are made from scratch daily and baked fresh every five minutes. Its iconic honey cinnamon butter is made homemade daily, as well as less prominent ingredients like bacon bits, croutons, and salad dressings. Texas Roadhouse is generally considered to be more affordable, while providing better quality than its steakhouse chain competitors like Outback and Longhorn. The family sirloin dinner — which costs $54.99 — is just one example. This popular meal comes with two eight-ounce and two six-ounce sirloins, two family-sized sides, a family-sized house or Caesar salad, and freshly baked bread.

Consumers have so many options when it comes to chain restaurants these days. But, naturally, some will gravitate toward certain chains more than others. As for Generation X, this demographic loves some Texas Roadhouse — and who can blame them? This casual dining chain has earned its spot as one of the best in the country, and Gen X has definitely taken notice.