People’s Choice Ballot Buster: Texas Roadhouse

Of the more than 400 Texas Roadhouse restaurants in the U.S., Washington has just one.

And it’s in the Tri-Cities.

Managing Partner Steve Dunn said it was a “great decision” to open in Eastern Washington.

“Kennewick is known for supporting restaurants; it’s a growing town,” he said.

One reason the steakhouse is so popular is because it has its own butcher shop.

“We cut our steaks in-house daily,” Dunn said, noting they have a full-time butcher.

The restaurant on Columbia Center Boulevard in Kennewick also bakes its own bread and makes fresh batches of its other fare throughout the day.

“All of our side dishes are homemade,” he said.

Service also is a high priority.

“Our servers have a maximum of three tables. Our line dancing and high energy, that’s what sets us apart,” Dunn said. Servers break out into line dance routines during meals to the cheers of the crowd.

As for what the future holds, Dunn said the company is working on a sister brand called Bubba’s 33, a sports bar-themed restaurant that serves pizza, burgers and wings.

“It’s still in its infant stage, but it’s possible some of those are coming our way,” Dunn said.

Hours are 3:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 3 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.

This story was originally published May 15, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "People’s Choice Ballot Buster: Texas Roadhouse ."