AUSTIN, TEXAS - MAY 12: Signage is displayed at a Texas Roadhouse on May 12, 2026 in Austin, Texas. Texas Roadhouse has increased its menu prices by approximately 2% while reporting growth of 7% in comparable sales. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
Texas Roadhouse is in the hot seat with its Black diners after allegations of targeted food tampering surfaced online. The restaurant claims the rumors are just that, rumors. But is the trust already gone?
What Texas Roadhouse is calling an “online hoax” began with a blurry screenshot. It seemed to posted in a Facebook group by a user called Nancy Smith. The user opened to the post with, “To all you Blacks in here keep this in mind. Hope you enjoy your meal next time you eat out.”They further claimed that there’s a private Facebook group of white servers practicing a plan to target Black diners. The group allegedly has over 400,000 members.
“When a table of Black diners comes in and places their order we walk ack to the kitchen to get your food when ready. There is ALWAYS a blind spot in the kitchen and we are licking our fingers and touching your food. If it happens to be a Texas Roadhouse or Logan’s, these rolls are full of our white saliva. Some of the cooks are in on this too. Think they are playing. They aren’t.”
Also, the user also claimed that this “plan” started with the “Karamello the candy bar Anthony crap.” It appears it to be a reference to Karmelo Anthony, who was recently sentenced to 35 years for the stabbing of Austin Metcalf at a high school track meet. The incident happened in April 2025. “Enjoy y’all’s food,” the user added.
As the FB post first made its rounds, Texas Roadhouse released a statement about the kind of environment they’re committed to hosting. They claimed their comments have limited viewing because of a verification issue.
“…We are committed to creating an environment where every guest is treated with respect and hospitality. We do not tolerate discrimination, harassment or mistreatment of any kind, and we expect our Roadies to treat every guest with dignity and care. Our commitment to the communities in which we serve remains unchanged: provide legendary food, legendary service to every guest who walks through our doors.”
The TikTok caption said they’re aware of accusation about their restaurants. But they believed the claims be “completely unfounded.” Also, the caption said, “We are investigating this alleged abhorrent behavior and remain committed to treating every guest with respect, dignity, and the Legendary Service they deserve.”
Then, on Thursday (August 27), the restaurant again directly addressed the allegations of food tampering circulating online.
“The post alleging the targeting of diners and food tampering has been proven as an online hoax. Our third-party online forensics firm, as well as multiple credible online publications have confirmed this is a baseless rumor. We love our communities and we remain committed to providing the Legendary Food, Legendary Service you know to each and every guest we serve,” Texas Roadhouse said on X.
