Texas Roadhouse shows a little Southern hospitality

With over 360 restaurants spanning 47 states, the Texas Roadhouse is a restaurant that can be found illuminating roadsides across the country. Featuring a rustic atmosphere, line-dancing servers and authentic American cuisine, it is ranked the second best restaurant chain in the nation by Forbes magazine.

 However in Logan, Utah, the local Texas Roadhouse does more than serve food. It serves the community of Cache Valley hosting fundraisers and donating to local charities.

 Over nearly three years, the restaurant has raised thousands for the community through these fundraisers and events.

  In 2010, the restaurant teamed with the Logan Regional Hospital Foundation to raise money for their cancer treatment center. For one night, Texas Roadhouse donated 10 percent of all proceeds to help cancer patients receive treatment.

 “We got about $650,” said Christina Roberts, a representative for the Logan Regional Hospital Foundation. “It went to cancer services with minimal work on our end. It was great.”

 In addition, Roberts noted Texas Roadhouse also co-sponsors Tough Enough to Wear Pink, a local rodeo dedicated to raise breast cancer awareness.

 “It’s about getting out in the community, showing them we’re here,” said Scott Brown, an assistant kitchen manager at the Logan restaurant. “We try to help out with as many fundraising opportunities as we can because this store was built on charity.”

 It was late 2009 when construction finished on the Texas Roadhouse located on the corner of Main Street and 1400 North. What set this restaurant apart wasn’t the building design or location – but how it was built. It was funded entirely by the restaurant’s fundraising program called Andy’s Outreach.

 Andy’s Outreach is a charity started by chain founder Kent Taylor, and is exclusively for Texas Roadhouse employees.

 “We encourage everyone who works here to take out 50 cents to a dollar for Andy’s Outreach,” Brown said. “That money goes to the sick, or for somebody who gets hurt, or any other emergencies that might pop up.”

 The money raised goes towards family or friends of employees who are in need, paying for medical bills and time off that may be needed in an emergency. Donations are made solely by employees for employees.

 Each Texas Roadhouse built by Andy’s Outreach is dedicated specifically to benefitting the community.

 Every Monday night is kid’s night at Texas Roadhouse, which features classes, games and treats for kids, and is hosted by various fundraising groups in the valley. They frequently host tours for elementary students, showing them how to make their own rolls and even do the trademark line dance.

 According to Brown, the restaurant’s mission is to give back to the community that supports them.

 “This store is the first that we’ve built with that donation money,” Brown said. “We are trying to give back to what we’ve been given.”