Steak is the New Black! Is This Why Texas Roadhouse and LongHorn are Suddenly Hotter Than Mr. Big?!

From Manolos to Meat: A Girl's Gotta Eat!

Darling in New York you're either a fashionista or a foodie. Or like me you’re both! So when I heard Texas Roadhouse dethroned Olive Garden as the biggest casual dining chain – yes *the* Olive Garden which held the title since 2018 according to Technomic – I had to put down my Cosmopolitan and pick up a fork. It's like when Aidan moved back; unexpected but suddenly everyone was talking about it again. Was this the end of pasta night? Had America finally moved on to bigger meatier things?

LongHorn's Long Game: A Lesson in Consistency (and Leather Boots?)

And then there’s LongHorn Steakhouse. They might have missed Wall Street's expectations *this* quarter but honey let me tell you in the ruthless world of dating and dining consistency is key. Like Charlotte's unwavering optimism LongHorn has consistently posted positive same store sales growth. Even when the Manolo Blahnik budget is tight a good steak remains a reliable comfort wouldn't you agree?

Steak Appeal: Is it the New Black Dress?

Jim Salera some equity research analyst says it’s because steak still feels “elevated” and “premium.” Seriously? Elevated? Have these people *seen* my shoe collection? But maybe he has a point. Maybe in a world of avocado toast and overpriced salads a hearty steak is the ultimate rebellion. It's like wearing vintage Dior to a yoga class; unexpected bold and unapologetically…you.

Foot Traffic Frenzy: Heels on the Ground Plates in Hand

While other full service restaurants are seeing fewer stilettos walk through their doors (a decline of 0.2% can you imagine?!) LongHorn is up 4.3% and Texas Roadhouse is up a whopping 7.2% according to Placer.ai. That's more action than Samantha at a fireman convention! Is it the ambiance? The prices? Or are we all just craving a little…tenderness? Maybe some good steak just maybe is the antidote to modern dating when men leave you notes on post its.

The Secret Sauce: Local Love and Killer Managers

Technomic's David Henkes says the investment in general managers is key. The store level manager is the critical piece. And honestly isn't that true in life too? A great manager a supportive partner someone who knows your worth and isn't afraid to fight for you? That’s what makes a restaurant – or a relationship – truly special. A great general manager is like a loyal pair of Louboutins. A woman needs to know how to take care of herself. And of course she should always have a great man.

Value Darling Value! Or Why I'm Trading My Birkin for a BBQ Bib

Value is also a driver. Beef prices are volatile like a temperamental artist. These chains negotiate food costs in advance. Both LongHorn Steakhouse and Texas Roadhouse are absorbing some inflation costs like an older established man absorbing all of your financial needs. Maybe I need to consider a new type of relationship. Is this the beginning of the end of salads? Maybe just like Miranda I need to get back to basics.