NORTH CAROLINA - For Brunswick County residents, the question over the past few years hasn't been if Texas Roadhouse was coming to the neighborhood—it's been when. Now, the wait is officially over. The massively popular American steakhouse chain is set to cut the ribbon and open its doors at the sprawling Leland Town Center this summer.
As the retail footprint around Leland continues to explode alongside the rapid population growth of the coastal Cape Fear region, Texas Roadhouse has stood out as one of the area's most highly anticipated additions. Here is what Leland residents can expect when the doors finally open.
The Demand is Finally Met
Historically, if Brunswick County residents wanted their fix of legendary honey cinnamon butter and hand-cut steaks, they had to make the drive across the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge into Wilmington.
Having a dedicated, massive location right in the heart of Leland Town Center means an end to navigating heavy bridge traffic just to get a great steak. For locals who have watched the area transform into a major suburban retail and lifestyle hub, this highly requested opening is a prime indicator of Leland's ongoing commercial boom.
Hundreds of New "Roadies" Joining the Community
Beyond just serving up hearty meals, the new Leland location is providing a significant economic boost to the immediate area. Texas Roadhouse is actively executing a massive hiring push to bring on over 200 new employees—affectionately known as "Roadies" within the company—ahead of opening day.
The available positions include:
- Servers and Hosts
- Kitchen Staff and Meat Cutters
- Bartenders
- Management and Operational Roles
For local students, families, and job seekers in Brunswick County, this brings hundreds of fast-paced hospitality opportunities directly to their backyard, avoiding the commute into Wilmington.
What to Expect on Opening Day
If you've never been to a Texas Roadhouse, or if you're eagerly waiting to visit the new Leland location, the brand is bringing everything that built its intensely loyal following—along with a few modern upgrades suited for 2026.
The Experience:
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The Classics: The menu will feature the beloved staples that put the brand on the map, including hand-cut steaks, fall-off-the-bone ribs, made-from-scratch sides, and unlimited fresh-baked bread with their signature honey cinnamon butter.
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Modern Upgrades: As part of the company's system-wide technology upgrades, the Leland location will utilize the brand's new digital kitchen initiatives. This means faster ticket times, dedicated systems for online to-go orders, and the convenient ability for guests to self-pay at their tables.
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Local Touches: In keeping with Texas Roadhouse tradition, the new restaurant will feature custom, locally inspired murals and décor designed to specifically reflect the unique coastal culture of the Brunswick County community.
The Bottom Line Texas Roadhouse has proven that it is immune to the casual dining struggles hitting other legacy brands in 2026. By leaning into high-quality, high-value meals and a lively, community-centric atmosphere, the brand is thriving. When the doors open at Leland Town Center, expect packed parking lots, lively country music, and one of the biggest restaurant debuts the coastal community has seen in years.
