Couple’s Quest to Dine at Every Texas Roadhouse Leads Them to Danville’s 447th Location

Photo byWSBT

DANVILLE, Va. — Judy and Mike MacNamara of Franklin, Virginia, are on a mission—a mission fueled by passion, nostalgia, and a love for good, hearty meals. Since 2017, the couple has been on a dedicated journey to dine at all 620 Texas Roadhouse locations across the United States, a feat that has brought them to Danville, Virginia, for their 447th stop.

Their story began much earlier, back in 2003, when they first experienced Texas Roadhouse in Knoxville, Tennessee. But it wasn’t until Judy’s retirement in 2017 that they decided to turn this casual dining experience into a full-fledged quest. With only 32 locations under their belt at the time, the MacNamaras knew they had a long road ahead. Now, they average 70-80 Texas Roadhouse visits each year, driven by the comfort and familiarity the chain offers them.

"Texas Roadhouse tastes and feels like home," Judy shared, encapsulating the sentiment that has fueled their adventure. This visit to Danville was particularly special, as they had eagerly anticipated the opening of this location for months. "We’ve been coming to Danville for years, exploring its antique shops and museums, and were thrilled when we heard a Texas Roadhouse was coming," Mike said, reflecting on the connection they’ve built with the area.

Six months after that initial anticipation, Judy and Mike returned to finally enjoy their favorite meal—nestled in the restaurant’s cozy wooden booths, beneath the glow of neon cowboy hat lights, with Kenny Loggins' "Footloose" playing in the background. "We’re enjoying good food, revisiting parts of the country, and meeting wonderful people along the way," Mike added, highlighting the deeper connections their journey has fostered.

Tracking their progress is no small task, but Judy keeps a meticulous spreadsheet detailing each of their visits. When asked about their go-to menu items, the MacNamaras recommended the 6 oz sirloin, pulled pork, pork chop, and chicken critters—simple, classic dishes that resonate with their preference for unfussy, delicious food. "We both enjoy just basic food; we don’t go for fancy cuisine, so this is perfect for us," Mike explained.

Their visit to Danville concluded with a thoughtful gesture from the Texas Roadhouse staff, who presented them with a gift basket, complete with treats for their puppy, Andy—named after the restaurant’s mascot, Andy the Armadillo. Next on their list is a visit to the Texas Roadhouse in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, followed by a trip to Anchorage, Alaska, in September. While they aim to complete their tour of every Texas Roadhouse in the U.S., Hawaii remains the sole exception.