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Made From Scratch: The Legendary Success Story of Texas Roadhouse
* An Instant Wall Street Journal Bestseller *
From founder Kent Taylor, the incredible made-from-scratch success story of Texas Roadhouse.
In Made From Scratch , the late business maverick Kent Taylor tells the legendary story of Texas Roadhouse and in the process reveals its recipe for embracing unorthodox business practices. Because isn’t it a little unusual for a company to do almost no advertising? Is it wild to give away free peanuts and rolls and keep prices low, even as costs rise, or to keep the menu basically the same since it opened? Does it fly in the face of reason to prohibit coats and ties at headquarters and to have a CEO who dressed like he was part of the landscaping crew?
These business practices might be unconventional, but for Kent and Texas Roadhouse, they worked. What Kent and his Roadies cooked up is an island of misfits who are cool with being different. They love to have fun, but are serious about following meticulous recipes to serve up hand-cut steaks, fall-off-the-bone ribs, made-from-scratch sides, ice-cold beer, and irresistible fresh-baked bread. It’s Legendary Food, Legendary Service, the Texas Roadhouse way.
To show how this company became a staple of American dining and survived a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic, Kent took a trip back in time to offer the lessons learned from his pathbreaking life, revealing how a distracted kid from Louisville, Kentucky, created anything worthwhile at all.
From founder Kent Taylor, the incredible made-from-scratch success story of Texas Roadhouse.
In Made From Scratch , the late business maverick Kent Taylor tells the legendary story of Texas Roadhouse and in the process reveals its recipe for embracing unorthodox business practices. Because isn’t it a little unusual for a company to do almost no advertising? Is it wild to give away free peanuts and rolls and keep prices low, even as costs rise, or to keep the menu basically the same since it opened? Does it fly in the face of reason to prohibit coats and ties at headquarters and to have a CEO who dressed like he was part of the landscaping crew?
These business practices might be unconventional, but for Kent and Texas Roadhouse, they worked. What Kent and his Roadies cooked up is an island of misfits who are cool with being different. They love to have fun, but are serious about following meticulous recipes to serve up hand-cut steaks, fall-off-the-bone ribs, made-from-scratch sides, ice-cold beer, and irresistible fresh-baked bread. It’s Legendary Food, Legendary Service, the Texas Roadhouse way.
To show how this company became a staple of American dining and survived a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic, Kent took a trip back in time to offer the lessons learned from his pathbreaking life, revealing how a distracted kid from Louisville, Kentucky, created anything worthwhile at all.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published August 24, 2021
63 people are currently reading
324 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
April 2, 2023
Excellent book on the arc of Texas Roadhouse and it’s founder Kent Taylor.
Humble, honest, and thoughtful. All around a wonderful and easy read.
Humble, honest, and thoughtful. All around a wonderful and easy read.
September 3, 2021
I truly do not have enough words to do this book justice. It started from the beginning and was so well detailed that it felt as though you were going through Kent’s life with a movie projector. All of my friends and family know how much Texas Roadhouse meant/means to me. I have met my lifelong friends there and have so many amazing memories and when I left TXRH to move to Denver, I felt like a huge piece of me was left behind. Kent, I laughed and cried so many times throughout this book. I am so sad I never got the chance to met you because I would have loved to. I hope you know how much this book means to Roadies last and present and you created the best work culture I have ever been a part of. Thank you for this, and rest easy ❤️
May 15, 2025
You know when I saw this book at the hostess stand while waiting at a packed Texas Roadhouse I thought it was just going to be a shameless goofy plug for the book. I was wrong. It was the leadership lessons of a strong willed entrepreneur and his team that have built a restaurant chain that is packed every night all around the world. A story that was worth the read.
March 30, 2024
Inspiring.
"Build from Scratch" by Kent Taylor is an inspiring and insightful memoir that takes readers on a captivating journey of entrepreneurship and resilience. Through his personal experiences and anecdotes, Taylor shares the challenges, triumphs, and lessons he encountered while building his own business empire.
One of the most striking aspects of the book is Taylor's determination and unwavering belief in his vision. From humble beginnings, he navigates the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship, facing numerous obstacles along the way. Taylor's resilience shines through as he overcomes setbacks, financial difficulties, and doubts from others, all while staying true to his passion and purpose.
The book provides valuable insights into the mindset and strategies necessary for success in the business world. Taylor's storytelling style is engaging and relatable, making it easy for readers to connect with his experiences. He delves into the intricacies of starting a business, including the importance of market research, effective networking, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
Moreover, "Build from Scratch" offers a behind-the-scenes look at the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, painting a realistic picture of the challenges faced by aspiring business owners. Taylor's honesty and transparency about his failures and mistakes make the book not only informative but also highly relatable to anyone who has ever pursued their own dreams.
In addition to the valuable lessons, the book also provides a glimpse into Taylor's character and values. His commitment to integrity, hard work, and treating employees with respect shines through in every chapter. This serves as a reminder that success is not just about financial gain but also about building meaningful relationships and making a positive impact on the lives of others.
Overall, "Build from Scratch" is a must-read for aspiring entrepreneurs, business enthusiasts, and anyone seeking inspiration to overcome obstacles in their own lives. Kent Taylor's captivating storytelling and valuable insights make this book a valuable resource for anyone embarking on their own entrepreneurial journey.
"Build from Scratch" by Kent Taylor is an inspiring and insightful memoir that takes readers on a captivating journey of entrepreneurship and resilience. Through his personal experiences and anecdotes, Taylor shares the challenges, triumphs, and lessons he encountered while building his own business empire.
One of the most striking aspects of the book is Taylor's determination and unwavering belief in his vision. From humble beginnings, he navigates the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship, facing numerous obstacles along the way. Taylor's resilience shines through as he overcomes setbacks, financial difficulties, and doubts from others, all while staying true to his passion and purpose.
The book provides valuable insights into the mindset and strategies necessary for success in the business world. Taylor's storytelling style is engaging and relatable, making it easy for readers to connect with his experiences. He delves into the intricacies of starting a business, including the importance of market research, effective networking, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
Moreover, "Build from Scratch" offers a behind-the-scenes look at the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, painting a realistic picture of the challenges faced by aspiring business owners. Taylor's honesty and transparency about his failures and mistakes make the book not only informative but also highly relatable to anyone who has ever pursued their own dreams.
In addition to the valuable lessons, the book also provides a glimpse into Taylor's character and values. His commitment to integrity, hard work, and treating employees with respect shines through in every chapter. This serves as a reminder that success is not just about financial gain but also about building meaningful relationships and making a positive impact on the lives of others.
Overall, "Build from Scratch" is a must-read for aspiring entrepreneurs, business enthusiasts, and anyone seeking inspiration to overcome obstacles in their own lives. Kent Taylor's captivating storytelling and valuable insights make this book a valuable resource for anyone embarking on their own entrepreneurial journey.
July 1, 2021
This book was received as an ARC from Simon & Schuster in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
I loved this book because it started from the ground up which lead to the creation of one of my favorite restaurants of all time. I could not help but love the unconventional styles of Kent Taylor and how he refused to make any changes despite what was going on in the economy with the cost of food rising which still to this very day kept the menu the same and the casual atmosphere of the restaurant. I especially loved that they kept the line dancing which was my favorite part and one of the reasons much long ago I wanted to work for Texas Roadhouse. Kent in this book opened up about his childhood and I could relate to his moments of defeat but it just goes to show that if you believe in something enough, all is possible even the creation of a restaurant franchise.
We will consider adding this title to our Business collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
I loved this book because it started from the ground up which lead to the creation of one of my favorite restaurants of all time. I could not help but love the unconventional styles of Kent Taylor and how he refused to make any changes despite what was going on in the economy with the cost of food rising which still to this very day kept the menu the same and the casual atmosphere of the restaurant. I especially loved that they kept the line dancing which was my favorite part and one of the reasons much long ago I wanted to work for Texas Roadhouse. Kent in this book opened up about his childhood and I could relate to his moments of defeat but it just goes to show that if you believe in something enough, all is possible even the creation of a restaurant franchise.
We will consider adding this title to our Business collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
August 9, 2023
Equal Employment Opportunity CommissionBought this as a bargain buy on a whim. I actually don't know if I've ever eaten at a Texas Roadhouse, but it is a place I've seen when shopping or moving around my boring suburbian hometown. I also realized that I was drawn to the book because author Kent Taylor would eventually commit suicide after suffering from the ongoing effects of Long COVID and this wa published after his death. So I was curious what the late author had to say and what legacy he left behind.
In a combo memoir and business book (this leans more on the former, though), Taylor describes his life and career, from his humble start to becoming the founder of a restaurant that is often a staple. From both the triumphs and setbacks, the people he met, the people he worked with, the lessons he learned and the mistakes he made. If you're familiar with this type of book you probably will not be too shocked and if you know his story (admittedly I did not), I am unsure what exactly this adds.
Overall, I found it dull. Taylor wasn't the best writer and his personality and approach is probably not all that unusual. I was most intrigued by a lawsuit Texas Roadhouse would eventually settle, by paying $12 million after an age discrimination lawsuit was brought forth by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Unsurprisingly, Taylor is not particularly sorry or does not seem to understand what may have happened. While the franchise did not admit wrongdoing, it would also change its recruitment practices, too.
This did not really make me want to try a Texas Roadhouse (again?) as it looks like a place that offers food on par with similar restaurants in its weight class. But all the same I do like reading up on the stories behind brands, eateries, etc. so this was fine for me.
Probably really only for hardcore fans or if you are looking into Taylor specifically or maybe if you're looking for guidance of starting up your own restaurant business, etc. For a regular reader this is probably skippable. For me I had an idea of what I would be getting so a bargain buy to read on my own time was probably for the best. Would otherwise recommend the library instead.
In a combo memoir and business book (this leans more on the former, though), Taylor describes his life and career, from his humble start to becoming the founder of a restaurant that is often a staple. From both the triumphs and setbacks, the people he met, the people he worked with, the lessons he learned and the mistakes he made. If you're familiar with this type of book you probably will not be too shocked and if you know his story (admittedly I did not), I am unsure what exactly this adds.
Overall, I found it dull. Taylor wasn't the best writer and his personality and approach is probably not all that unusual. I was most intrigued by a lawsuit Texas Roadhouse would eventually settle, by paying $12 million after an age discrimination lawsuit was brought forth by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Unsurprisingly, Taylor is not particularly sorry or does not seem to understand what may have happened. While the franchise did not admit wrongdoing, it would also change its recruitment practices, too.
This did not really make me want to try a Texas Roadhouse (again?) as it looks like a place that offers food on par with similar restaurants in its weight class. But all the same I do like reading up on the stories behind brands, eateries, etc. so this was fine for me.
Probably really only for hardcore fans or if you are looking into Taylor specifically or maybe if you're looking for guidance of starting up your own restaurant business, etc. For a regular reader this is probably skippable. For me I had an idea of what I would be getting so a bargain buy to read on my own time was probably for the best. Would otherwise recommend the library instead.
December 4, 2024
5/5
This has been my favorite read of 2024 and definitely is a contender for one of my favorite books in this genre. I have been a fan of the restaraunt for a long time and I enjoy reading these types of stories so purchasing this was not even a question. This book is an inspiring and insightful memoir that takes readers on a captivating journey through the creation and growth of Texas Roadhouse. Taylor’s storytelling is engaging and heartfelt. He does things a bit different at Roadhouse with his "crazies." His commitment to creating a fun and welcoming environment for both employees and customers is evident throughout the book.
I was truly impressed by the charitable initiatives Taylor has integrated into the organization, including Andy’s Outreach, meals for veterans, and support for local communities. For example, the proceeds from this book are donated to the employee assistance fund, Andy’s Outreach.
The book also dove into Taylor’s personal life, revealing his struggles and the values that guided him. His honesty about his failures and mistakes makes the story relatable. Going into this book and understanding the tragic circumstances of Taylor’s passing prior to reading added depth and sincerity to the final chapters of this book.
This has been my favorite read of 2024 and definitely is a contender for one of my favorite books in this genre. I have been a fan of the restaraunt for a long time and I enjoy reading these types of stories so purchasing this was not even a question. This book is an inspiring and insightful memoir that takes readers on a captivating journey through the creation and growth of Texas Roadhouse. Taylor’s storytelling is engaging and heartfelt. He does things a bit different at Roadhouse with his "crazies." His commitment to creating a fun and welcoming environment for both employees and customers is evident throughout the book.
I was truly impressed by the charitable initiatives Taylor has integrated into the organization, including Andy’s Outreach, meals for veterans, and support for local communities. For example, the proceeds from this book are donated to the employee assistance fund, Andy’s Outreach.
The book also dove into Taylor’s personal life, revealing his struggles and the values that guided him. His honesty about his failures and mistakes makes the story relatable. Going into this book and understanding the tragic circumstances of Taylor’s passing prior to reading added depth and sincerity to the final chapters of this book.
March 19, 2024
Kent is not the best writer that I came across but a biography is suppose to be authentic and he did exactly that by depicting his story on how he left with 2dollar (plus divorce) in his bank to become one of the most successful businessman in the restaurant industry.
It has been one of my favorite biography with his humorous and lively write up. He is just built different and don't know when to give up. When life give you lemons, might as well make lemon juice. There are a lot of take away but I will only point out the most obvious when running a restaurant:
"we were a people company that just happened to sell steaks"
It is always the people that made the different and I truly hope that the company culture can continue to last even after Kent pass away. (It is truly sad to learn that he has left the world but his wisdom will stay with me as long as I am alive)
It has been one of my favorite biography with his humorous and lively write up. He is just built different and don't know when to give up. When life give you lemons, might as well make lemon juice. There are a lot of take away but I will only point out the most obvious when running a restaurant:
"we were a people company that just happened to sell steaks"
It is always the people that made the different and I truly hope that the company culture can continue to last even after Kent pass away. (It is truly sad to learn that he has left the world but his wisdom will stay with me as long as I am alive)
February 4, 2023
3.5 stars. I listened to the Audible version. I'm fascinated by origin stories and how certain establishments came to be. The history of Texas Roadhouse is interesting, as is the path its founder Kent Taylor took to realizing his dream. Though the approach is what ultimately led to success, I was a little turned off by the rules-don't-apply-to-me, ask-for-forgiveness-rather-than-permission, etc. that seemed to drive Taylor (plus, the disdain of Bennigans and the EEOC). But, I suppose, those are reasons why Texas Roadhouse became such a big success and appears to be thriving 30 years on. The passion Taylor showed was impressive, and the care he expressed toward his employees was admirable.
October 13, 2021
I hope this book will drive my professional career. Kent described his childhood, first steps when working in a nightclub and all steps which took his restaurant imperium to such a high level. Most of the chapters are finished by Kent's lessons learned, which I found most interesting. The ones I liked the most:
- Ask people you trust what books have inspired them.
- Don't underestimate the power of personal connections
- Register your trademark
- Stick with what you do best
- Great inventors would never be satisfied with good enough results
- Encourage people to push you to continue improving
- Ask people you trust what books have inspired them.
- Don't underestimate the power of personal connections
- Register your trademark
- Stick with what you do best
- Great inventors would never be satisfied with good enough results
- Encourage people to push you to continue improving
November 20, 2022
Listened to the audiobook. I’ve never been to Texas Roadhouse or even heard about it, but after reading this book I would love to go! Kent Taylor built a fun restaurant culture and wrote this book summarizing what it took to get there. I really liked how he summarized his top lessons from each chapter. I also think he did a great job of going into the difficulties that went into building the business, not just focusing on the success. I would highly recommend this read to an Texas Roadhouse fan or aspiring entrepreneur! I think this is especially helpful for thinking about building a strong corporate culture.
September 6, 2024
Tar Heel!
The book was excellent up and through Texas Roadhouses's IPO. Then it fell off a cliff for me and became uninteresting. Taylor's hustle and grit is commendable and shows you what it takes to be an entrepreneur in such a hard business. The fact it took him 7 years and 100+ rejections to finally get someone to believe in his vision is something I will come away with. Overall, I have a newfound respect for Texas Roadhouse but also for how disorganized and loose a company can be even when it IPOs.
The book was excellent up and through Texas Roadhouses's IPO. Then it fell off a cliff for me and became uninteresting. Taylor's hustle and grit is commendable and shows you what it takes to be an entrepreneur in such a hard business. The fact it took him 7 years and 100+ rejections to finally get someone to believe in his vision is something I will come away with. Overall, I have a newfound respect for Texas Roadhouse but also for how disorganized and loose a company can be even when it IPOs.
September 5, 2021
Just finished reading - LOVE this book.
It’s a blue print of how to grow your career in the restaurant business.
It’s a tale of how start and grow a company.
It’s a “bible” for how to keep your company successful and fight off the “Experts”.
It’s about Leadership and staying Humble, Hungry, and Smart.
It's about a guy with GRIT that just never gave up on his dreams, and took a lot of people with him on his LEGENDARY journey.
RIP Kent Taylor.
It’s a blue print of how to grow your career in the restaurant business.
It’s a tale of how start and grow a company.
It’s a “bible” for how to keep your company successful and fight off the “Experts”.
It’s about Leadership and staying Humble, Hungry, and Smart.
It's about a guy with GRIT that just never gave up on his dreams, and took a lot of people with him on his LEGENDARY journey.
RIP Kent Taylor.
February 10, 2022
This is a book that every CEO, Chairman, etc. past, present and future should be required to read. Most heads of organizations no matter the size forget who helps an organization to succeed. Kent Taylor realized it was all about the employees, hard work and a vision and that's why Texas Roadhouse is the success story that it is.
November 8, 2024
Fascinating read!
I love those Texas Roadhouse rolls...so so good...we used to go to one pretty regularly on Rosedale Hwy in Bakersfield Ca til it vanished..from his book I gather it is unusual for them to close...apparently we have one on other side of town which I told my hubby we will have to check out
I love those Texas Roadhouse rolls...so so good...we used to go to one pretty regularly on Rosedale Hwy in Bakersfield Ca til it vanished..from his book I gather it is unusual for them to close...apparently we have one on other side of town which I told my hubby we will have to check out
September 18, 2021
I enjoyed the stories at the beginning of the book. What it was like in college, all of the hard work and failures. Then it got into stories of private planes, rock stars,I could not relate nor could I find interesting. I so sorry to read how it ended
March 27, 2022
Reasons it's the only corporation for which I will continue to work. I have worked for 3 of their different stores - front and back of house. And I think it's a great motivation to staying true to yourself.
October 24, 2022
I enjoyed the life part of this book and felt it was an interesting exploration of leadership and management. Stories always resonate with me so I enjoyed the stories. I am sad to hear Mr. Taylor ended his life after writing this book due to Covid complications. So sad.
January 13, 2024
Excellent book about the founder of Texas Roadhouse. Very crazy, outside the box thinker, who seems to care about the right things. Tragically committed suicide at the end of the book, due to complications with Covid. Seemed like a great guy.
May 15, 2024
Key lesson is it’s all about people and ensuring you are servicing your customers with the value you promise them. Too many restaurants get caught up in the marketing game instead of focusing on the real retention tool which is service
October 14, 2024
Amazing read. Kent is a true inspiration for me. Everything he accomplished is a true testament that you can achieve anything you put your mind to. The book is an easy digestible motivational set of words that will help you for sure. Thanks Kent. RiP
August 16, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ Enjoyed first half of the book when he was going through the motions of building Texas Roadhouse. Second part when the company was more mature was a little less interesting and more repetitive.
September 11, 2021
Well worth the time. Kent’s voice and leadership will be missed. RIP “Mister Taylor”
September 27, 2021
What a great book to read! Kent’s never give up attitude really shows in this book. I enjoyed reading it and I wish his legacy well! Excellent read!
January 12, 2022
I love working for this company and learning more about the history of the company’s culture. I highly recommend this read to anyone who is in leadership.
January 13, 2022
Really great book at the start, turns into more of a summary towards the end.
June 21, 2022
Where’s my first review?
Seems like a prick.
The best at mediocre food. Revolutionary. RIP
Seems like a prick.
The best at mediocre food. Revolutionary. RIP
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2022
Now Kent Taylor why didn’t you decide to own a healthcare company sir
December 6, 2023
I wish I could give this book 100 stars
December 14, 2023
Fun, funny, straight forward. Really enjoyed
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews