Viral social media rumors falsely allege that staff members at popular steakhouse chains coordinated online to tamper with meals served to Black patrons.
WASHINGTON, DC: Social media platforms have been circulating an unverified claim alleging that white front-of-house staff at Texas Roadhouse and Logan’s Roadhouse used a private Facebook group to plot food contamination targeting Black diners. According to the viral posts, servers allegedly engaged in unsanitary practices such as touching meals with unwashed hands, licking their fingers, or spitting on food items.
The messaging also included direct warnings advising Black patrons to avoid dining at both restaurant chains altogether. Here is a closer look at the facts behind the allegations.
Evaluating the Allegations Against Texas Roadhouse and Logan’s Roadhouse
The narrative appears to have originated from a screenshot distributed within a Facebook community operating under the name “White and Proud”—a title utilized by multiple pages sharing identical profile visuals.
The initial post has since been removed or restricted, though reports indicate it surfaced within an archived community and was credited to an account bearing the name Nancy Smith.
The text asserted that a hidden digital network comprising more than 400,000 participants was actively inciting white restaurant employees to contaminate meals ordered by Black customers, allegedly with the complicity of certain kitchen staff members.
The circulating text read, in part: “To all you blacks in here, keep this in mind. Hope you enjoy your meal next time you eat out. There is a Facebook group that I am a part of, and it is for white servers. We have come up with a plan.”
It further stated: “When a table of black diners comes in and places their order, we walk back to the kitchen to get your food when ready. There is ALWAYS a blind spot in the kitchen, and we are licking our fingers and touching your food. If it happens to be a Texas Roadhouse or Logan’s, those rolls are full of our white saliva. Some of the cooks are in on this too.”
Investigation Results: The Claims Are Untrue
An investigation into the matter confirms that the accusations are entirely fabricated. Investigators found no credible, verifiable proof indicating that any such conspiracy or food tampering took place.
In official communications, representatives for Texas Roadhouse forcefully dismissed the narrative as entirely baseless, emphasizing that the organization maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy toward any form of discrimination, harassment, or improper conduct.
Furthermore, a corporate representative characterized the allegations as a deliberate hoax via email correspondence, while highlighting the company’s rigorous protocols regarding food preparation and hygiene.
“Our investigation, along with other outside sources, points to a hoax. We have found no credible evidence of food tampering or that this accusation is based in truth,” the representative noted, adding that management enlisted an independent third-party agency to trace the origin of the false claims.
Management at Texas Roadhouse also reiterated that its locations adhere to stringent food safety and handling guidelines.
“Our restaurants follow very strict handling procedures when it comes to food safety and quality. Additionally, we utilize a Manager in the Window system. Prepared food passes from our kitchen to the expo window directly. All food is checked for quality and then sent directly to the table.”