Quick answer: A Texas Roadhouse customer in Illinois says staff gave him a cheaper sirloin steak instead of the pricier filet mignon he ordered, and that this happened on three separate visits. The video went viral on TikTok. Texas Roadhouse confirmed one mix-up and said the issue was “made right,” but it could not confirm all three claims.”A viral Texas Roadhouse steak complaint has captured widespread attention online after a customer claimed that staff mistakenly served him a cheaper sirloin steak instead of the pricier filet mignon he ordered on multiple visits…”
What Happened at Texas Roadhouse?
Kenneth Card went into a Texas Roadhouse in Forsyth, Illinois and ordered a filet mignon off the menu which is one of the most expensive steaks on the menu. However, the waiter gave him a sirloin steak instead which is 10-15 less expensive.
However, he noticed straight away and told the waiter he thought he had the wrong steak. The staff took the steak back, asked a manager and gave him the correct steak. Nothing more to it.
However, the same issue occurred again on another visit. Kenneth didn’t say anything and ate the steak. On the third visit though he mentioned the problem. However, the manager gave him a look like he was an idiot and said it was impossible for them to have mixed up the steak as they have to go through a manager when ordering any steaks.
Kenneth decided to post about his experience on TikTok to warn others. His video blew up and gained lots of views. Now people are talking about if restaurants sometimes give you cheaper cuts of meat without telling them.
Who Is Kenneth Card?
Kenneth Card is a regular Texas Roadhouse customer, not an employee or food critic. He posted the video purely as a warning to other diners, not as a formal complaint or lawsuit. His main point was simple: know what your steak is meant to look like, and speak up if something seems off.
What Did Texas Roadhouse Say?
Texas Roadhouse addressed the claims head-on, a spokesperson told reporters that while they can confirm that there was one incident at the Forsyth location, it was corrected by staff.
However they added that they cannot confirm that the mistake occurred on three occasions as there is no record of the incident occurring during the other two visits.
Texas Roadhouse also reminded customers that if they think they have received the incorrect order or incorrect charge then they should inform their server immediately so it can be put right.
Why This Story Matters to Customers
This isn’t really about one steak. It’s about trust. When you pay more for a better cut of meat, you expect to get exactly that. Most of the time, restaurants get it right. Mistakes happen in busy kitchens, and most are honest errors rather than anything deliberate.
Still, the story struck a nerve because it taps into something a lot of diners quietly worry about: did I actually get what I paid for? That question matters even more with pricier menu items, where the difference between cuts can be ten, twenty, or thirty dollars.
How to Tell If You’ve Got the Right Steak
You don’t need to be a chef to spot the difference between steak cuts. A few simple checks can help:
- Filet mignon is small, round, and very tender, usually the thickest cut on the plate with almost no visible fat or marbling.
- Sirloin is flatter, leaner, and often has a slightly firmer texture with visible grain.
- Ribeye has noticeable white marbling (streaks of fat) running through the meat, which is what gives it extra flavour.
- Size and shape matter. If your steak looks different from previous visits or doesn’t match the menu photo, it’s worth asking.
- Check the bill. If you were charged for a filet but the steak doesn’t match, mention it before you finish eating.
What Customers Should Know: Practical Tips
- Speak up straight away. Restaurants can only fix a mistake if you tell them while you’re still at the table. Waiting until after your meal, or posting online instead, makes it harder to resolve.
- Check your receipt. It takes ten seconds and confirms exactly what you were charged for.
- Ask questions if unsure. A good server will happily explain the difference between cuts if you’re not sure what you’re looking at.
- Keep it friendly. Most mix-ups are genuine kitchen errors, not an attempt to short-change you. A calm, polite word to staff usually sorts things out fast.
- Know the chain’s policy. Texas Roadhouse has said it wants customers to flag issues at the time, which suggests most problems do get resolved when raised early.
The Bigger Picture
The issue of mixing up steaks isn’t exclusive to Texas Roadhouse. Any busy restaurant offering multiple types of steak can run into issues with orders being mixed up. However, in this case the video has been recorded and shared, meaning it has become an issue that many will talk about after only one customer has complained.
For Texas Roadhouse, who have hundreds of locations in the USA, it won’t make much difference overall, however it serves as a good reminder to all customers to check what they are getting and don’t be scared to ask questions.
Quick FAQs
Did Texas Roadhouse admit to the mistake?
Yes, the chain confirmed one mix-up happened and said it was corrected at the time.
Was Kenneth Card charged for the wrong steak?
He says he was given a sirloin but believed he was being charged filet mignon prices, though the exact billing details of each visit have not been fully confirmed.
What should I do if I think I got the wrong steak?
Tell your server immediately, before you finish your meal, so staff can check and correct it on the spot.
Is this a common problem at restaurants?
Occasional mix-ups happen at busy restaurants everywhere. Most are honest mistakes, and most get fixed quickly once raised.
Has Texas Roadhouse changed any policies because of this?
There’s no public report of a policy change. The chain has simply reminded customers to speak up at the time of their visit.
