Proposed New Jersey law could change Texas Roadhouse menus nationwide

A proposed New Jersey law could require Texas Roadhouse to revise how it presents menu information, not just in the Garden State, but potentially across its restaurants nationwide. The legislation would require food service businesses in New Jersey to provide written notice identifying the presence of the nine major food allergens in every menu item.

Although the bill would only apply in New Jersey, restaurant chains with hundreds of locations often standardize menus across the country instead of printing separate versions for one state. If Texas Roadhouse chose that approach, diners nationwide could begin seeing allergen information on menus even in states without similar requirements.

The proposal does not require Texas Roadhouse to remove or reformulate menu items. Instead, it focuses on giving customers clear written notice about allergens before they order. According to the bill, restaurants could satisfy the requirement by identifying known allergens for each menu item.

Proposed legislation could affect other chains, too

If enacted, the measure would affect many other national restaurant brands operating in New Jersey. Chains such as Olive Garden, Applebee’s, Chili’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Outback Steakhouse, LongHorn Steakhouse, Red Lobster, and The Cheesecake Factory also would need to comply with the state’s allergen disclosure requirements for their New Jersey locations.

Like Texas Roadhouse, those companies could decide whether to create state-specific menus. Or instead, they could adopt standardized menus across all locations, according to The U.S. Sun.

California has already enacted the Allergen Disclosure for Dining Experiences Act, which requires large restaurant chains to disclose major allergens beginning in 2026. Lawmakers in Michigan have also introduced similar legislation.

National restaurant chains often respond to state-specific menu laws in one of two ways. Some create separate menus or digital ordering systems for states with unique requirements. In New Jersey, chains could add a QR code or route New Jersey diners to a state-specific digital menu page.

Others adopt the stricter standard across all locations to simplify menu printing, employee training, and compliance. Companies have taken both approaches, with past state laws covering nutrition labeling, warning notices, and ingredient disclosures.

Supporters of the New Jersey bill say written allergen information would help customers make informed dining decisions without relying solely on restaurant staff. The legislation would cover both on-premises dining and takeout businesses that fall within the bill’s definition of a food service business.

The bill remains under consideration in the New Jersey Legislature. It was introduced on Feb. 9, 2026, by state Senators Patrick Diegnan Jr. and Angela McKnight. As of July 15, 2026, lawmakers have not passed the measure, and it has not reached the governor’s desk for signature. Texas Roadhouse has not publicly commented on the bill as of July 15, 2026.