In mid-October, the theme of this year’s MOVE Mag was announced, “Home Away From Home.” Sitting around the newsroom table were four Texans. From there, the idea was sparked to write letters to Texas Roadhouse, a place that reminds us of home. Each letter is unique to the experiences and hopes of the Texas writer. 

Dear Texas Roadhouse,

When I first moved to Columbia for college, I made a list of all the places that were both here and in my hometown: Canes, Target, Barnes and Noble, Michaels. All of these are spots I’d frequent at home. I was looking for familiarity in a time of uncertainty and change. At the top of the list, bolded, highlighted, and underlined was a restaurant I was beyond surprised to see in this quaint college town in Mid-Missouri. Home of the most delicious rolls: Texas Roadhouse. I’m embarrassed to say that up until then, I thought Texas Roadhouse was only in Texas. Maybe I was hopeful of gatekeeping my favorite comfort cuisine, but I am incredibly thankful that I have you, Texas Roadhouse, to remind me of what’s waiting back at home.

Sincerely,

Alyssa Royston

Dear Texas Roadhouse,

Seeing the flag wave high above your building makes me think of home. You make me think of all the Astros baseball games, the late-night runs to Whataburger and the hot summer days lying by the pool. You make me think of how I am away from everything I know and love, but you also remind me of the new experiences and people I’ve encountered. You remind me that Houston will forever have my heart, but that there is enough room for Columbia too, so I do not have to pick one over the other. Thank you for the sweet realization.

With love, 

Jae Green

Dear Texas Roadhouse,

You are warmth, you are nostalgic and you are where home is. From the fragrance of the fresh, luscious baked bread coming straight from the oven to the mouth-watering taste of the smoked bacon in the green beans. You are home because you never failed to lift my spirits after I failed a geometry test or when I got my heart broken for the first time. I can always count on leaving with a smile. You are a constant in what it means to be home and to be there for me even in the midst of life’s oscillations. You’ve watched me grow up and now I’m out in the world trying to navigate adulting and life on my own. Home-cooked meals like yours are few and far between now, but I know that if I ever stray too far you’ll always be right where I left you. Thank you for creating the young adult I am now and thank you for always being a hub of love, family, and connection.

With Love,

Raigan Clay

Dear Texas Roadhouse, 

When I first moved to Columbia, it was the first time I had ever lived outside of Texas. I was nervous and scared, but overall I was excited to experience something new. As the school year has evolved, I’ve adopted a routine, a friend group and accomplishments within my classes; however, there are those moments when I am suddenly hit with a wave of homesickness. When those moments hit, all I want to do is find something that can connect me to home, connect me to Houston. I eventually found comfort in an unexpected place — Texas Roadhouse. With its flashing sign and the Texas flag waving on top of the restaurant, Texas Roadhouse brings a sense of home. To me, Texas Roadhouse is more than just a restaurant where I order an endless amount of rolls, but a symbol of the place that I love and miss. It’s hard to move to another place, but I believe finding things that remind you of home gives you peace of mind in your new home. Thank you, Texas Roadhouse, for allowing me to reminisce on what I left behind but giving me a sense of home every now and then.

With love,

Emily Skidmore

Edited by Annie Goldman | agoldman@themaneater.com 

Copy edited by Natalie Kientzy and Grace Knight | gknight@themaneater.com

Edited by Scout Hudson | shudson@themaneater.com