Texas Roadhouse aims for Poughkeepsie launch by winter
The parade of chain restaurants marching into Poughkeepsie this year continues.
Texas Roadhouse, a Southwestern-styled steakhouse, plans to open a location on Route 9, becoming the fourth entry on a list of new chain restaurants entering the area.
Texas Roadhouse joins a list of Southern restaurant chains opening their first locations in Dutchess County, including Golden Corral, Popeyes and Hardees. Out of the way for most Dutchess County residents, the closest Texas Roadhouse is 18 miles from Poughkeepsie, in Kingston.
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The lack of a Texas Roadhouse in the area never stopped LaGrangeville resident Susan Watkins from dining at the chain. Watkins said she frequents the chain's Kingston and Middletown restaurants with her family.
"Great atmosphere, too," Watkins said. "Just a fun place. It will be a great addition to the Poughkeepsie area."
Texas Roadhouse offers American cuisine such as steak, ribs, chicken and seafood. For Watkins, the best dish is the Steakhouse Filet Salad, which is topped with filet strips, blue cheese crumbles and bacon bits.
The chain of restaurants was founded in Indiana in 1993, but it has expanded nationally, including 14 restaurants in New York.
The Town of Poughkeepsie planning board is scheduled for a site plan hearing on the restaurant at its upcoming meeting on Feb. 18. Opening at 2323 South Road, the 7,000 square-foot restaurant space is expected to launch on the southbound side of Route 9 in the fall or early winter, according to Kelly Libolt, a consultant for Texas Roadhouse with Page Park Associates.
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This influx of franchises follows concerns over a lack of variety in restaurant chains in Dutchess County.
Competition for Texas Roadhouse includes both chain and local options, including Outback Steakhouse in Wappingers Falls, Charlie Brown's Fresh Grill in Fishkill and Joseph's Steakhouse in Hyde Park.
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Before construction can begin at the site, the planning board must approve the site plan and obtain several more permits and approvals, according to board planner Eric Hollman.
Geoffrey Wilson: gwilson@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4882, Twitter: @PoJoGeoffWilson