Right-wing protesters target Texas Roadhouse in demonstration against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives
In a significant development, America First Legal (AFL), a conservative legal organisation founded by Stephen Miller and President Trump's deputy chief of staff, has filed complaints with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Tennessee attorney general, alleging discrimination against white men in the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies of two major casual dining chains, Cracker Barrel and Texas Roadhouse [1][3].
The crusade against DEI policies has gained traction in the private sector, with McDonald's recently announcing that it has stopped setting goals for representation in hiring and no longer requires suppliers to sign DEI commitments [2]. The fast-food giant has also changed the name of its diversity team to the global inclusion team.
The restaurant world is also under scrutiny for its DEI practices, with Texas Roadhouse being one of the companies under investigation. As of publication time, Texas Roadhouse had not responded to a request for comment regarding the complaint.
Texas Roadhouse, known for its high-quality food and lively atmosphere, is the largest casual-dining concept in the U.S. by sales. The company's policies and programs, as described in the complaint, favor female and BIPOC employees. AFL points to company materials that define diversity as female and BIPOC (Black, indigenous and people of color) employees [5].
The complaint alleges that Texas Roadhouse's policies discriminate against white men, a claim that AFL also levelled against Cracker Barrel. Cracker Barrel is the first restaurant chain to come under public fire over DEI policies.
The Trump administration has been working to dismantle DEI initiatives through executive action and other measures, arguing that these programs are discriminatory [6]. A number of companies, including Meta, Walmart, Disney, and Target, have scaled back DEI goals and programs in recent months.
Joe Guszkowski, a senior editor with Restaurant Business, covering technology and casual-dining chains, is following this developing story closely. Texas Roadhouse restaurants, despite the controversy, have been among the best-performing chains in the industry for years. The company's Women's Leadership Summit and the African American Leadership Summit, which AFL claims exclude white men, are initiatives aimed at fostering diversity and inclusion within the organisation.
As the debate surrounding DEI policies in the private sector continues, it remains to be seen how this controversy will unfold for Texas Roadhouse and Cracker Barrel. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
[1] America First Legal Files Complaints Against Texas Roadhouse and Cracker Barrel Over Alleged Discrimination Against White Men [2] McDonald's Drops DEI Goals and Supplier Commitments [3] AFL: Cracker Barrel's DEI Programs Provide Unique Benefits to Certain Races and Sexes [5] AFL: Texas Roadhouse's DEI Policies Discriminate Against White Men [6] Trump Administration Aims to Dismantle DEI Initiatives
The controversy surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in the private sector has expanded, with America First Legal (AFL) accusing Texas Roadhouse and Cracker Barrel of discriminating against white men.POLITICS: The Trump administration has been actively working to dismantle DEI initiatives, arguing that they are discriminatory.general-news: Several companies, including Meta, Walmart, Disney, and Target, have recently scaled back their DEI goals and programs.
