Texas Roadhouse Cook says he’s out of medallions

Every time a “food hack” goes viral on TikTok, the story plays out exactly the same.

First, someone makes a video showing how users can get a new, interesting item from their favorite chain — or order an item they’re already accustomed to at a significantly reduced price.

Then TikToker will apparently flock to the restaurant. Every TikToker will order this new, special item, causing confusion and frustration in the restaurant.

Over time, the restaurant will adapt to the hack. Some will stop serving it altogether; others render the hack essentially useless. In some cases, the restaurant actually adds the item to the menu, as in the case of Starbucks’ ‘pink drink’ that went viral in 2017.

This story has happened over and over again, and as these food hacks have become more popular, numerous restaurants have become trapped in the cycle.

One such restaurant is Texas Roadhouse. Last year, a user on TikTok went viral after sharing a hack to get more food at a lower price at the restaurant. To do this, a user should order the “filet medallions” over the filet as it gives a bit more meat as well as an extra side dish.

According to TikTok user Jonathan (@jluckey187), this hack has caused supply problems for the restaurant.

“I said whoever did this TikTok about the Roadhouse medallions your mom is a hoe because I can’t keep up with the medallions,” Jonathan says in the video. Then he taps on an empty shelf. “I don’t have anything but medallions.”

His video has more than 531,000 views.

@jluckey187 Every little hack for everything on Tiktok! Meds = 9oz #texasroadhouse #meatcutter #medaillons #filet ♬ Original sound – Jonathan Molina286

In the comments section, many users warned Jonathan that his video’s intent would likely backfire, inspiring more people to order the lockets to get the above deal.

“I think this video had the opposite effect of what you wanted because now I want some medallions,” wrote one user.

“Never would have seen the post on lockets if you hadn’t made this one… now I’m craving lockets,” echoed another.

Some claimed they didn’t learn about this hack from TikTok, but from their servers at the Texas Roadhouse.

“I think it might as well be the workers… I wanted an 8-ounce fillet and our waiter convinced me to get the medallions instead,” claimed one commenter.

“When I was a server at TRH I always pushed for it,” said a second.

As for Jonathan, he explains in the comments that he’s actually not that upset about the hack.

“…it’s okay,” he writes. “More money for them, more hours for me.”

We contacted Jonathan via TikTok comment and Texas Roadhouse via email.