Texas Roadhouse wants to help its workers pay for college.
The casual-dining chain announced last week that employees working at least 30 hours a week will be eligible for $5,250 in annual tuition reimbursement, provided they attend an accredited university and maintain a C average.
It is part of a national hiring push for the chain, which will celebrate National Hiring Day on Oct. 25 with events at its Texas Roadhouse, Bubba's 33 and Jaggers restaurants.
The chain is known for its people-first culture and said it has spent more than $20 million in COVID-19 pay, relief and bonuses during the pandemic. But it acknowledged during an April earnings call that it was facing the same staffing challenges that have beset the industry at large. It joins other chains such as Raising Cane's, Chipotle and McDonald's to offer tuition aid as an incentive for workers to come aboard.
Louisville, Ky.-based Texas Roadhouse has more than 610 locations in 49 states and 10 foreign countries.
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