Illinois Diner Accuses Texas Roadhouse of Serving Sirloin as Filet Mignon Three Times

Key points

• Kenneth Card, an Illinois resident with professional kitchen experience, claims he received sirloin instead of filet mignon three times at a Texas Roadhouse in Forsyth, Illinois.
• Card’s TikTok video, posted in early October, has garnered over 30,000 views, warning other diners about potential misidentification of cuts.
• The price difference between the two cuts at the Forsyth location is approximately $10, with sirloin costing around $20 and filet mignon around $30.
• Texas Roadhouse confirmed one instance of a mix-up that was corrected onsite but stated it could not track the occurrence of the other two alleged incidents.
• Card described the difference in texture, noting that filet mignon is tender while sirloin is grittier and chewier, and stated he will not return to the Forsyth location.

Background

This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding food accuracy and consumer trust in chain restaurants. While previous coverage of Illinois dining focused on high-end culinary achievements, such as the New York Times’ 2026 Best Restaurants list featuring local spots like Creepies and Kouklas Greek Eatery, this story addresses a different aspect of the dining experience: the reliability of standard menu items in a popular casual dining chain. The issue of misidentified meat cuts has also been discussed in broader contexts, such as expert advice on spotting fake Wagyu beef, emphasizing the importance of consumer awareness in premium food purchases.

Why it matters

The story underscores the importance of consumer vigilance and the potential financial impact of misidentified food items. It also highlights the challenges restaurants face in maintaining consistency and accuracy in their service, particularly in high-volume environments. The viral nature of the complaint suggests a broader public interest in transparency and accountability in the food industry.

What to watch

Texas Roadhouse has advised customers to alert staff immediately if they believe they have received the wrong item. The chain has stated that team members double-check food for quality and accuracy as it is expedited from the kitchen. Card has indicated he will not return to the Forsyth location, and the company has not announced any further actions or investigations beyond the initial confirmation of one mix-up.