Toms River is gearing up for a major dining shake‑up: Texas Roadhouse is officially eyeing the former Pizza Hut site on Route 37, according to new reporting from APP.com and recent development activity in the area. The move would bring one of America’s most popular steakhouse chains to one of Ocean County’s busiest corridors — and residents are already buzzing.

A Big Brand Steps Into a Prime Route 37 Spot

The former Pizza Hut at 211 Route 37 East, a longtime local landmark, closed its doors in 2025 after more than four decades of service. Construction materials and site activity have been visible for months, fueling speculation about what would replace it.

According to APP.com’s April 2026 reporting, Texas Roadhouse has submitted plans to take over the property, marking a major expansion for the chain and a long‑awaited arrival for Ocean County diners.

While the chain has multiple New Jersey locations, including Howell and Marlton, this would be the first Texas Roadhouse in Ocean County, filling a gap locals have talked about for years.

What We Know So Far

✔ The Location

• Former Pizza Hut site
• 211 Route 37 East, Toms River, NJ 08753
• High‑visibility, high‑traffic corridor near shopping centers and major intersections.

✔ The Plan

• Texas Roadhouse is seeking approval to demolish the old Pizza Hut building and construct a new, full‑service restaurant on the site.
• Liquor license transfers and corporate filings have already been in motion, signaling serious intent.

✔ Why This Matters

Texas Roadhouse is consistently ranked among the most popular casual dining chains in the U.S., known for:

• Hand‑cut steaks
• Fall‑off‑the‑bone ribs
• Fresh‑baked rolls with cinnamon butter
• Made‑from‑scratch sides
• Lively, family‑friendly atmosphere

Ocean County residents have been asking for a Texas Roadhouse for years — and Route 37 is a strategic, high‑demand location.

Community Reaction: “It’s About Time!”

Local chatter has been overwhelmingly positive. Many residents currently drive to Howell or Monmouth County to get their Texas Roadhouse fix. The Toms River location would cut that trip significantly and bring a new dining option to a corridor that’s seen rapid redevelopment.

About Texas Roadhouse

Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Kentucky, Texas Roadhouse now operates 580+ locations across 49 states. The chain is known for its upbeat atmosphere, country music, and signature steaks.

Official Website: 👉 https://www.texasroadhouse.com/

What’s Next?

The project is currently in the approval and planning phase. Once permits are finalized, demolition of the old Pizza Hut structure is expected to begin, followed by construction of the new restaurant.

No official opening date has been announced yet, but based on typical build timelines, late 2026 or early 2027 is a reasonable expectation.