Episode 84. Kent Taylor – Founder, Texas Roadhouse & Aspen Creek Restaurant Chains (1955-2021)

Louisville-native and restaurateur Kent Taylor had a passion for the food industry and skiing.

Kent began with a humble start as a worker at Captain’s Quarters along the Ohio River. He left this position to attend school at the University of North Carolina. His love for skiing led him to Colorado after college, where he managed nightclubs and restaurants.

Kent returned to Louisville in 1990, and within a year, he received financing for his idea of a Colorado-themed bar and grill, now known as Buckhead Mountain Grill. Buckhead thrived and expanded. A few years later, Kent sold this chain and turned his attention to his new idea of a Texas-themed steakhouse. In 1993, Texas Roadhouse was born in Indiana. Word of mouth spread, business boomed, and there are 335 locations across 46 states today. In Kentucky, Kent opened Aspen Creek Restaurant in Fern Creek, featuring menu items under $10.

When he was not opening restaurants, Kent was often be found on the ski slopes.