- Andy Armadillo, Mascot for Texas Roadhouse Restaurants
- Circa: 2010 / 2011
- Size: 12″ high
- Produced by Louisville Stoneware.
- Price: $145.
Since the first location in Clarksville Indiana, the Texas Roadhouse restaurants have grown to 620 locations across the United States (2024). And it’s not only in the United States. Texas Roadhouse also has locations in Dubai and Kuwait, although I wonder what they might think of an Andy Armadillo!
With that many employees, the company felt there was a need for an emergency fund available to all employees, which is where Andy’s Outreach comes in. The fund offers cash to employees in cases like family emergencies and when disasters occur that might affect them. Andy’s Outreach is an internal outreach funded in unique ways, including payroll deductions and auctions item open only to employees. The company has an annual conference with up to 1500 people participating who will avidly bid on the numerous gift baskets available throughout the event with proceeds benefitting the fund. Other fundraising items have included t-shirts and Andy Armadillo ornaments.
And that’s how this project came about with the cookie jar. Texas Roadhouse and Louisville Stoneware have worked together on corporate gifts. This jar was originally created by Founder and CEO Kent Taylor to give as personal Christmas gifts. As can be imagined, the jars were a big hit and the decision was made to offer the Andy Armadillo jars available for purchase by employees. A little more discussion was held and the jar is now through the Louisville Stoneware website to the general public, with proceeds benefitting Andy’s Outreach.
Note: This article was originally published in 2012.
From the @BarbCrews archives