Texas Roadhouse Denies Hidden Cameras in Dining Room Lights

TikTok influencer claims restaurant is secretly watching customers, but company says lighting is just for ambiance

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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A TikTok video has sparked rumors that Texas Roadhouse restaurants are using hidden cameras in their dining room light fixtures to secretly monitor customers. However, the restaurant chain has denied these claims, stating that the unique light bulbs are simply used to create a more diffused and pleasing ambiance, not for surveillance purposes.

Why it matters

The potential use of hidden cameras in restaurants raises significant privacy concerns for diners. While restaurants may have a legitimate interest in monitoring their operations, covert surveillance without customer consent could erode trust and lead to backlash from the public. This story highlights the delicate balance between a restaurant's needs and a customer's reasonable expectation of privacy.

The details

The TikTok video in question shows a user panning the camera up to one of the light fixtures above a Texas Roadhouse table, suggesting the bulb could contain a hidden camera. The restaurant chain responded to these claims, stating that the bulbs are "silver bowl bulbs" designed to diffuse the light, not for surveillance. Texas Roadhouse explained that similar lighting is used in many restaurants to create a more pleasant dining atmosphere.

  • The TikTok video was posted in February 2026.

The players

Texas Roadhouse

A popular casual dining restaurant chain with over 700 locations nationwide, known for its steaks, rolls, and Texas-inspired decor.

@zandermarlow

A TikTok influencer who posted a video suggesting Texas Roadhouse was using hidden cameras in its dining room light fixtures.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

This story highlights the ongoing tension between a restaurant's operational needs and a customer's reasonable expectation of privacy. While Texas Roadhouse has denied the use of hidden cameras, the incident serves as a reminder that restaurants must be transparent about their practices and respect the privacy of their diners in order to maintain trust and avoid public backlash.