In Midland, Texas, a heartfelt farewell unfolded at Texas Roadhouse, as team members, friends, and family came together to celebrate Kevin Wells, a cherished employee retiring after eight years of dedicated service. Kevin, who lives with Down syndrome and was recently diagnosed with dementia, left a lasting impact—not just on the team, but on the spirit and rhythm of the entire restaurant.
A Routine That Set the Tone
For nearly a decade, the staff didn’t need a clock to know their day had begun—they had Kevin.
Each afternoon, Kevin would enter the restaurant with a series of greetings. A quick hello to the host stand. A stroll past the broiler line. A wave to the dishwashers. Then, he’d get to work rolling thousands of sets of silverware—always with purpose, always with pride.
“He gives everybody a little spark when he comes in each day.”
— Aaron Battles, Managing Partner
Kevin’s presence became routine, but never routine. He brought energy, consistency, and pure joy. His co-workers affectionately describe him as a “cheerleader” and a source of daily inspiration.
Dance, Joy, and Silverware
While Kevin’s main task was rolling silverware, he became known for something else entirely—his joy.
Music in the kitchen often meant a spontaneous performance. Staff fondly recall one particular day when Cher’s “Believe” played over the speakers, and Kevin couldn’t resist dancing. His moves, his smile—it made everyone’s day better.
“It just makes everybody smile,” Battles said.
“Kevin teaches us more than we ever taught him.”
Facing Challenges with Strength
Kevin’s decision to step away from his role wasn’t easy. After being diagnosed with dementia, he began experiencing difficulties. But true to his character, he never missed a shift, always arriving in uniform, ready to give his best.
His coworkers adapted alongside him. Former employees returned to help teach Kevin coping strategies. The team remained committed to honoring his dignity and desire to work.
“They love him, and he loves them,” said Katherine Wells, Kevin’s mother.
“He wants a sense of accomplishment. He doesn’t like not working.”
On May 25, 2025, the Texas Roadhouse family organized a surprise farewell celebration—one filled with hugs, applause, and of course, dancing.
A Culture Kevin Helped Build
Texas Roadhouse was founded in 1993 and has since grown into a global brand with over 600 locations. But at its heart, it remains focused on people. The company’s mission—“Legendary Food, Legendary Service”—isn’t just about customers. It’s about employees like Kevin.
Kevin exemplified what the brand stands for: hard work, routine, and fun. His story also highlights Texas Roadhouse’s ongoing support of individuals with disabilities, not as charity, but as a reflection of inclusive values. In fact, Texas Roadhouse Careers continues to seek team members who bring energy, passion, and reliability—qualities Kevin embodied daily.
A Farewell, Not a Goodbye
Kevin Wells didn’t just roll silverware. He rolled out joy—one greeting, one dance, one shift at a time.
Though he’s retiring, the legacy he leaves behind at Texas Roadhouse in Midland will carry on. His story serves as a powerful reminder of how purpose, inclusion, and kindness can transform workplaces and lives.
“Sometimes we have to adjust and adapt a little bit,” said Battles.
“But someone like Kevin is going to do so much more for us than we’ll ever do for them.”