Texas Roadhouse, Inc 8-K, filed Dec 2, 2025
Texas Roadhouse, Inc. (TXRH)
About this 8-K
Texas Roadhouse, Inc filed this 8-K on December 2, 2025, reporting on events of December 1, 2025.
Items reported
- Item 5.02: Director or officer change, or executive pay
- Item 7.01: Regulation FD disclosure
- Item 9.01: Financial statements and exhibits
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| (State or other jurisdiction | (Commission | (IRS Employer | ||
| of incorporation) | File Number) | Identification No.) |
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
Registrant’s telephone number, including
area code (
N/A
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
| Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) |
| Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) |
| Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) |
| Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each Class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging
growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Item 5.02. Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.
On December 1, 2025 and following a nationwide search, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Texas Roadhouse, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), appointed Michael Lenihan, age 52, as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, effective as of December 3, 2025. In this role, Mr. Lenihan will be responsible for overseeing the Company’s accounting, financial reporting, investor relations, tax, treasury, internal audit, and financial analysis functions, as well as serving as the Company’s principal financial officer.
Mr. Lenihan previously served as the Chief Financial Officer and Chief U.S. Development Officer for CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. from September 2023 to October 2025, where he led finance and U.S. development of the Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. brands. In this role, he oversaw the financial planning and analysis, treasury, accounting, tax and shared services functions. He also served as the company’s Chief Supply Chain Officer from October 2024 through February 2025. Prior to joining CKE Restaurants, Mr. Lenihan was with Yum! Brands Inc. (NYSE: YUM) from 2003 through 2023 where he served in various positions for Yum! corporate and the Pizza Hut and KFC brands, including Director of Corporate Planning (Yum! Brands), Senior Director of Business Development (Pizza Hut International), Vice President of Finance (Pizza Hut International), Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis and IT Shared Services (Yum! Brands), and Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis and Treasury (Yum! Brands), as well as other roles focused on strategic planning, mergers & acquisitions, and supply chain management. Mr. Lenihan has nearly 30 years of finance experience.
Additionally, on December 1, 2025 and following his successful service as interim Chief Financial Officer, the Board appointed Keith Humpich, age 55, as Chief Accounting and Financial Services Officer of the Company, effective as of December 3, 2025. In this role, Mr. Humpich will support the Company’s accounting, financial reporting, investor relations, tax, treasury, internal audit, and financial analysis functions, as well as continuing to serve as the Company’s principal accounting officer. Mr. Humpich joined the Company in February 2005 as the Director, then Senior Director, of Internal Audit, which he served until his promotion to Vice President of Finance in 2021, overseeing the Company’s financial reporting, tax, treasury, internal audit, and financial analysis functions. Mr. Humpich was appointed the Company’s principal accounting officer in January 2023 and also began overseeing the accounting function at that time. Mr. Humpich previously served as interim Chief Financial Officer of the Company from January 2023 through June 2023, and from June 2025 through December 2025. Prior to joining the Company, he held several different finance and/or audit positions at Lexmark International and Ernst & Young LLP. Mr. Humpich has over 30 years of accounting, audit and finance experience.
Neither Mr. Lenihan nor Mr. Humpich has any direct or indirect material interest in any transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.
Lenihan Executive Employment Agreement
On December 1, 2025, the Company entered into an executive employment agreement with Mr. Lenihan, our Chief Financial Officer. The employment agreement has an effective date of December 3, 2025 and an initial term expiring on January 7, 2028. Thereafter, the term will automatically renew for successive one-year terms unless either party elects not to renew by providing written notice to the other party at least 60 days before expiration.
Base Salary. The employment agreement establishes an annual base salary of $630,000. During the term of his employment agreement, base salary increases are at the discretion of the Compensation Committee.
Incentive Bonus. The employment agreement also provides that the Compensation Committee may establish an annual short-term cash incentive opportunity with base target amounts, with increases in the target bonus amount at the discretion of the Compensation Committee. During the term of his employment agreement, the performance criteria and terms of bonus awards are at the discretion of the Compensation Committee. Mr. Lenihan did not initially receive an annual short-term cash incentive bonus upon his appointment relating to his partial 2025 fiscal year service. The Compensation Committee will evaluate and establish a target bonus amount for his 2026 fiscal year service in conjunction with the Compensation Committee’s review of the other Named Executive Officer’s compensation for their respective 2026 fiscal year service.
Stock Awards. The employment agreement provides that the Compensation Committee of the Board may grant stock awards to Mr. Lenihan during the term of his employment agreement. The amount, performance criteria and terms of equity awards are at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board. In connection with the same, on December 1, 2025, the Compensation Committee authorized the grant of service-based restricted stock units with a grant date of December 3, 2025 collectively for his partial 2025 fiscal year service and his 2026 fiscal year service under the employment agreement to be calculated in the manner described in this paragraph. The number of service-based restricted stock units will be calculated by dividing $500,000 by the closing sales price of the Company’s common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on December 2, 2025, with such quotient being rounded up or down to the nearest 100 shares. These service-based restricted stock units will vest on January 8, 2027, provided he is still employed by the Company as of the vesting date.
| 1 |
Separation and Change in Control Arrangements. The employment agreement provides that the agreement and Mr. Lenihan’s employment will terminate during the term of the employment agreement if any of the following occurs: (i) termination by the Company for Cause (as defined in the employment agreement); (ii) termination by the Company without Cause; (iii) resignation for Good Reason (as hereinafter defined); (iv) resignation without Good Reason; (v) his death or long-term disability; and/or (vi) his retirement. The employment agreement also provides for the payment by the Company of the Base Termination Payments (as hereinafter defined) and/or the Separation Pay (as hereinafter defined) based on the applicable termination event. The following table describes the payment type by applicable termination event.
| Termination Event | Payment Type | |
| Termination for Cause | Base Termination Payments | |
| Termination without Cause | Base Termination Payments and Separation Pay | |
| Resignation for Good Reason | Base Termination Payments and Separation Pay | |
| Resignation without Good Reason | Base Termination Payments | |
| Officer Death / Long-Term Disability | Base Termination Payments | |
| Officer Retirement | Base Termination Payments |
The payment of the Separation Pay is generally contingent upon Mr. Lenihan’s execution of a full release of claims against the Company and continued compliance with the non-competition, non-solicitation, confidentiality and other restrictive covenants. The employment agreement provides for the reduction of Change in Control payments to the maximum amount that could be paid to him without giving rise to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code. For the purposes of the employment agreements, (A) the term “Good Reason” means termination for certain circumstances expressly described in the employment agreement that occurs within 12 months following a Change of Control; (B) the term “Base Termination Payments” means (i) Mr. Lenihan’s base salary through the date of termination, plus (ii) any incentive bonus earned but not yet paid for any fiscal year ended before the date of termination, plus (iii) any accrued paid time off that might be due in accordance with the Company’s policies, plus (iv) any expenses owed to him under the employment agreement; and (C) the term “Separation Pay” means the following:
(a) to the extent the employment agreement is terminated by the Company without Cause, then (i) one times his then current base salary, plus (ii) an incentive bonus for the year in which the date of termination occurs, equal to his target bonus for that year, prorated based on the number of days in the fiscal year elapsed before the date of termination, plus (iii) to the extent he is enrolled in the Company’s insurance plan as of the date of termination, an amount equal to the approximate cost of the aggregate monthly premiums (less applicable withholdings) for a 12 month period of ongoing medical, dental, and vision insurance via a timely election made under the Company’s health plan pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA); and
(b) to the extent the employment agreement is terminated due to Mr. Lenihan’s resignation for Good Reason within 12 months following a Change in Control, then (i) one and half times applicable officer’s then current base salary, plus (ii) one and half times his then target incentive bonus, plus (iii) an incentive bonus for the year in which the date of termination occurs, equal to his target incentive bonus for that year, prorated based on the number of days in the fiscal year elapsed before the date of termination, plus (iv) to the extent he is enrolled in the Company’s insurance plan as of the date of termination, an amount equal to the approximate cost of the aggregate monthly premiums (less applicable withholdings) for an 18 month period of ongoing medical, dental, and vision insurance via a timely election made under the Company’s health plan pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA).
Non-competition and other Restrictions. Mr. Lenihan has agreed not to compete with us during the term of his employment and for a period of two years following the termination of his employment agreement. The employment agreements also contain certain confidentiality, non-solicitation, and non-disparagement provisions. The employment agreements contain a “clawback” provision that any compensation paid or payable to the employment agreement or any other agreement or arrangement with the Company shall be subject to recovery or reduction in future payments in lieu of recovery pursuant to any Company clawback policy in effect from time to time, whether adopted before or after the date of the employment agreement.
| 2 |
Humpich Employment Agreement
On December 1, 2025, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Humpich, our Chief Accounting and Financial Services Officer. The employment agreement has an effective date of December 3, 2025 and an initial term expiring on January 7, 2028. Thereafter, the term will automatically renew for successive one-year terms unless either party elects not to renew by providing written notice to the other party at least 60 days before expiration.
Base Salary. The employment agreement establishes an annual base salary of $420,000. During the term of his employment agreement, base salary increases are at the discretion of the Compensation Committee.
Incentive Bonus. The employment agreement also provides an annual short-term cash incentive opportunity with a base target bonus of $300,000 (which amount shall be prorated based on his 2025 fiscal year service commencing on December 3, 2025 and continuing to and through December 30, 2025), with increases in the target bonus amount at the discretion of the Compensation Committee. During the term of his employment agreement, the performance criteria and terms of bonus awards are at the discretion of the Compensation Committee. The targets are currently based upon earnings per share growth and pre-tax profits. Depending on the level of achievement of the goals, the bonus may be reduced to a minimum of 50% or increased to a maximum of 150% of the base target amount under the current incentive compensation policy of management of the Company.
Stock Awards. The employment agreement provides that the Compensation Committee may grant stock awards to Mr. Humpich during the term of his employment agreement. The amount, performance criteria and terms of equity awards are at the discretion of the Compensation Committee. In connection with the same, on December 1, 2025, the Compensation Committee authorized the grant of service-based restricted stock units with a grant date of December 3, 2025 for his 2026 fiscal year service under the employment agreement to be calculated in the manner described in this paragraph. The number of service-based restricted stock units will be calculated by dividing $480,000 by the closing sales price of the Company’s common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on December 2, 2025, with such quotient being rounded up or down to the nearest 100 shares. These service-based restricted stock units will vest on January 8, 2027, provided he is still employed by the Company as of the vesting date.
Separation and Change in Control Arrangements. The employment agreement provides that the agreement and Mr. Humpich’s employment will terminate during the term of the employment agreement if any of the following occurs: (i) termination by the Company for Cause (as defined in the employment agreement); (ii) termination by the Company without Cause; (iii) resignation for Good Reason (as hereinafter defined); (iv) resignation without Good Reason; (v) his death or long-term disability; and/or (vi) his retirement. The employment agreement also provides for the payment by the Company of the Base Termination Payments (as hereinafter defined) and/or the Separation Pay (as hereinafter defined) based on the applicable termination event. The following table describes the payment type by applicable termination event.
| Termination Event | Payment Type | |
| Termination for Cause | Base Termination Payments | |
| Termination without Cause | Base Termination Payments and Separation Pay | |
| Resignation for Good Reason | Base Termination Payments and Separation Pay | |
| Resignation without Good Reason | Base Termination Payments | |
| Officer Death / Long-Term Disability | Base Termination Payments | |
| Officer Retirement | Base Termination Payments |
The payment of the Separation Pay is generally contingent upon Mr. Humpich’s execution of a full release of claims against the Company and continued compliance with the non-competition, non-solicitation, confidentiality and other restrictive covenants. The employment agreement provides for the reduction of Change in Control payments to the maximum amount that could be paid to him without giving rise to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code. For the purposes of the employment agreements, (A) the term “Good Reason” means termination for certain circumstances expressly described in the employment agreement that occurs within 12 months following a Change of Control; (B) the term “Base Termination Payments” means (i) Mr. Humpich’s base salary through the date of termination, plus (ii) any incentive bonus earned but not yet paid for any fiscal year ended before the date of termination, plus (iii) any accrued paid time off that might be due in accordance with the Company’s policies, plus (iv) any expenses owed to him under the employment agreement; and (C) the term “Separation Pay” means the following:
(a) to the extent the employment agreement is terminated by the Company without Cause, then (i) one times his then current base salary, plus (ii) an incentive bonus for the year in which the date of termination occurs, equal to his target incentive bonus for that year, prorated based on the number of days in the fiscal year elapsed before the date of termination, plus (iii) to the extent he is enrolled in the Company’s insurance plan as of the date of termination, an amount equal to the approximate cost of the aggregate monthly premiums (less applicable withholdings) for a 12 month period of ongoing medical, dental, and vision insurance via a timely election made under the Company’s health plan pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA); and
| 3 |
(b) to the extent the employment agreement is terminated due to Mr. Humpich’s resignation for Good Reason within 12 months following a Change in Control, then (i) one and half times applicable officer’s then current base salary, plus (ii) one and half times his then target incentive bonus, plus (iii) an incentive bonus for the year in which the date of termination occurs, equal to his target incentive bonus for that year, prorated based on the number of days in the fiscal year elapsed before the date of termination, plus (iv) to the extent he is enrolled in the Company’s insurance plan as of the date of termination, an amount equal to the approximate cost of the aggregate monthly premiums (less applicable withholdings) for an 18 month period of ongoing medical, dental, and vision insurance via a timely election made under the Company’s health plan pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA).
Non-competition and other Restrictions. Mr. Humpich has agreed not to compete with us during the term of his employment and for a period of two years following the termination of his employment agreement. The employment agreements also contain certain confidentiality, non-solicitation, and non-disparagement provisions. The employment agreements contain a “clawback” provision that any compensation paid or payable to the employment agreement or any other agreement or arrangement with the Company shall be subject to recovery or reduction in future payments in lieu of recovery pursuant to any Company clawback policy in effect from time to time, whether adopted before or after the date of the employment agreement.
Item 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure.
On December 1, 2025, the Board appointed Sean Renfroe, age 45, as General Counsel of the Company, effective as of December 3, 2025. In this role, Mr. Renfroe will oversee the legal department including the corporate transactions, franchise, litigation, intellectual property, risk, and liquor license functions. He joined the Company in May 2013 serving as Senior Counsel, then Associate General Counsel – Corporate Transactions, where he served until his promotion to Vice President of Legal and Deputy General Counsel in May 2024. In this role, he oversaw the Company’s entire real estate and franchise portfolio from a legal perspective and managed the Company’s corporate transactions functions, as well as performed key legal operations, corporate governance, compliance, and securities services for the Company. He has also served as Assistant Secretary to the Board since 2017 where he assists the Corporate Secretary with public company and board matters. Before joining the Company, Mr. Renfroe worked in private practice in both Atlanta, Georgia and Louisville, Kentucky. Mr. Renfroe has almost 20 years of legal experience with nearly 15 years of restaurant industry experience. Mr. Renfroe does not have any direct or indirect material interest in any transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.
Additionally, on December 1, 2025, the Company issued a press release relating to the contents of this Current Report on Form 8-K. A copy of the press release is furnished with this Current Report on Form 8-K as Exhibit 99.1.
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive File (the cover page XBRL tags are embedded in the Inline XBRL document) |
The information in this Current Report on Form 8-K at Item 7.01 and Exhibit 99.1 attached hereto shall not be deemed to be “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section. Such information will not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement filed by the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, unless specifically identified therein as being incorporated by reference.
| 4 |
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Current Report on Form 8-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
| TEXAS ROADHOUSE, INC. | ||
| Date: December 1, 2025 | By: | /s/ Gerald L. Morgan |
| Gerald L. Morgan | ||
| Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice Chairman | ||
| 5 |
Exhibit 10.1
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
(MICHAEL LENIHAN)
THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into this 1st day of December, 2025 but having an effective date of December 3, 2025 by and between MICHAEL LENIHAN, whose address is 2101 Dorothy Avenue, Louisville, KY 40205 (“Executive”), and TEXAS ROADHOUSE MANAGEMENT CORP., a Kentucky corporation having its principal office at 6040 Dutchmans Lane, Louisville, Kentucky 40205 (the “Company”).
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Company desires, on the terms and conditions stated herein, to employ Executive as Chief Financial Officer pursuant to a written employment agreement; and
WHEREAS, Executive desires, on the terms and conditions stated herein, to be employed by the Company pursuant to a written employment agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals, and of the promises, covenants, terms, and conditions contained herein, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:
AGREEMENT
1. Employment.
(a) The Company hereby agrees to employ Executive as the Chief Financial Officer, and Executive hereby accepts such employment with the Company, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.
(b) Executive affirms and represents that (i) as of the date of this Agreement, Executive previously executed agreements with his former employer that contain certain restrictive covenants that would restrict his ability for employment with certain companies (the “Restrictive Covenants”), and (ii) to Executive’s knowledge and belief, such Restrictive Covenants would not be enforceable to restrict, and are therefore not in any way inconsistent with, Executive’s acceptance of employment with the Company, Executive’s performance of duties for the Company, and/or the promises Executive makes in this Agreement. In furtherance of the foregoing and notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, including, without limitation, Sections 5 and 6 below, (A) the Company shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to terminate this Agreement and Executive’s employment with the Company in the event Executive’s former employer enforces such Restrictive Covenants through an action or similar proceeding in a manner that would reasonably be determined by the Company to interfere, restrict and/or otherwise limit Executive’s ability to perform the duties for the Company as contemplated in this Agreement, and (B) in such an event, the Company shall not be required to pay to Executive, and Executive will not be entitled to receive from the Company, the Separation Pay (as hereinafter defined).
2. Term of Employment. Unless earlier terminated as hereinafter provided, the initial employment term shall be for a period beginning on December 3, 2025 (the “Employment Date”) and ending on January 7, 2028 (such period referred to as the “Initial Term”). Unless (i) either party gives written notice at least sixty (60) days before expiration of the Initial Term or any Additional Term that they wish to cease the terms of this Agreement being applicable to Executive’s continued employment and such employment will then continue “at will” (i.e., be terminable by either Executive or the Company at any time and for any reason, with or without cause), and subject to such terms and conditions established by the Company from time to time, or (ii) Executive’s employment is earlier terminated as hereinafter provided, the term of Executive’s employment under this Agreement will be automatically extended after the Initial Term, under the terms contained herein, on a year-to-year basis (such one-year periods referred to as “Additional Terms”). For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Employment Term” shall mean the Initial Term plus all Additional Terms.
| TXRH Executive Employment Agreement – Michael Lenihan Page 1 of 17 |
3. Duties. While Executive is employed by the Company during the Employment Term, Executive shall be employed as the Chief Financial Officer of Texas Roadhouse, Inc., and such other titles as the Company may designate, and shall perform such duties and responsibilities as the Company shall assign to Executive from time to time, including duties and responsibilities relating to the Company or Affiliates (as hereinafter defined) and certain officer positions of Affiliates as and if determined by the Company. Executive shall report to the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Texas Roadhouse, Inc. or to such other person as designated by the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and/or the Board of Directors of Texas Roadhouse, Inc. (the “Board”) (as the same may change from time to time). Executive will faithfully and to the best of Executive’s ability perform Executive’s employment duties at such places and times as the Company may reasonably prescribe. Except when approved in advance by the Company, and except during vacation periods and reasonable periods of absence due to sickness, personal injury or other disability, Executive will devote Executive’s full-time attention throughout Executive’s Employment Term to Executive’s services as Chief Financial Officer. Executive will render services exclusively to the Company during the Employment Term, except that Executive may engage in other material business activity if such service is approved in writing by the Board. Executive may participate in charitable activities and personal investment activities to a reasonable extent, and Executive may serve as a director of business organizations as approved by the Board, so long as such activities and directorships do not interfere with the performance of Executive’s duties and responsibilities under this Agreement. Executive will always act in a manner that is in the best interests of the Company, and will use Executive’s best efforts, skill and ability to promote the profitable growth of the Company.
4. Compensation.
(a) Salary. As compensation for Executive’s services under this Agreement, the Company will pay Executive a base salary at the annual rate set forth on Exhibit “A” per fiscal year, or such higher amount as may be determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board on an annual basis thereafter (“Base Salary”). Once increased, Base Salary may not be decreased during the Employment Term except for decreases that are applied generally to other executives of the Company, in an amount no greater than ten percent (10%). Such Base Salary will be paid in installments at regular intervals in accordance with the Company’s payroll practices and procedures.
(b) Incentive Bonus. For each full fiscal year during the Employment Term, Executive shall be eligible for an incentive bonus, to be paid no less frequently than annually if and to the extent Executive remains employed on its date of payment, based upon achievement of defined goals established by the Compensation Committee of the Board and in accordance with the terms of any incentive plan of the Company in effect from time to time (the “Incentive Bonus”).
(i) The level of achievement of the objectives each fiscal year and the amount payable as Incentive Bonus shall be determined in good faith by the Compensation Committee of the Board. Any Incentive Bonus earned for a fiscal year shall be paid to Executive in a single lump sum on or before the date that is 21/2 months following the last day of such fiscal year.
(ii) Subject to the achievement of the goals established by the Compensation Committee, as determined by the Compensation Committee, for each fiscal year of this Agreement, Executive shall be eligible for an annual target incentive bonus of at least the amount set forth on Exhibit “A”, or such higher amount as may be established by the Compensation Committee of the Board from time to time.
(c) Equity Incentive Plan. Executive will be eligible to participate in the Texas Roadhouse, Inc. 2021 Long Term Incentive Plan or any successor plan thereto at a level and with such awards and conditions as the Compensation Committee of the Board may from time to time grant.
| TXRH Executive Employment Agreement – Michael Lenihan Page 2 of 17 |
(d) Benefits. During the Employment Term, Executive will be entitled to participate in all employee benefit plans and programs of the Company that are available to employees generally to the extent that Executive meets the eligibility requirements for each individual plan or program. The Company provides no assurance as to the adoption or continuance of any particular employee benefit plan or program, and Executive’s participation in any such plan or program shall be subject to the provisions, rules and regulations applicable thereto.
(i) Deferred Compensation. During the Employment Term, Executive will be eligible to participate in the Company’s then-current Deferred Compensation Plan, subject to the terms of such plan, as those terms may be amended from time to time by the Company in its sole discretion (including terms related to any applicable Company matching program relating to the same to the extent approved by the Compensation Committee).
(ii) Vacations. Executive shall be entitled to be absent from Executive’s duties for the Company by reason of vacation for a period of four (4) weeks per fiscal year. Executive’s vacation time each fiscal year will accrue in accordance with the Company’s normal policies and procedures. Executive shall coordinate Executive’s vacation schedule with the Company so as not to impose an undue burden on the Company.
(e) Expenses. During the Employment Term, the Company shall reimburse Executive for all reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket business, travel and entertainment expenses incurred by Executive in the performance of Executive’s duties and responsibilities, subject to the Company’s normal policies and procedures for expense verification, documentation and reimbursement intervals. Any reimbursements made under this Section 4(e) must be submitted for payment timely such that it can be paid no later than the last day of Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the expense is incurred, or such expense will not be reimbursable.
(f) Clawback Provisions. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement to the contrary, any compensation paid or payable to Executive pursuant to this Agreement or any other agreement or arrangement with the Company shall be subject to recovery or reduction in future payments in lieu of recovery pursuant to any Company clawback policy in effect from time to time, whether adopted before or after the date of this Agreement. In furtherance of the foregoing, (A) Executive acknowledges and agrees that Executive has read, understands, and agrees to be bound by the terms of that certain Texas Roadhouse, Inc. Policy for Recovery of Incentive Compensation dated November 9, 2023 (which was previously provided to Executive and which is incorporated herein by reference) (the “Existing Clawback Policy”), and (B) the Existing Clawback Policy shall apply to certain portions of Executive’s compensation in the manner specifically described therein. In the event the Company elects, in its sole and absolute discretion, to amend, modify, replace and/or revise the Existing Clawback Policy at any time during the Employment Term, Executive agrees to execute and deliver to the Company an acknowledgement and agreement confirming Executive’s compliance with such revised clawback policy.
5. Termination.
(a) This Agreement and Executive’s employment will terminate if any of the following occurs: (i) termination by the Company for Cause (as hereinafter defined); (ii) termination by the Company without Cause; (iii) resignation by Executive for Good Reason (as hereinafter defined); (iv) resignation by Executive without Good Reason; (v) Executive’s death or long-term disability; and/or (vi) Executive’s retirement.
| TXRH Executive Employment Agreement – Michael Lenihan Page 3 of 17 |
(b) Termination by the Company for Cause. The Company may terminate this Agreement and Executive’s employment for Cause at any time without any advance notice, except as provided below. The decision to terminate Executive’s employment for Cause shall be in the sole discretion of the Company. If the Company terminates this Agreement for Cause, the Company shall pay to Executive only: (i) the Base Salary through the Date of Termination; (ii) any Incentive Bonus not yet paid for any fiscal year that ended before the Date of Termination; (iii) any accrued paid time off that might be due in accordance with policies of the Company in effect from time to time, and (iv) any expenses owed to Executive under Section 4(f) above, less any monies Executive owes to the Company as of the Date of Termination, to the extent permitted by applicable law (the “Base Termination Payments”). The Company shall have no severance obligations under this Agreement (including the obligation to pay Separation Pay) in the event of a termination for Cause.
(c) Termination by Company without Cause. If the Company terminates this Agreement without Cause, Executive will be entitled to: (i) the Base Termination Payments; and (ii) Separation Pay (as hereinafter defined) calculated and paid in accordance with Section 6 below.
(d) Resignation by Executive for Good Reason. If Executive resigns for Good Reason within twelve (12) months following a Change in Control, Executive will be entitled to: (i) the Base Termination Payments; and (ii) Separation Pay calculated and paid in accordance with Section 6 below.
(e) Resignation by Executive Without Good Reason. If Executive resigns without Good Reason, Executive will be entitled only to the Base Termination Payments. The Company shall have no severance obligations under this Agreement (including the obligation to pay Separation Pay) in the event of a resignation without Good Reason.
(f) Executive’s Death or Long-Term Disability. This Agreement will automatically terminate upon Executive’s death or long-term disability. In the event of Executive’s death, the Company shall pay the Base Termination Payments to Executive’s estate. In the event of Executive’s long-term disability, Executive will be entitled to the Base Termination Payments. In either case, the Company shall have no severance obligations under this Agreement (including the obligation to pay Separation Pay).
(g) Executive’s Retirement. If Executive retires, Executive will be entitled only to the Base Termination Payment. The Company shall have no severance obligations under this Agreement (including the obligation to pay Separation Pay) in the event of a retirement.
6. Separation Payment.
(a) Amount of Separation Pay: Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement (including the release condition in Section 6(c) below and delayed start as provided in that subsection and Section 23(c) below), in the event the Company terminates this Agreement without Cause or Executive resigns with Good Reason within twelve (12) months following a Change in Control, the Company shall pay the following amounts to Executive (as applicable, the “Separation Pay”) in intervals as determined by the Company:
(i) Termination by Company without Cause. (A) an amount equal to one (1) times Executive’s then current Base Salary (less applicable withholdings), plus (B) an Incentive Bonus for the year in which the Date of Termination occurs, equal to Executive’s target bonus for that year (less applicable withholdings), prorated based on the number of days in the fiscal year elapsed before the Date of Termination, payable at the same time that Incentive Bonuses for such periods are payable to other executive employees whose employment did not end, plus (C) to the extent Executive is enrolled in the Company’s insurance plan(s) as of the Date of Termination, an amount equal to the approximate cost of monthly premiums (less applicable withholdings) for a twelve (12) month period for ongoing medical, dental, and vision insurance via a timely election made under the Company’s health plan to the Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act (COBRA) or otherwise.
| TXRH Executive Employment Agreement – Michael Lenihan Page 4 of 17 |
(ii) Resignation by Executive for Good Reason. (A) an amount equal to one and one-half (1.5) times Executive’s current Base Salary (less applicable withholdings), plus (B) an amount equal to one and one-half (1.5) times Executive’s then target Incentive Bonus (less applicable withholdings), plus (C) an Incentive Bonus for the year in which the Date of Termination occurs, equal to Executive’s target bonus for that year (less applicable withholdings), prorated based on the number of days in the fiscal year elapsed before the Date of Termination, payable at the same time that Incentive Bonuses for such periods are payable to other executive employees whose employment did not end, plus (D) to the extent Executive is enrolled in the Company’s insurance plan(s) as of the Date of Termination, an amount equal to the approximate cost of monthly premiums (less applicable withholdings) for an eighteen (18) month period for ongoing medical, dental, and vision insurance via a timely election made under the Company’s health plan to the Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act (COBRA) or otherwise.
Nothing in this Section 6(a) shall be deemed to limit and/or prohibit the payment of amounts that otherwise would be payable to Executive for unvested service-based restricted stock units and/or performance-based restricted stock units previously awarded to Executive subject to the previously executed stock unit agreement(s).
(b) The Company is not obligated to pay the Separation Pay to Executive unless Executive has signed a full release of claims against the Company and its Affiliates that is in a form and scope acceptable to the Company (the “Release”), and all applicable consideration periods and rescission periods provided by law have expired. Executive must execute and deliver the Release to the Company no later than the date specified by the Company. The Release will be delivered by the Company to Executive at least twenty-one (21) days (forty-five (45) days where Executive is required to be given forty-five (45) days to review and consider the Release) before the deadline set for its return. If the period of time to consider and revoke the Release spans two (2) tax years, then, in no event may separation pay be paid until the second (2nd) such tax year, even if the Release is signed and nonrevocable sooner.
(c) Further, Executive shall not be entitled to Separation Pay if Executive fails to return all Company property within Executive’s possession or control and settle all expenses owed to the Company on or before the date the Release is executed and returned to the Company.
(d) If Executive, at any time before all Separation Pay due under this Agreement is paid, fails to comply with restrictive covenants in this Agreement or any other agreement with the Company, the Company may cease payment and any further amounts due shall be deemed a “disputed payment” for purposes of Code Section 409A-2(g) payable only as and if required as a result of the claim and dispute resolution provisions in Section 17 below.
(e) In no event shall Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts, benefits and other compensation payable or otherwise provided to Executive after Executive’s Date of Termination.
| TXRH Executive Employment Agreement – Michael Lenihan Page 5 of 17 |
7. Definitions. In addition to terms capitalized and defined in the context where first used, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated below:
(a) Termination for “Cause” means a termination by the Company for one (1) or more of the following reasons, as stated in a written notice of termination:
(i) Executive’s conviction of, or being charged with having committed, a felony;
(ii) Executive’s acts of dishonesty or moral turpitude that are detrimental to the business of the Company;
(iii) Executive’s failure to obey the reasonable and lawful directions of the Company, including, without limitation, the Company’s policies and procedures (including the Company’s policies prohibiting discrimination, harassment, and retaliation), and the Texas Roadhouse, Inc. Code of Conduct;
(iv) Executive’s failure to perform Executive’s obligations under this Agreement;
(v) Executive’s willful breach of any agreement or covenant of this Agreement or any fiduciary duty owed to the Company; and/or
(vi) Executive’s unsatisfactory performance of Executive’s duties after: (A) Executive has received written notice of the general nature of the unsatisfactory performance and (B) Executive has failed to cure the unsatisfactory performance within thirty (30) days thereafter to the satisfaction of the Company. If, during this thirty (30) day timeframe, the Company determines that Executive is not making reasonable good faith efforts to cure the deficiencies to the satisfaction of the Company, the Company has the right to immediately terminate Executive’s employment. If the Company determines that Executive cured the unsatisfactory performance before the conclusion of the thirty (30) day timeframe, any recurrence of the same or similar unsatisfactory performance within twelve (12) months of the conclusion of the thirty (30) day timeframe shall constitute “Cause” for Executive’s termination, and Executive’s employment may be terminated with no further or additional opportunity to cure the unsatisfactory performance.
(b) A “Change in Control” means that one of the following events has taken place:
(i) consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other entity, other than a merger or consolidation that would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving or resulting entity) more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the surviving or resulting entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation;
(ii) consummation of a sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (other than such a sale or disposition immediately after which such assets will be owned directly or indirectly by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the common stock of the Company immediately before such sale or disposition); or
(iii) any Person becomes the beneficial owner (as determined pursuant to Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) of securities representing in excess of fifty percent (50%) of the aggregate voting power of the outstanding securities of the Company as required to be disclosed in a report on Schedule 13D of the Exchange Act.
Notwithstanding anything in the foregoing to the contrary, the Board shall have full and final authority, in its sole discretion, to determine conclusively whether a Change in Control shall have occurred pursuant to the above definition, the date of the occurrence of such Change in Control, and any incidental matters relating thereto.
| TXRH Executive Employment Agreement – Michael Lenihan Page 6 of 17 |
For purposes of this Section 7(b), the term “Company” means Texas Roadhouse, Inc.
(c) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(d) “Date of Termination” means (A) if Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company or by Executive other than for Good Reason, the date of receipt of the notice of termination or any later date specified therein (which date shall be not more than thirty (30) days after giving such notice), as the case may be, (B) if Executive’s employment is terminated by Executive for Good Reason, the thirtieth (30th) day following receipt by the Company of the notice of termination for Good Reason if the Company fails to cure the condition giving rise to Good Reason during the thirty (30) day cure period, or any later date specified therein, as the case may be, provided that such date may not be more than sixty (60) days following the Company’s receipt of the notice of termination.
(e) “Good Reason” given by Executive in a notice of termination must be based on one (1) or more of the following circumstances following a Change in Control:
(i) the assignment to Executive of a different title or job responsibilities that result in a substantial decrease in the level of responsibility from those in effect immediately before the Change in Control;
(ii) a reduction by the Company or the surviving company in Executive’s base pay as in effect immediately before the Change in Control;
(iii) a significant reduction by the Company or the surviving company in total benefits available to Executive under cash incentive, stock incentive and other employee benefit plans after the Change in Control compared to the total package of such benefits as in effect before the Change in Control;
(iv) the requirement by the Company or the surviving company that Executive be based more than fifty (50) miles from where Executive’s office is located immediately before the Change in Control, except for required travel on Company business to an extent substantially consistent with the business travel obligations which Executive undertook on behalf of the Company before the Change in Control; or
(v) the failure by the Company to obtain from any Successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company (“Successor”) an agreement to assume obligations under this Agreement.
Provided, however, that Good Reason shall not exist unless the reason set forth is not cured within thirty (30) days after Executive has delivered written notice of such condition to the Company and/or to such Successor. Further, in each case, Executive must give the Company notice of the condition within ninety (90) days of the initial existence of the condition, and the separation from service must occur within sixty (60) days following notice of termination, or the termination will not be considered to be for Good Reason.
(f) “Person” has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act and used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof, including a “group” as defined in Section 13(d) thereof.
| TXRH Executive Employment Agreement – Michael Lenihan Page 7 of 17 |
8. Cooperation. Executive agrees to cooperate fully with the Company, its attorneys and representatives in any litigation, arbitration or administrative proceeding related to Executive’s current or former employment with the Company. Without limiting the foregoing, Executive agrees (a) to meet with the Company’s representatives, counsel, or other designees at mutually convenient times and places related to any items within the scope of this provision; (b) to provide truthful testimony regarding same to any court, agency, or other adjudicatory body; and (c) to provide the Company with notice of contact by any non-governmental adverse party or such adverse party’s representative, except as may be required by law. The Company will use reasonable efforts to schedule Executive’s cooperation in a manner that avoids causing Executive any undue hardship. Executive’s obligation to cooperate under this Section 8 extends for five (5) years from the last date on which Executive receives any compensation under this Agreement or any amendment and restatement or successor hereto. Nothing herein will prevent Executive from providing truthful responses, under oath, in response to a subpoena from any judicial or governmental authority. Further, nothing herein shall require Executive to cooperate with the Company regarding any charge or litigation in which Executive is a charging or complaining party, or any confidential investigation by a government agency.
9. Confidentiality and Nondisparagement.
(a) Confidentiality Covenant. Executive agrees:
(i) Executive’s employment creates a relationship in which the Company places confidence and trust in Executive with respect to certain information pertaining to the business of the Company and its Affiliates that Executive may receive during Executive’s employment by the Company.
(ii) Without the written consent of the Company, Executive will not use for Executive’s benefit or disclose at any time during or after Executive’s employment, except to the extent required by Executive’s duties, to the extent of Executive’s obligations under Section 14, or as permitted below, any information Executive obtains or develops while employed by the Company regarding any actual or potential recipes, suppliers, products, services, employees, documents pertaining to the Company or any of its Affiliates (including, without limitation, this Agreement, franchise agreements, employment agreements and joint venture agreements), financial affairs, systems, applications, or methods of marketing, service or procurement of the Company or any of its Affiliates, or any confidential matter regarding the business of the Company or any of its Affiliates, except information that at the time is generally known to the public or is required to be disclosed by law or legal process, other than as a result of disclosure by Executive not permitted under this Agreement (collectively, “Confidential Information”).
(iii) At Executive’s request, the Company will tell Executive, in writing, whether or not the Company considers any particular item of information to be Confidential Information. Executive agrees to contact the Company before Executive discloses any information that Executive acquired during Executive’s employment to determine whether the Company considers the information to be Confidential Information.
(iv) Upon Executive’s termination, Executive will promptly return to the Company all documents and papers (including all copies, stored electronically or otherwise) relating to Confidential Information and other physical property in Executive’s possession that belongs to the Company or any of its Affiliates.
(v) Nothing in this provision prevents Executive from communicating with, filing a charge or complaint with, providing documents or information voluntarily or in response to a subpoena or other information request to, or from participating in or otherwise cooperating in an investigation or proceeding conducted by a governmental agency, including but not limited to, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or any similar federal, state, or local agency charged with the enforcement of any laws, and Executive shall not need to notify the Company or seek permission before communicating with any such governmental agency.
| TXRH Executive Employment Agreement – Michael Lenihan Page 8 of 17 |
(b) Binding Effect. Executive agrees that the provisions of this Section 9 are binding upon Executive’s heirs, successors and legal representatives.
(c) Obligations Additive. Executive acknowledges that the obligations imposed by this Section 9 are in addition to, and not in place of, any obligations imposed by applicable statutory or common law.
(d) Nondisparagement. Executive shall not at any time during the Employment Term or for a period of two (2) years after Executive’s employment ends, disparage the Company, any of its Affiliates and any of their respective officers and directors.
10. Intellectual Property.
(a) Disclosure and Assignment. As used herein, “Creations” means writings, works of authorship, recipes, formulas, ideas, concepts, inventions, discoveries, and improvements, whether patented, patentable or not and whether copyrighted, copyrightable, or not. Furthermore, as used herein, “Employment Creations” means any and all Creations created, prepared, produced, authored, amended, conceived or reduced to practice by Executive whether solely or in collaboration with others while he or she is employed by the Company that: (i) relate in any way to the Company’s business; or (ii) relate to the Company’s actual or contemplated business, research, or development; or (iii) result from any work performed by Executive for the Company. Executive acknowledges that, by reason of being employed by the Company at the relevant times, to the extent permitted by law, every copyrightable Employment Creation, regardless of whether copyright protection is sought or preserved by the Company, shall be a “work made for hire” as defined in 17 U.S.C. §101, and the Company shall own all rights in and to such Employment Creation throughout the world except to the extent such ownership is waived in writing by the Board. To the extent the preceding sentence does not apply, as of the Effective Date, Executive agrees to transfer and assign and hereby transfers and assigns to the Company (or its designee) all right, title, and interest of Executive in and to every Employment Creation. Executive further agrees to transfer and assign and hereby transfers and assigns to the Company all Creations created, prepared, produced, authored, amended, conceived or reduced to practice by Executive within one (1) year following Executive’s termination of employment with the Company (whether voluntary or otherwise), if the Creation is a result of Company’s Confidential Information obtained by Executive during Executive’s employment with the Company (collectively, “Post-Employment Creations”). Executive shall communicate promptly and disclose to the Company, in such form as the Company may request, all information, details, and data pertaining to each Employment Creation and each Post-Employment Creation. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to reduce or limit the Company’s rights, title, or interest in any Employment Creations or Post-Employment Creations so as to be less in any respect than that the Company would have had in the absence of this Agreement except to the extent such ownership is waived in writing by the Board.
(b) Moral Rights. To the extent any copyrights are assigned under this Agreement, Executive hereby irrevocably waives, to the extent permitted by applicable law, any and all claims Executive may now or hereafter have in any jurisdiction to all rights of paternity, integrity, disclosure, and withdrawal and any other rights that may be known as “moral rights” with respect to all Employment Creations and Post-Employment Creations and all intellectual property rights therein.
| TXRH Executive Employment Agreement – Michael Lenihan Page 9 of 17 |
(c) Trademarks. All right, title, and interest in and to any and all trademarks, trade names, service marks, and logos adopted, used, or considered for use by the Company during Executive’s employment (whether or not developed by Executive) to identify the Company’s business or other goods or services (collectively, the “Marks”), together with the goodwill appurtenant thereto, and all other materials, ideas, or other property conceived, created, developed, adopted, or improved by Executive solely or jointly during Executive’s employment by the Company and relating to its business shall be owned exclusively by the Company. Executive shall not have, and will not claim to have, any right, title, or interest of any kind in or to the Marks or such other property.
(d) Further Assurances and Documentation. During and after Executive’s employment, Executive shall, for no additional consideration, reasonably cooperate with the Company to (i) apply for, obtain, perfect, and transfer to the Company the Employment Creations and Post-Employment Creations and any intellectual property rights therein in any jurisdiction in the world; and (ii) maintain, protect, and enforce the same, including, without limitation, executing and delivering to the Company such formal transfers and assignments, applications, oaths, declarations, affidavits, waivers, and such other documents as the Company may request to permit the Company (or its designee) to file and prosecute such registration applications and other documents it deems useful to protect or enforce its rights under this Agreement. The Company will pay all of Executive’s reasonable expenses in connection with this cooperation.
(e) Non-Applicability. Executive is hereby notified that this Section 10 does not apply to any Creation for which no equipment, supplies, facility, Confidential Information, or other trade secret information of the Company was used and which was developed entirely on Executive’s own time, unless (i) the Creation relates in any way to (A) the business of the Company, or (B) the Company’s actual or contemplated business, research, or development; or (ii) the Creation results from any work performed by Executive for the Company.
(f) No License. Executive understands that this Agreement does not, and shall not be construed to, grant Executive any license or right of any nature with respect to any Employment Creations, or any Post-Employment Creations, or any Confidential Information, materials, recipes, software, or other tools made available to Executive by the Company.
11. Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation.
(a) During the Employment Term, Executive shall faithfully serve the Company to the best of Executive’s ability, shall use Executive’s best endeavors to promote the interest and welfare thereof, and shall devote the whole of Executive’s time, attention and abilities to such duties. By way of example and not limitation, this means that during the Employment Term, Executive will not do or say anything that: (i) could advance an interest of any existing or prospective competitor of the Company or any of its Affiliates in any way; or (ii) will or may injure an interest of the Company or any of its Affiliates in its relationship and dealings with existing or potential suppliers or customers.
(b) During Executive’s employment and for two (2) years following the termination of Executive’s employment (whether under this Agreement or during a successor or “at will” employment period):
(i) Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, on Executive’s own behalf or on behalf of any person or entity other than the Company, including without limitation as a proprietor, principal, agent, partner, officer, director, stockholder, employee, member of any association, consultant or otherwise, engage in any business that is directly competitive with the business of the Company, including without limitation any business that operates one or more full-service, casual dining steakhouse restaurants within the United States or any foreign country in which the Company or its franchisees or its joint venture partners is operating or in which Executive knows the Company or its franchisees or its joint venture partners proposes to open within twenty-four (24) months. The provisions of this Section shall also apply to any business which is directly competitive with any other business which the Company or an Affiliate acquires or develops during Executive’s employment with the Company.
| TXRH Executive Employment Agreement – Michael Lenihan Page 10 of 17 |
(ii) Except as required in the performance of Executive’s duties as an employee of the Company, Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, (A) hire, engage or solicit or induce or attempt to induce to cease working for the Company, any person who is then an employee of the Company or who was an employee of the Company during the six (6) month period immediately preceding Executive’s termination of employment with the Company, nor (B) solicit, request, advise, induce or attempt to induce any vendor, supplier or other business contact of the Company to cancel, curtail, cease doing business with, or otherwise adversely change its relationship with the Company.
(c) For the purposes of this Agreement, the phrase “proposes to open” a restaurant includes all locations for which active, bona fide negotiations to secure a fee or leasehold interest with the intention of establishing a restaurant are being conducted. Mere ownership, whether through direct or indirect stock holdings or otherwise, of 1% or less of a business shall not constitute a violation of the restriction in Section 11(b)(i) above, unless a greater amount is approved in writing collectively by the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Texas Roadhouse, Inc. Executive is deemed to engage in a business if Executive expects to acquire a proprietary interest in a business or to be made an employee, officer, director, manager, consultant, independent contractor, advisor or otherwise of such business at any time after such possibility has been discussed with any officer, director, employee, agent, or promoter of such business.
(d) Executive agrees that Executive’s experience, capabilities and circumstances are such that these provisions will not prevent Executive from earning a livelihood. Executive further agrees that the limitations set forth in this Section (including, without limitation, any time or territorial limitations) are reasonable and properly required for the adequate protection of the businesses of the Company and its Affiliates. The covenants made by Executive in this Section (and in Sections 8, 9, 10 and 17) will survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement.
12. Injunctive Relief. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the provisions of the forgoing Sections 8, 9, 10 and 11 are reasonable and necessary to protect legitimate interests of the Company and that a remedy at law for any breach or threatened breach of the provisions of Sections 8, 9, 10 and 11 would be inadequate, and so Executive agrees that the Company and any of its Affiliates are entitled to injunctive relief in addition to any other available rights and remedies in cases of any such breach or threatened breach of those Sections. In addition, Executive acknowledges and agrees that an action for an injunction under Sections 8, 9, 10 and 11 may only be brought in the state or federal courts located in Louisville, Kentucky. Executive irrevocably accepts the venue and jurisdiction of those courts for the purposes of any such suit for an injunction, and further irrevocably waives any claim that any such suit has been brought in an inconvenient forum.
13. Non-Assignability. The services to be provided by Executive are personal in nature and therefore neither Executive or Executive’s beneficiaries or legal representatives may assign this Agreement or any right or interest under this Agreement. Any attempt, voluntary or involuntary, to effect any such action will be null, void and of no effect. The Company may assign or delegate this Agreement or any rights and interests under this Agreement to any Affiliate or to any successor to the Company, and Executive will be bound by such assignment or delegation.
| TXRH Executive Employment Agreement – Michael Lenihan Page 11 of 17 |
14. Notification to Future Employers. Executive will notify any future employer of Executive’s obligations under the provisions of Sections 8, 9, 10 and 11.
15. Affiliate. For the purposes of this Agreement, the term “Affiliate” or “Affiliates” means (i) Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and each corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or other entity that directly or indirectly, controls Texas Roadhouse, Inc., (ii) is controlled, directly or indirectly, by Texas Roadhouse, Inc., or (iii) is under common control, directly or indirectly, with Texas Roadhouse, Inc., as well as any entity that owns, operates, manages, licenses or franchises a Texas Roadhouse, Bubba’s 33, or Jaggers (or any future Texas Roadhouse or Affiliate) restaurant concept.
16. Notices. Any notice required under this Agreement must be given in writing and either delivered in person, via email or by first class certified or registered mail, if to the Company, at the Company’s principal place of business: Attn: Texas Roadhouse Legal Department, 6040 Dutchmans Lane, Louisville, KY 40205, and if to Executive, at Executive’s home address most recently filed with the Company, or to such other address as either party has designated in writing to the other party.
17. Dispute Resolution.
(a) Arbitration Agreement. Except as provided in Section 12 and below, all disputes, claims, or controversies between Executive and the Company or any of its Affiliates, or any of their employees, arising out of or in any way related to (i) this Agreement, (ii) the breach, termination, enforcement, interpretation, or validity thereof, or (iii) Executive’s Employment, shall be resolved by arbitration in Louisville, Kentucky, or in an alternate, mutually-convenient location of the parties’ choosing, by one arbitrator, who shall be a lawyer or retired judge with at least ten years’ experience. Executive and the Company and its Affiliates agree to arbitrate those claims whether they arise in contract or tort, assert violations of statutes, regulations, or ordinances, or are based on other legal or equitable theories. Arbitration shall proceed under the rules and procedures of the American Arbitration Association, including its procedures for dispositive motion practice. The parties to the arbitration shall use good faith efforts to complete the arbitration within one hundred fifty (150) days of the appointment of the arbitrator. In any arbitration that Executive commences, the Company will pay the arbitrator’s fees if Executive prevails, or if other applicable law requires the Company to do so. It is expressly agreed that this Agreement evidences a transaction in interstate commerce and that this Section 17(a) is governed by the Federal Arbitration Act. This agreement to arbitrate does not apply to claims for workers’ compensation or unemployment insurance, or any other claims that are not legally subject to private arbitration.
(b) Waiver of Jury Trial and Class or Multiparty Claims. Executive and the Company and its Affiliates voluntarily and knowingly waive any right to a jury trial. In addition, Executive acknowledges that Executive’s relationship with the Company is unique and that there are and will be differences from the relationships the Company may have with other executives. Therefore, any arbitration shall be conducted and resolved on an individual basis only and not on a class-wide, multiple plaintiff or claimant, consolidated or similar basis.
(c) Limitations Period; Deadline to Assert Claims. Executive and the Company and its Affiliates agree that arbitration of any disputes, claims, or controversies shall be initiated within one year of the act or occurrence giving rise to the dispute, claim or controversy, even though that deadline is or may be shorter than the period provided by statutes of limitations that would apply in the absence of this Section. Any claim that is not asserted in an arbitration within one (1) year of the act or occurrence giving rise to it shall be deemed waived.
| TXRH Executive Employment Agreement – Michael Lenihan Page 12 of 17 |
(d) Governing Law & Forum. This Agreement is governed by Federal Arbitration Act and the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky without regard to its conflicts of law provisions. If Executive timely and validly rejects Section 17(a), or otherwise files any claim against the Company or any of its Affiliates that is not subject to Section 17(a), Executive agrees that the state or federal courts located in Jefferson County, Kentucky shall be the exclusive forum for such a claim.
18. Severability. Executive agrees that if any the arbitrator or court of competent jurisdiction will finally hold that any provision of Sections 8, 9, 10, 11 or 17 is void or constitutes an unreasonable restriction against Executive, the provisions of such Sections 8, 9, 10, 11 or 17 will not be rendered void but will apply to such extent as such arbitrator or court may judicially determine constitutes a reasonable restriction under the circumstances. If any part of this Agreement other than Sections 8, 9, 10, 11 or 17 is held by an arbitrator or court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced in whole or in part by reason of any rule of law or public policy, such part will be deemed to be severed from the remainder of this Agreement for the purpose only of the particular legal proceedings in question and such part and all other covenants and provisions of this Agreement will in every other respect continue in full force and effect and no covenant or provision will be deemed dependent upon any other covenant or provision.
19. Waiver. Failure to insist upon strict compliance with any of the terms, covenants or conditions is not a waiver of such term, covenant or condition, nor will any waiver or relinquishment of any right or power be deemed a waiver or relinquishment of such right or power.
20. Nature of Relationship. This Agreement creates an employee-employer relationship. The parties do not intend for this Agreement to create a legal or equitable partnership, a joint venture, or any other relationship.
21. Entire Agreement; Modifications. This Agreement represents the entire agreement between the parties regarding the subject matter and supersedes all prior oral or written proposals, understandings, and other commitments between the parties related to Executive’s employment by the Company and Affiliates, except for any written stock option or stock award agreement between Executive and the Company. This Agreement is binding upon and benefits the parties, their heirs, legal representatives, successors, and permitted assigns. This Agreement may be modified or amended only by an instrument in writing signed by both parties.
22. Beneficial Ownership of Liquor Licenses. If a local or state law requires Executive to be the owner of the liquor license, or to be a member of the entity that owns the liquor license, Executive acknowledges and agree that such ownership is solely for the benefit of the owner of the restaurant and/or the entity holding the liquor license and that Executive is not entitled to compensation relating to the ownership of any liquor license, or relating to the ownership of any member interest in an entity owning a liquor license. Upon termination of Executive’s employment, Executive will relinquish ownership of the liquor license upon request of the Company or the owner of the restaurant, and Executive will surrender, without compensation, any membership interest in an entity owning a liquor license. Executive will execute and deliver any documents that the Company requests in order to effect such transfer of ownership promptly and without consideration.
23. Tax Matters.
(a) Withholding. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Company may withhold from amounts payable under this Agreement all federal, state, local and foreign taxes that the Company determines are required to be withheld by applicable laws or regulations.
| TXRH Executive Employment Agreement – Michael Lenihan Page 13 of 17 |
(b) 409A Compliance Intent. This Agreement is intended to provide for compensation that is exempt from Code Section 409A as separation pay (up to the Code Section 409A limit) or as a short-term deferral, and to be compliant with Code Section 409A with respect to additional compensation under this Agreement. This Agreement shall be interpreted, construed, and administered in accordance with this intent, provided that the Company does not promise or warrant any tax treatment of compensation. Executive is responsible for obtaining advice regarding all questions to federal, state, or local income, estate, payroll, or other tax consequences arising from participation herein. This Agreement shall not be amended or terminated in a manner that would accelerate or delay payment of severance pay or bonus pay except as permitted under Treasury Regulations under Code Section 409A.
(c) Six Month Delay. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(i) (or any successor thereto) on the Date of Termination, any payments under this Agreement that are triggered by termination of employment and which are not exempt as separation pay under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(9) or as short-term deferral pay, shall not begin to be paid until six months after the Date of Termination, and at that time, Executive will receive in one lump sum payment of all the payments (without interest) that would have otherwise been paid to Executive during the first six (6) months following Executive’s Date of Termination. The Company shall determine, consistent with any guidance issued under Code Section 409A, the portion of payments that are required to be delayed, if any.
(d) Termination Must be within 409A to Trigger Payments. For purposes of the timing of payments triggered by the termination, termination shall not be considered to have occurred until the date Executive and the Company reasonably anticipate that (i) Executive will not perform any further services for the Company or any other entity considered a single employer with the Company under Code Section 414(b) or (c) (but substituting fifty percent (50%) for eighty percent (80%) in the application thereof) (the “Employer Group”), or (ii) the level of bona fide services Executive will perform for the Employer Group after that date will permanently decrease to less than twenty percent (20%) of the average level of bona fide services performed over the previous thirty-six (36) months (or if shorter over the duration of service). For this purpose, service performed as an employee or as an independent contractor is counted, except that service as a member of the board of directors of an Employer Group entity is not counted unless termination benefits under this Agreement are aggregated with benefits under any other Employer Group plan or agreement in which Executive also participates as a director. Executive will not be treated as having a termination of Executive’s employment while he is on military leave, sick leave or other bona fide leave of absence if the leave does not exceed six months or, if longer, the period during which Executive has a reemployment right under statute or contract. If a bona fide leave of absence extends beyond six months, Executive’s employment will be considered to terminate on the first day after the end of such six-month period, or on the day after Executive’s statutory or contractual reemployment right lapses, if later. The Company will determine when Executive’s Date of Termination occurs based on all relevant facts and circumstances, in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h).
| TXRH Executive Employment Agreement – Michael Lenihan Page 14 of 17 |
(e) Code Section 280G Cap. If the separation pay described in Section 6(a) plus the value of any other compensation or benefits payable pursuant to any other plan or program of the Company that are deemed to be paid or transferred in connection with the Change in Control (the “CIC Benefits”) are payable to Executive in connection with a Change in Control and, if paid, could subject Executive to an excise tax under Code Section 4999 and any similar tax imposed by state or local law as well as any interest and penalties with respect to such tax(es) (the “Excise Tax”), then notwithstanding the provisions of Section 6, the Company shall reduce the CIC Benefits (the “Benefit Reduction”) to $1.00 below the amount necessary to result in Executive not being subject to the Excise Tax. Executive shall bear all expense of, and be solely responsible for, any Excise Tax should no Benefit Reduction be made. The determination of whether any such Benefit Reduction shall be imposed shall be made by a nationally recognized public accounting firm selected by the Company and reasonably acceptable to Executive, and such determination shall be binding on both Executive and the Company. Such accounting firm shall be engaged by and paid by the Company and shall promptly give the Company and Executive a copy of the detailed calculation of any Benefit Reduction.
[signature page follows]
| TXRH Executive Employment Agreement – Michael Lenihan Page 15 of 17 |
| SIGNED: | EXECUTIVE: | |||
| Dated: | 11/30/2025 | /s/ Michael Lenihan | ||
| Signature | ||||
| Michael Lenihan | ||||
| Printed Name | ||||
| COMPANY: | ||||
| TEXAS ROADHOUSE MANAGEMENT CORP., | ||||
| a Kentucky corporation | ||||
| Dated: | 12/1/2025 | By: | /s/ Gerald L. Morgan | |
| Gerald L. Morgan, President | ||||
| TXRH Executive Employment Agreement – Michael Lenihan Signature Page |
Exhibit “A”
Year 1
Base Salary: $630,000
Incentive Bonus target: Executive will not initially receive an annual short-term cash incentive bonus upon his appointment relating to his partial 2025 fiscal year service. The Compensation Committee will evaluate and establish a target bonus amount for his 2026 fiscal year service in conjunction with the Compensation Committee’s review of the other Named Executive Officer’s compensation for their respective 2026 fiscal year service.
Equity Incentive Grant:
A. Service-Based Restricted Stock Units: Executive will receive a grant of service based restricted stock units equal to $500,000 divided by the closing sales price on December 2, 2025 on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, with such quotient being rounded up or down to the nearest 100 shares. These service based restricted stock units will be subject to certain conditions and limitations set forth in separate RSU Agreements. These service based restricted stock units will be granted on December 3, 2025 and will vest on January 8, 2027, provided Executive is still employed by the Company as of the vesting date.
B. Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units: N/A
| TXRH Executive Employment Agreement – Michael Lenihan |
Exhibit 10.2
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
(Chief Accounting and Financial Services Officer; Keith Humpich)
THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into this 1st day of December, 2025 but effective as of December 3, 2025 (the “Effective Date”) by and between KEITH HUMPICH, whose address is 5312 Saratoga Estates Circle, Louisville, Kentucky 40299 (“CAFSO”), and TEXAS ROADHOUSE MANAGEMENT CORP., a Kentucky corporation having its principal office at 6040 Dutchmans Lane, Louisville, Kentucky 40205 (together its successors and/or assigns, the “Company”).
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Company desires, on the terms and conditions stated herein, to employ CAFSO as the Chief Accounting and Financial Services Officer pursuant to a written employment agreement; and
WHEREAS, CAFSO desires, on the terms and conditions stated herein, to continue to be employed by the Company pursuant to a written employment agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals, and of the promises, covenants, terms, and conditions contained herein, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:
AGREEMENT
1. Employment.
(a) The Company hereby agrees to employ CAFSO as the Chief Accounting and Financial Services Officer, and CAFSO hereby accepts such employment with the Company, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.
(b) CAFSO affirms and represents that CAFSO is under no obligation, including non-competition and/or non-solicitation agreements, to any former employer or other party that restricts or is in any way inconsistent with CAFSO’s acceptance of employment and CAFSO’s subsequent employment with the Company, or is inconsistent with the promises CAFSO is making in this Agreement.
2. Term of Employment. Unless earlier terminated as hereinafter provided, the initial employment term shall be for a period beginning on the Effective Date (the “Employment Date”) and ending three (3) years following the Employment Date (such period referred to as the “Initial Term”). Unless (i) either party gives written notice at least sixty (60) days before expiration of the Initial Term or any Additional Term that they wish to cease the terms of this Agreement being applicable to CAFSO’s continued employment and such employment will then continue “at will” (i.e., be terminable by either CAFSO or the Company at any time and for any reason, with or without cause), and subject to such terms and conditions established by the Company from time to time, or (ii) CAFSO’s employment is earlier terminated as hereinafter provided, the term of CAFSO’s employment under this Agreement will be automatically extended after the Initial Term, under the terms contained herein, on a year-to-year basis (such one-year periods referred to as “Additional Terms”). For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Employment Term” shall mean the Initial Term plus all Additional Terms.
| TXRH Employment Agreement – Humpich Page 1 of 16 |
3. Duties. While CAFSO is employed by the Company during the Employment Term, CAFSO shall be employed as the Chief Accounting and Financial Services Officer of Texas Roadhouse, Inc., and such other titles as the Company may designate, and shall perform such duties and responsibilities as the Company shall assign to CAFSO from time to time, including duties and responsibilities relating to the Company or Affiliates (as hereinafter defined). CAFSO shall report to the Chief Financial Officer of Texas Roadhouse, Inc. or to such other person as designated by the Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”) of Texas Roadhouse, Inc. (as the same may change from time to time). CAFSO will faithfully and to the best of CAFSO’s ability perform CAFSO’s employment duties at such places and times as the Company may reasonably prescribe. Except when approved in advance by the Company, and except during vacation periods and reasonable periods of absence due to sickness, personal injury or other disability, CAFSO will devote CAFSO’s full-time attention throughout CAFSO’s Employment Term to CAFSO’s services as the Chief Accounting and Financial Services Officer. CAFSO will render services exclusively to the Company during the Employment Term, except that CAFSO may engage in other material business activity if such service is approved in writing by the CEO. CAFSO may participate in charitable activities and personal investment activities to a reasonable extent, and CAFSO may serve as a director of business organizations as approved by the CEO, so long as such activities and directorships do not interfere with the performance of CAFSO’s duties and responsibilities under this Agreement. CAFSO will always act in a manner that is in the best interests of the Company, and will use CAFSO’s best efforts, skill and ability to promote the profitable growth of the Company.
4. Compensation.
(a) Salary. As compensation for CAFSO’s services under this Agreement, the Company will pay CAFSO a base salary at the annual rate set forth on Exhibit “A” per fiscal year, or such higher amount as may be determined by the CEO and the Compensation Committee of the Board on an annual basis thereafter (“Base Salary”). Once increased, Base Salary may not be decreased during the Employment Term except for decreases that are applied generally to other executives or members of the leadership team of the Company, in an amount no greater than ten percent (10%). Such Base Salary will be paid in installments at regular intervals in accordance with the Company’s payroll practices and procedures.
(b) Incentive Bonus. CAFSO shall be eligible for an incentive bonus, to be paid no less frequently than annually if and to the extent CAFSO remains employed on its date of payment based upon the incentive bonus program for the Company’s Support Center personnel in director-level and above positions (excluding the named executive officers of Texas Roadhouse, Inc.) in effect from time to time (the “Incentive Bonus”). The level of achievement of the objectives each fiscal year and the amount payable as Incentive Bonus will be determined in good faith by the CEO and the Compensation Committee of the Board. Any Incentive Bonus earned for a fiscal year shall be paid to CAFSO in a single lump sum on or before the date that is 2 ½ months following the last day of such fiscal year. Subject to the achievement of the goals established by the CEO and the Compensation Committee in accordance with this Agreement, for each fiscal year of this Agreement, CAFSO shall be eligible for an annual target incentive bonus of at least the amount set forth on Exhibit “A”, or such higher amount as may be established by the CEO and the Compensation Committee of the Board from time to time.
(c) Equity Incentive Plan. CAFSO will be eligible to participate in the Texas Roadhouse, Inc. 2021 Long Term Incentive Plan or any successor plan thereto at a level and with such awards and conditions as the CEO and the Compensation Committee of the Board may from time to time grant. CAFSO’s initial grant of service based restricted stock units and performance based restricted stock units is set forth on attached Exhibit “A”.
| TXRH Employment Agreement – Humpich Page 2 of 16 |
(d) Benefits. During the Employment Term, CAFSO will be entitled to participate in all employee benefit plans and programs of the Company that are available to employees generally to the extent that CAFSO meets the eligibility requirements for each individual plan or program. The Company provides no assurance as to the adoption or continuance of any particular employee benefit plan or program, and CAFSO’s participation in any such plan or program shall be subject to the provisions, rules and regulations applicable thereto.
(i) Deferred Compensation. During the Employment Term, CAFSO will be eligible to participate in the Company’s then-current Deferred Compensation Plan, subject to the terms of such plan, as those terms may be amended from time to time by the Company in its sole discretion (including terms related to any applicable Company matching program relating to the same).
(ii) Vacations. CAFSO shall be entitled to be absent from CAFSO’s duties for the Company by reason of vacation for a period of four (4) weeks per fiscal year. CAFSO’s vacation time each fiscal year will accrue in accordance with the Company’s normal policies and procedures. CAFSO shall coordinate CAFSO’s vacation schedule with the Company so as not to impose an undue burden on the Company.
(e) Expenses. During the Employment Term, the Company shall reimburse CAFSO for all reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket business, travel and entertainment expenses incurred by CAFSO in the performance of CAFSO’s duties and responsibilities, subject to the Company’s normal policies and procedures for expense verification, documentation and reimbursement intervals. Any reimbursements made under this Section 4(e) must be submitted for payment timely such that it can be paid no later than the last day of CAFSO’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the expense is incurred, or such expense will not be reimbursable.
(f) Clawback Provisions. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement to the contrary, any compensation paid or payable to CAFSO pursuant to this Agreement or any other agreement or arrangement with the Company shall be subject to recovery or reduction in future payments in lieu of recovery pursuant to any Company clawback policy in effect from time to time, whether adopted before or after the date of this Agreement. In furtherance of the foregoing, (A) CAFSO acknowledges and agrees that CAFSO has read, understands, and agrees to be bound by the terms of that certain Texas Roadhouse, Inc. Policy for Recovery of Incentive Compensation dated November 9, 2023 (which was previously provided to CAFSO and which is incorporated herein by reference) (the “Existing Clawback Policy”), and (B) the Existing Clawback Policy shall apply to certain portions of CAFSO’s compensation in the manner specifically described therein. In the event the Company elects, in its sole and absolute discretion, to amend, modify, replace and/or revise the Existing Clawback Policy at any time during the Employment Term, CAFSO agrees to execute and deliver to the Company an acknowledgement and agreement confirming CAFSO’s compliance with such revised clawback policy.
5. Termination.
(a) This Agreement and CAFSO’s employment will terminate if any of the following occurs: (i) termination by the Company for Cause (as hereinafter defined); (ii) termination by the Company without Cause; (iii) resignation by CAFSO for Good Reason (as hereinafter defined); (iv) resignation by CAFSO without Good Reason; (v) CAFSO’s death or long-term disability; and/or (vi) CAFSO’s retirement.
(b) Termination by the Company for Cause. The Company may terminate this Agreement and CAFSO’s employment for Cause at any time without any advance notice, except as provided below. The decision to terminate CAFSO’s employment for Cause shall be in the sole discretion of the Company. If the Company terminates this Agreement for Cause, the Company shall pay to CAFSO only: (i) the Base Salary through the Date of Termination; (ii) any Incentive Bonus not yet paid for any fiscal year that ended before the Date of Termination; (iii) any accrued paid time off that might be due in accordance with policies of the Company in effect from time to time, and (iv) any expenses owed to CAFSO under Section 4(f) above, less any monies CAFSO owes to the Company as of the Date of Termination, to the extent permitted by applicable law (the “Base Termination Payments”). The Company shall have no severance obligations under this Agreement (including the obligation to pay Separation Pay) in the event of a termination for Cause.
| TXRH Employment Agreement – Humpich Page 3 of 16 |
(c) Termination by Company without Cause. If the Company terminates this Agreement without Cause, CAFSO will be entitled to: (i) the Base Termination Payments; and (ii) Separation Pay (as hereinafter defined) calculated and paid in accordance with Section 6 below.
(d) Resignation by CAFSO for Good Reason. If CAFSO resigns for Good Reason within 12 months following a Change In Control, CAFSO will be entitled to: (i) the Base Termination Payments; and (ii) Separation Pay calculated and paid in accordance with Section 6 below.
(e) Resignation by CAFSO Without Good Reason. If CAFSO resigns without Good Reason, CAFSO will be entitled only to the Base Termination Payments. The Company shall have no severance obligations under this Agreement (including the obligation to pay Separation Pay) in the event of a resignation without Good Reason.
(f) CAFSO’s Death or Long-Term Disability. This Agreement will automatically terminate upon CAFSO’s death or long-term disability. In the event of CAFSO’s death, the Company shall pay the Base Termination Payments to CAFSO’s estate. In the event of CAFSO’s long-term disability, CAFSO will be entitled to the Base Termination Payments. In either case, the Company shall have no severance obligations under this Agreement (including the obligation to pay Separation Pay).
(g) CAFSO’s Retirement. If CAFSO retires, CAFSO will be entitled only to the Base Termination Payments. The Company shall have no severance obligations under this Agreement (including the obligation to pay Separation Pay) in the event of a retirement.
6. Separation Payment.
(a) Amount of Separation Pay. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement (including the release condition in Section 6(c) below and delayed start as provided in that subsection and Section 23(c) below), in the event the Company terminates this Agreement without Cause or CAFSO resigns with Good Reason within twelve (12) months following a Change in Control, the Company shall pay the following amounts to CAFSO (as applicable, the “Separation Pay”) in intervals as determined by the Company:
(i) Termination by Company without Cause. (A) an amount equal to one (1) times CAFSO’s then current Base Salary (less applicable withholdings), plus (B) an Incentive Bonus for the year in which the Date of Termination occurs, equal to CAFSO’s target bonus for that year (less applicable withholdings), prorated based on the number of days in the fiscal year elapsed before the Date of Termination, payable at the same time that Incentive Bonuses for such periods are payable to other executives or members of the leadership team whose employment did not end, plus (C) to the extent CAFSO is enrolled in the Company’s insurance plan(s) as of the Date of Termination, an amount equal to the approximate cost of monthly premiums (less applicable withholdings) for a twelve (12) month period for ongoing medical, dental, and vision insurance via a timely election made under the Company’s health plan to the Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act (COBRA) or otherwise.
| TXRH Employment Agreement – Humpich Page 4 of 16 |
(ii) Resignation by CAFSO for Good Reason. (A) an amount equal to one and one-half (1.5) times CAFSO’s current Base Salary (less applicable withholdings), plus (B) an amount equal to one and one-half (1.5) times CAFSO’s then target Incentive Bonus (less applicable withholdings), plus (C) an Incentive Bonus for the year in which the Date of Termination occurs, equal to CAFSO’s target bonus for that year (less applicable withholdings), prorated based on the number of days in the fiscal year elapsed before the Date of Termination, payable at the same time that Incentive Bonuses for such periods are payable to other executives or members of the leadership team whose employment did not end, plus (D) to the extent CAFSO is enrolled in the Company’s insurance plan(s) as of the Date of Termination, an amount equal to the approximate cost of monthly premiums (less applicable withholdings) for an eighteen (18) month period for ongoing medical, dental, and vision insurance via a timely election made under the Company’s health plan to the Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act (COBRA) or otherwise.
Nothing in this Section 6(a) shall be deemed to limit and/or prohibit the payment of amounts that otherwise would be payable to CAFSO for unvested service-based restricted stock units and/or performance-based restricted stock units previously awarded to CAFSO subject to the previously executed stock unit agreement(s).
(b) The Company is not obligated to pay the Separation Pay to CAFSO unless CAFSO has signed a full release of claims against the Company and its Affiliates that is in a form and scope acceptable to the Company (the “Release”), and all applicable consideration periods and rescission periods provided by law have expired. CAFSO must execute and deliver the Release to the Company no later than the date specified by the Company. The Release will be delivered by the Company to CAFSO at least twenty-one (21) days (forty-five (45) days where CAFSO is required to be given forty-five (45) days to review and consider the Release) before the deadline set for its return. If the period of time to consider and revoke the Release spans two (2) tax years, then, in no event may separation pay be paid until the second (2nd) such tax year, even if the Release is signed and nonrevocable sooner.
(c) Further, CAFSO shall not be entitled to Separation Pay if CAFSO fails to return all Company property within CAFSO’s possession or control and settle all expenses owed to the Company on or before the date the Release is executed and returned to the Company.
(d) If CAFSO, at any time before all Separation Pay due under this Agreement is paid, fails to comply with restrictive covenants in this Agreement or any other agreement with the Company, the Company may cease payment and any further amounts due shall be deemed a “disputed payment” for purposes of Code Section 409A-2(g) payable only as and if required as a result of the claim and dispute resolution provisions in Section 17 below.
(e) In no event shall CAFSO be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts, benefits and other compensation payable or otherwise provided to CAFSO after CAFSO’s Date of Termination.
7. Definitions. In addition to terms capitalized and defined in the context where first used, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated below:
(a) Termination for “Cause” means a termination by the Company for one (1) or more of the following reasons, as stated in a written notice of termination:
(i) CAFSO’s conviction of, or being charged with having committed, a felony;
(ii) CAFSO’s acts of dishonesty or moral turpitude that are detrimental to the business of the Company;
| TXRH Employment Agreement – Humpich Page 5 of 16 |
(iii) CAFSO’s failure to obey the reasonable and lawful directions of the Company, including, without limitation, the Company’s policies and procedures (including the Company’s policies prohibiting discrimination, harassment, and retaliation), and the Texas Roadhouse, Inc. Code of Conduct;
(iv) CAFSO’s failure to perform CAFSO’s obligations under this Agreement;
(v) CAFSO’s willful breach of any agreement or covenant of this Agreement or any fiduciary duty owed to the Company; and/or
(vi) CAFSO’s unsatisfactory performance of CAFSO’s duties after: (A) CAFSO has received written notice of the general nature of the unsatisfactory performance and (B) CAFSO has failed to cure the unsatisfactory performance within thirty (30) days thereafter to the satisfaction of the Company. If, during this thirty (30) day timeframe, the Company determines that CAFSO is not making reasonable good faith efforts to cure the deficiencies to the satisfaction of the Company, the Company has the right to immediately terminate CAFSO’s employment. If the Company determines that CAFSO cured the unsatisfactory performance before the conclusion of the thirty (30) day timeframe, any recurrence of the same or similar unsatisfactory performance within twelve (12) months of the conclusion of the thirty (30) day timeframe shall constitute “Cause” for CAFSO’s termination, and CAFSO’s employment may be terminated with no further or additional opportunity to cure the unsatisfactory performance.
(b) A “Change in Control” means that one of the following events has taken place:
(i) consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other entity, other than a merger or consolidation that would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving or resulting entity) more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the surviving or resulting entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation;
(ii) consummation of a sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (other than such a sale or disposition immediately after which such assets will be owned directly or indirectly by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the common stock of the Company immediately before such sale or disposition); or
(iii) any Person becomes the beneficial owner (as determined pursuant to Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) of securities representing in excess of fifty percent (50%) of the aggregate voting power of the outstanding securities of the Company as required to be disclosed in a report on Schedule 13D of the Exchange Act.
Notwithstanding anything in the foregoing to the contrary, the CEO shall have full and final authority, in his or her sole discretion, to determine conclusively whether a Change in Control shall have occurred pursuant to the above definition, the date of the occurrence of such Change in Control, and any incidental matters relating thereto.
For purposes of this Section 7(b), the term “Company” means Texas Roadhouse, Inc.
(c) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
| TXRH Employment Agreement – Humpich Page 6 of 16 |
(d) “Date of Termination” means (A) if CAFSO’s employment is terminated by the Company or by CAFSO other than for Good Reason, the date of receipt of the notice of termination or any later date specified therein (which date shall be not more than thirty (30) days after giving such notice), as the case may be, (B) if CAFSO’s employment is terminated by CAFSO for Good Reason, the thirtieth (30th) day following receipt by the Company of the notice of termination for Good Reason if the Company fails to cure the condition giving rise to Good Reason during the thirty (30) day cure period, or any later date specified therein, as the case may be, provided that such date may not be more than sixty (60) days following the Company’s receipt of the notice of termination.
(e) “Good Reason” given by CAFSO in a notice of termination must be based on one (1) or more of the following circumstances following a Change in Control:
(i) the assignment to CAFSO of a different title or job responsibilities that result in a substantial decrease in the level of responsibility from those in effect immediately before the Change in Control;
(ii) a reduction by the Company or the surviving company in CAFSO’s base pay as in effect immediately before the Change in Control;
(iii) a significant reduction by the Company or the surviving company in total benefits available to CAFSO under cash incentive, stock incentive and other employee benefit plans after the Change in Control compared to the total package of such benefits as in effect before the Change in Control;
(iv) the requirement by the Company or the surviving company that CAFSO be based more than fifty (50) miles from where CAFSO’s office is located immediately before the Change in Control, except for required travel on Company business to an extent substantially consistent with the business travel obligations which CAFSO undertook on behalf of the Company before the Change in Control; or
(v) the failure by the Company to obtain from any Successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company (“Successor”) an agreement to assume obligations under this Agreement.
Provided, however, that Good Reason shall not exist unless the reason set forth is not cured within thirty (30) days after CAFSO has delivered written notice of such condition to the Company and/or to such Successor. Further, in each case, CAFSO must give the Company notice of the condition within ninety (90) days of the initial existence of the condition, and the separation from service must occur within sixty (60) days following notice of termination, or the termination will not be considered to be for Good Reason.
(f) “Person” has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act and used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof, including a “group” as defined in Section 13(d) thereof.
8. Cooperation. CAFSO agrees to cooperate fully with the Company, its attorneys and representatives in any litigation, arbitration or administrative proceeding related to CAFSO’s current or former employment with the Company. Without limiting the foregoing, CAFSO agrees (a) to meet with the Company’s representatives, counsel, or other designees at mutually convenient times and places related to any items within the scope of this provision; (b) to provide truthful testimony regarding same to any court, agency, or other adjudicatory body; and (c) to provide the Company with notice of contact by any non-governmental adverse party or such adverse party’s representative, except as may be required by law. The Company will use reasonable efforts to schedule CAFSO’s cooperation in a manner that avoids causing CAFSO any undue hardship. CAFSO’s obligation to cooperate under this Section 8 extends for five (5) years from the last date on which CAFSO receives any compensation under this Agreement or any amendment and restatement or successor hereto. Nothing herein will prevent CAFSO from providing truthful responses, under oath, in response to a subpoena from any judicial or governmental authority. Further, nothing herein shall require CAFSO to cooperate with the Company regarding any charge or litigation in which CAFSO is a charging or complaining party, or any confidential investigation by a government agency.
| TXRH Employment Agreement – Humpich Page 7 of 16 |
9. Confidentiality and Nondisparagement.
(a) Confidentiality Covenant. CAFSO agrees:
(i) CAFSO’s employment creates a relationship in which the Company places confidence and trust in CAFSO with respect to certain information pertaining to the business of the Company and its Affiliates that CAFSO may receive during CAFSO’s employment by the Company.
(ii) Without the written consent of the Company, CAFSO will not use for CAFSO’s benefit or disclose at any time during or after CAFSO’s employment, except to the extent required by CAFSO’s duties, to the extent of CAFSO’s obligations under Section 14, or as permitted below, any information CAFSO obtains or develops while employed by the Company regarding any actual or potential recipes, suppliers, products, services, employees, documents pertaining to the Company or any of its Affiliates (including, without limitation, this Agreement, franchise agreements, employment agreements and joint venture agreements), financial affairs, systems, applications, or methods of marketing, service or procurement of the Company or any of its Affiliates, or any confidential matter regarding the business of the Company or any of its Affiliates, except information that at the time is generally known to the public or is required to be disclosed by law or legal process, other than as a result of disclosure by CAFSO not permitted under this Agreement (collectively, “Confidential Information”).
(iii) At CAFSO’s request, the Company will tell CAFSO, in writing, whether or not the Company considers any particular item of information to be Confidential Information. CAFSO agrees to contact the Company before CAFSO discloses any information that CAFSO acquired during CAFSO’s employment to determine whether the Company considers the information to be Confidential Information.
(iv) Upon CAFSO’s termination, CAFSO will promptly return to the Company all documents and papers (including all copies, stored electronically or otherwise) relating to Confidential Information and other physical property in CAFSO’s possession that belongs to the Company or any of its Affiliates.
(v) Nothing in this provision prevents CAFSO from communicating with, filing a charge or complaint with, providing documents or information voluntarily or in response to a subpoena or other information request to, or from participating in or otherwise cooperating in an investigation or proceeding conducted by a governmental agency, including but not limited to, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or any similar federal, state, or local agency charged with the enforcement of any laws, and CAFSO shall not need to notify the Company or seek permission before communicating with any such governmental agency.
(b) Binding Effect. CAFSO agrees that the provisions of this Section 9 are binding upon CAFSO’s heirs, successors and legal representatives.
(c) Obligations Additive. CAFSO acknowledges that the obligations imposed by this Section 9 are in addition to, and not in place of, any obligations imposed by applicable statutory or common law.
| TXRH Employment Agreement – Humpich Page 8 of 16 |
(d) Nondisparagement. CAFSO shall not at any time during the Employment Term or for a period of two (2) years after CAFSO’s employment ends, disparage the Company, any of its Affiliates and any of their respective officers and directors.
10. Intellectual Property.
(a) Disclosure and Assignment. As used herein, “Creations” means writings, works of authorship, recipes, formulas, ideas, concepts, inventions, discoveries, and improvements, whether patented, patentable or not and whether copyrighted, copyrightable, or not. Furthermore, as used herein, “Employment Creations” means any and all Creations created, prepared, produced, authored, amended, conceived or reduced to practice by CAFSO whether solely or in collaboration with others while he or she is employed by the Company that: (i) relate in any way to the Company’s business; or (ii) relate to the Company’s actual or contemplated business, research, or development; or (iii) result from any work performed by CAFSO for the Company. CAFSO acknowledges that, by reason of being employed by the Company at the relevant times, to the extent permitted by law, every copyrightable Employment Creation, regardless of whether copyright protection is sought or preserved by the Company, shall be a “work made for hire” as defined in 17 U.S.C. §101, and the Company shall own all rights in and to such Employment Creation throughout the world except to the extent such ownership is waived in writing by the CEO. To the extent the preceding sentence does not apply, as of the Effective Date, CAFSO agrees to transfer and assign and hereby transfers and assigns to the Company (or its designee) all right, title, and interest of CAFSO in and to every Employment Creation. CAFSO further agrees to transfer and assign and hereby transfers and assigns to the Company all Creations created, prepared, produced, authored, amended, conceived or reduced to practice by CAFSO within one (1) year following CAFSO’s termination of employment with the Company (whether voluntary or otherwise), if the Creation is a result of Company’s Confidential Information obtained by CAFSO during CAFSO’s employment with the Company (collectively, “Post-Employment Creations”). CAFSO shall communicate promptly and disclose to the Company, in such form as the Company may request, all information, details, and data pertaining to each Employment Creation and each Post-Employment Creation. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to reduce or limit the Company’s rights, title, or interest in any Employment Creations or Post-Employment Creations so as to be less in any respect than that the Company would have had in the absence of this Agreement except to the extent such ownership is waived in writing by the CEO.
(b) Moral Rights. To the extent any copyrights are assigned under this Agreement, CAFSO hereby irrevocably waives, to the extent permitted by applicable law, any and all claims CAFSO may now or hereafter have in any jurisdiction to all rights of paternity, integrity, disclosure, and withdrawal and any other rights that may be known as “moral rights” with respect to all Employment Creations and Post-Employment Creations and all intellectual property rights therein.
(c) Trademarks. All right, title, and interest in and to any and all trademarks, trade names, service marks, and logos adopted, used, or considered for use by the Company during CAFSO’s employment (whether or not developed by CAFSO) to identify the Company’s business or other goods or services (collectively, the “Marks”), together with the goodwill appurtenant thereto, and all other materials, ideas, or other property conceived, created, developed, adopted, or improved by CAFSO solely or jointly during CAFSO’s employment by the Company and relating to its business shall be owned exclusively by the Company. CAFSO shall not have, and will not claim to have, any right, title, or interest of any kind in or to the Marks or such other property.
| TXRH Employment Agreement – Humpich Page 9 of 16 |
(d) Further Assurances and Documentation. During and after CAFSO’s employment, CAFSO shall, for no additional consideration, reasonably cooperate with the Company to (i) apply for, obtain, perfect, and transfer to the Company the Employment Creations and Post-Employment Creations and any intellectual property rights therein in any jurisdiction in the world; and (ii) maintain, protect, and enforce the same, including, without limitation, executing and delivering to the Company such formal transfers and assignments, applications, oaths, declarations, affidavits, waivers, and such other documents as the Company may request to permit the Company (or its designee) to file and prosecute such registration applications and other documents it deems useful to protect or enforce its rights under this Agreement. The Company will pay all of CAFSO’s reasonable expenses in connection with this cooperation.
(e) Non-Applicability. CAFSO is hereby notified that this Section 10 does not apply to any Creation for which no equipment, supplies, facility, Confidential Information, or other trade secret information of the Company was used and which was developed entirely on CAFSO’s own time, unless (i) the Creation relates in any way to (A) the business of the Company, or (B) the Company’s actual or contemplated business, research, or development; or (ii) the Creation results from any work performed by CAFSO for the Company.
(f) No License. CAFSO understands that this Agreement does not, and shall not be construed to, grant CAFSO any license or right of any nature with respect to any Employment Creations, or any Post-Employment Creations, or any Confidential Information, materials, recipes, software, or other tools made available to CAFSO by the Company.
11. Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation.
(a) During the Employment Term, CAFSO shall faithfully serve the Company to the best of CAFSO’s ability, shall use CAFSO’s best endeavors to promote the interest and welfare thereof, and shall devote the whole of CAFSO’s time, attention and abilities to such duties. By way of example and not limitation, this means that during the Employment Term, CAFSO will not do or say anything that: (i) could advance an interest of any existing or prospective competitor of the Company or any of its Affiliates in any way; or (ii) will or may injure an interest of the Company or any of its Affiliates in its relationship and dealings with existing or potential suppliers or customers.
(b) During CAFSO’s employment and for two (2) years following the termination of CAFSO’s employment (whether under this Agreement or during a successor or “at will” employment period):
(i) CAFSO shall not, directly or indirectly, on CAFSO’s own behalf or on behalf of any person or entity other than the Company, including without limitation as a proprietor, principal, agent, partner, officer, director, stockholder, employee, member of any association, consultant or otherwise, engage in any business that is directly competitive with the business of the Company, including without limitation any business that operates one or more full-service, casual dining steakhouse restaurants within the United States or any foreign country in which the Company or its franchisees or its joint venture partners is operating or in which CAFSO knows the Company or its franchisees or its joint venture partners proposes to open within twenty-four (24) months. The provisions of this Section shall also apply to any business which is directly competitive with any other business which the Company or an Affiliate acquires or develops during CAFSO’s employment with the Company.
(ii) Except as required in the performance of CAFSO’s duties as an employee of the Company, CAFSO shall not, directly or indirectly, (A) hire, engage or solicit or induce or attempt to induce to cease working for the Company, any person who is then an employee of the Company or who was an employee of the Company during the six (6) month period immediately preceding CAFSO’s termination of employment with the Company, nor (B) solicit, request, advise, induce or attempt to induce any vendor, supplier or other business contact of the Company to cancel, curtail, cease doing business with, or otherwise adversely change its relationship with the Company.
| TXRH Employment Agreement – Humpich Page 10 of 16 |
(c) For the purposes of this Agreement, the phrase “proposes to open” a restaurant includes all locations for which active, bona fide negotiations to secure a fee or leasehold interest with the intention of establishing a restaurant are being conducted. Mere ownership, whether through direct or indirect stock holdings or otherwise, of one percent (1%) or less of a business shall not constitute a violation of the restriction in Section 11(b)(i) above, unless a greater amount is approved in writing by the CEO or its designee. CAFSO is deemed to engage in a business if CAFSO expects to acquire a proprietary interest in a business or to be made an employee, officer, director, manager, consultant, independent contractor, advisor or otherwise of such business at any time after such possibility has been discussed with any officer, director, employee, agent, or promoter of such business.
(d) CAFSO agrees that CAFSO’s experience, capabilities and circumstances are such that these provisions will not prevent CAFSO from earning a livelihood. CAFSO further agrees that the limitations set forth in this Section (including, without limitation, any time or territorial limitations) are reasonable and properly required for the adequate protection of the businesses of the Company and its Affiliates. The covenants made by CAFSO in this Section (and in Sections 8, 9, 10 and 17) will survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement.
12. Injunctive Relief. CAFSO acknowledges and agrees that the provisions of the forgoing Sections 8, 9, 10 and 11 are reasonable and necessary to protect legitimate interests of the Company and that a remedy at law for any breach or threatened breach of the provisions of Sections 8, 9, 10 and 11 would be inadequate, and so CAFSO agrees that the Company and any of its Affiliates are entitled to injunctive relief in addition to any other available rights and remedies in cases of any such breach or threatened breach of those Sections. In addition, CAFSO acknowledges and agrees that an action for an injunction under Sections 8, 9, 10 and 11 may only be brought in the state or federal courts located in Louisville, Kentucky. CAFSO irrevocably accepts the venue and jurisdiction of those courts for the purposes of any such suit for an injunction, and further irrevocably waives any claim that any such suit has been brought in an inconvenient forum.
13. Non-Assignability. The services to be provided by CAFSO are personal in nature and therefore neither CAFSO or CAFSO’s beneficiaries or legal representatives may assign this Agreement or any right or interest under this Agreement. Any attempt, voluntary or involuntary, to effect any such action will be null, void and of no effect. The Company may assign or delegate this Agreement or any rights and interests under this Agreement to any Affiliate or to any successor to the Company, and CAFSO will be bound by such assignment or delegation.
14. Notification to Future Employers. CAFSO will notify any future employer of CAFSO’s obligations under the provisions of Sections 8, 9, 10 and 11.
15. Affiliate. For the purposes of this Agreement, the term “Affiliate” or “Affiliates” means (i) Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and each corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or other entity that directly or indirectly, controls Texas Roadhouse, Inc., (ii) is controlled, directly or indirectly, by Texas Roadhouse, Inc., or (iii) is under common control, directly or indirectly, with Texas Roadhouse, Inc., as well as any entity that owns, operates, manages, licenses or franchises a Texas Roadhouse, Bubba’s 33, or Jaggers (or any future Texas Roadhouse or Affiliate) restaurant concept.
16. Notices. Any notice required under this Agreement must be given in writing and either delivered in person, via email or by first class certified or registered mail, if to the Company, at the Company’s principal place of business: Attn: Texas Roadhouse Legal Department, 6040 Dutchmans Lane, Louisville, KY 40205, and if to CAFSO, at CAFSO’s home address most recently filed with the Company, or to such other address as either party has designated in writing to the other party.
| TXRH Employment Agreement – Humpich Page 11 of 16 |
17. Dispute Resolution.
(a) Arbitration Agreement. Except as provided in Section 12 and below, all disputes, claims, or controversies between CAFSO and the Company or any of its Affiliates, or any of their employees, arising out of or in any way related to (i) this Agreement, (ii) the breach, termination, enforcement, interpretation, or validity thereof, or (iii) CAFSO’s Employment, shall be resolved by arbitration in Louisville, Kentucky, or in an alternate, mutually-convenient location of the parties’ choosing, by one arbitrator, who shall be a lawyer or retired judge with at least ten years’ experience. CAFSO and the Company and its Affiliates agree to arbitrate those claims whether they arise in contract or tort, assert violations of statutes, regulations, or ordinances, or are based on other legal or equitable theories. Arbitration shall proceed under the rules and procedures of the American Arbitration Association, including its procedures for dispositive motion practice. The parties to the arbitration shall use good faith efforts to complete the arbitration within one hundred fifty (150) days of the appointment of the arbitrator. In any arbitration that CAFSO commences, the Company will pay the arbitrator’s fees if CAFSO prevails, or if other applicable law requires the Company to do so. It is expressly agreed that this Agreement evidences a transaction in interstate commerce and that this Section 17(a) is governed by the Federal Arbitration Act. This agreement to arbitrate does not apply to claims for workers’ compensation or unemployment insurance, or any other claims that are not legally subject to private arbitration.
(b) Waiver of Jury Trial and Class or Multiparty Claims. CAFSO and the Company and its Affiliates voluntarily and knowingly waive any right to a jury trial. In addition, CAFSO acknowledges that CAFSO’s relationship with the Company is unique and that there are and will be differences from the relationships the Company may have with other executives or members of the leadership team. Therefore, any arbitration shall be conducted and resolved on an individual basis only and not on a class-wide, multiple plaintiff or claimant, consolidated or similar basis.
(c) Limitations Period; Deadline to Assert Claims. CAFSO and the Company and its Affiliates agree that arbitration of any disputes, claims, or controversies shall be initiated within one year of the act or occurrence giving rise to the dispute, claim or controversy, even though that deadline is or may be shorter than the period provided by statutes of limitations that would apply in the absence of this Section. Any claim that is not asserted in an arbitration within one (1) year of the act or occurrence giving rise to it shall be deemed waived.
(d) Governing Law & Forum. This Agreement is governed by Federal Arbitration Act and the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky without regard to its conflicts of law provisions. If CAFSO timely and validly rejects Section 17(a), or otherwise files any claim against the Company or any of its Affiliates that is not subject to Section 17(a), CAFSO agrees that the state or federal courts located in Jefferson County, Kentucky shall be the exclusive forum for such a claim.
18. Severability. CAFSO agrees that if any the arbitrator or court of competent jurisdiction will finally hold that any provision of Sections 8, 9, 10, 11 or 17 is void or constitutes an unreasonable restriction against CAFSO, the provisions of such Sections 8, 9, 10, 11 or 17 will not be rendered void but will apply to such extent as such arbitrator or court may judicially determine constitutes a reasonable restriction under the circumstances. If any part of this Agreement other than Sections 8, 9, 10, 11 or 17 is held by an arbitrator or court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced in whole or in part by reason of any rule of law or public policy, such part will be deemed to be severed from the remainder of this Agreement for the purpose only of the particular legal proceedings in question and such part and all other covenants and provisions of this Agreement will in every other respect continue in full force and effect and no covenant or provision will be deemed dependent upon any other covenant or provision.
| TXRH Employment Agreement – Humpich Page 12 of 16 |
19. Waiver. Failure to insist upon strict compliance with any of the terms, covenants or conditions is not a waiver of such term, covenant or condition, nor will any waiver or relinquishment of any right or power be deemed a waiver or relinquishment of such right or power.
20. Nature of Relationship. This Agreement creates an employee-employer relationship. The parties do not intend for this Agreement to create a legal or equitable partnership, a joint venture, or any other relationship.
21. Entire Agreement; Modifications. This Agreement represents the entire agreement between the parties regarding the subject matter and supersedes all prior oral or written proposals, understandings, and other commitments between the parties related to CAFSO’s employment by the Company and Affiliates, except for any written stock option or stock award agreement between CAFSO and the Company. This Agreement is binding upon and benefits the parties, their heirs, legal representatives, successors, and permitted assigns. This Agreement may be modified or amended only by an instrument in writing signed by both parties.
22. Beneficial Ownership of Liquor Licenses. If a local or state law requires CAFSO to be the owner of the liquor license, or to be a member of the entity that owns the liquor license, CAFSO acknowledges and agree that such ownership is solely for the benefit of the owner of the restaurant and/or the entity holding the liquor license and that CAFSO is not entitled to compensation relating to the ownership of any liquor license, or relating to the ownership of any member interest in an entity owning a liquor license. Upon termination of CAFSO’s employment, CAFSO will relinquish ownership of the liquor license upon request of the Company or the owner of the restaurant, and CAFSO will surrender, without compensation, any membership interest in an entity owning a liquor license. CAFSO will execute and deliver any documents that the Company requests in order to effect such transfer of ownership promptly and without consideration.
23. Tax Matters.
(a) Withholding. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Company may withhold from amounts payable under this Agreement all federal, state, local and foreign taxes that the Company determines are required to be withheld by applicable laws or regulations.
(b) 409A Compliance Intent. This Agreement is intended to provide for compensation that is exempt from Code Section 409A as separation pay (up to the Code Section 409A limit) or as a short-term deferral, and to be compliant with Code Section 409A with respect to additional compensation under this Agreement. This Agreement shall be interpreted, construed, and administered in accordance with this intent, provided that the Company does not promise or warrant any tax treatment of compensation. CAFSO is responsible for obtaining advice regarding all questions to federal, state, or local income, estate, payroll, or other tax consequences arising from participation herein. This Agreement shall not be amended or terminated in a manner that would accelerate or delay payment of severance pay or bonus pay except as permitted under Treasury Regulations under Code Section 409A.
| TXRH Employment Agreement – Humpich Page 13 of 16 |
(c) Six Month Delay. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if CAFSO is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(i) (or any successor thereto) on the Date of Termination, any payments under this Agreement that are triggered by termination of employment and which are not exempt as separation pay under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(9) or as short-term deferral pay, shall not begin to be paid until six months after the Date of Termination, and at that time, CAFSO will receive in one lump sum payment of all the payments (without interest) that would have otherwise been paid to CAFSO during the first six (6) months following CAFSO’s Date of Termination. The Company shall determine, consistent with any guidance issued under Code Section 409A, the portion of payments that are required to be delayed, if any.
(d) Termination Must be within 409A to Trigger Payments. For purposes of the timing of payments triggered by the termination, termination shall not be considered to have occurred until the date CAFSO and the Company reasonably anticipate that (i) CAFSO will not perform any further services for the Company or any other entity considered a single employer with the Company under Code Section 414(b) or (c) (but substituting fifty percent (50%) for eighty percent (80%) in the application thereof) (the “Employer Group”), or (ii) the level of bona fide services CAFSO will perform for the Employer Group after that date will permanently decrease to less than twenty percent (20%) of the average level of bona fide services performed over the previous thirty-six (36) months (or if shorter over the duration of service). For this purpose, service performed as an employee or as an independent contractor is counted, except that service as a member of the board of directors of an Employer Group entity is not counted unless termination benefits under this Agreement are aggregated with benefits under any other Employer Group plan or agreement in which CAFSO also participates as a director. CAFSO will not be treated as having a termination of CAFSO’s employment while he is on military leave, sick leave or other bona fide leave of absence if the leave does not exceed six months or, if longer, the period during which CAFSO has a reemployment right under statute or contract. If a bona fide leave of absence extends beyond six months, CAFSO’s employment will be considered to terminate on the first day after the end of such six-month period, or on the day after CAFSO’s statutory or contractual reemployment right lapses, if later. The Company will determine when CAFSO’s Date of Termination occurs based on all relevant facts and circumstances, in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h).
(e) Code Section 280G Cap. If the separation pay described in Section 6(a) plus the value of any other compensation or benefits payable pursuant to any other plan or program of the Company that are deemed to be paid or transferred in connection with the Change in Control (the “CIC Benefits”) are payable to CAFSO in connection with a Change in Control and, if paid, could subject CAFSO to an excise tax under Code Section 4999 and any similar tax imposed by state or local law as well as any interest and penalties with respect to such tax(es) (the “Excise Tax”), then notwithstanding the provisions of Section 6, the Company shall reduce the CIC Benefits (the “Benefit Reduction”) to $1.00 below the amount necessary to result in CAFSO not being subject to the Excise Tax. CAFSO shall bear all expense of, and be solely responsible for, any Excise Tax should no Benefit Reduction be made. The determination of whether any such Benefit Reduction shall be imposed shall be made by a nationally recognized public accounting firm selected by the Company and reasonably acceptable to CAFSO, and such determination shall be binding on both CAFSO and the Company. Such accounting firm shall be engaged by and paid by the Company and shall promptly give the Company and CAFSO a copy of the detailed calculation of any Benefit Reduction.
[signature page follows]
| TXRH Employment Agreement – Humpich Page 14 of 16 |
| SIGNED: | CAFSO: | |||
| Dated: | 11/30/2025 | /s/ Keith Humpich | ||
| Signature | ||||
| Keith Humpich | ||||
| Printed Name | ||||
| COMPANY: | ||||
| TEXAS ROADHOUSE MANAGEMENT CORP., | ||||
| a Kentucky corporation | ||||
| Dated: | 12/1/2025 | By: | /s/ Gerald L. Morgan | |
| Gerald L. Morgan, President | ||||
| TXRH Employment Agreement – Humpich Signature Page |
Exhibit “A”
Year 1
| Base Salary: | $420,000 |
| Incentive Bonus target: | $300,000 |
Equity Incentive Grant:
Service Based Restricted Stock Units: CAFSO will receive a grant of service based restricted stock units equal to $480,000 divided by the closing sales price on January 7, 2026 on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, with such quotient being rounded up or down to the nearest 100 shares. These service based restricted stock units will be subject to certain conditions and limitations set forth in separate RSU Agreements. These service based restricted stock units will be granted on January 8, 2026 and will vest on January 8, 2027, provided CAFSO is still employed by the Company as of the vesting date.
| TXRH Employment Agreement – Humpich |
Exhibit 99.1
Texas Roadhouse, Inc. Appoints Mike Lenihan as
Chief Financial Officer
Louisville, KY., December 1, 2025 – Texas Roadhouse, Inc. (NasdaqGS: TXRH), named Mike Lenihan the Company’s new Chief Financial Officer, effective December 3, 2025.
Mr. Lenihan has nearly 30 years of finance experience, including the past 22 years in the restaurant industry. Most recently, he served as the Chief Financial Officer at CKE Restaurants, Inc.
As the Company’s principal financial officer, Mr. Lenihan will be responsible for overseeing the Company’s accounting, financial reporting, investor relations, tax, treasury, internal audit, and financial analysis functions.
Jerry Morgan, Chief Executive Officer of Texas Roadhouse, Inc., commented “We are excited to add Mike to our leadership team. Given his extensive finance experience, specifically in the restaurant industry, he understands the business and our operator-first culture.”
The Company also announced the promotions of two senior leaders, Keith Humpich and Sean Renfroe.
Following his successful service as interim Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Humpich was appointed Chief Accounting and Financial Services Officer of the Company. Mr. Renfroe, who previously served as Deputy General Counsel, was named General Counsel and will oversee the Company’s legal department.
About the Company
Texas Roadhouse, Inc. is a growing restaurant company operating predominantly in the casual dining segment that first opened in 1993 and today has grown to over 810 restaurants system-wide in 49 states, one U.S. territory, and ten foreign countries. For more information, please visit the Company’s Web site at www.texasroadhouse.com.
###
Contacts:
| Investor Relations | Media |
| Michael Bailen | Megan Pence |
| (502) 515-7298 | (502) 461-1878 |