Discovering the Asheville Artist behind the Texas Roadhouse Murals
1,000+ creative pieces by Asheville’s own: David Soileau
When you dine in at a Texas Roadhouse, you’re likely captivated by the signature steak and sides; but have you ever taken notice of the unique murals decorating the walls of each restaurant? The murals are not mere adornments but localized storytellers. Each restaurant features its own set of murals, familiarly themed to resonate with the local community. The catalyst behind these murals which total more than 1,000 in number across global branches, is a Western North Carolina artist – the Asheville native – David Soileau.
A Peek into Soileau’s Journey
David Soileau traced his passion for art back to his childhood when he was just around six. His natural propensity for science, reminiscent of his physicist father’s career path, was overpowered by his passion for creating visual stories. He pursued his love for art, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a focus in painting from UNC Asheville.
Post-graduation, David moved to Lexington, KY where he met another artist who catalyzed his connection with Texas Roadhouse. Since then, he has returned to his hometown – Asheville, but continues to bring to life city-centric murals for the global steakhouse chain.
Art That Speaks the Language of Community
There are hundreds of Texas Roadhouse locations, each housing four or more custom murals embodying elements of the local culture. While it is daunting for one artist to tackle so many projects, David creates enigmatic art pieces for around 40-50 panels per year. The company contributes by providing a list of staples for each location, or a scene that epitomizes the community’s spirit, and then David proceeds to give these ideas a life of color.
For instance, in the Asheville restaurant, you can spot two intricate works by David – murals of the bears at Chimney Rock and the UNC Asheville cheerleaders. Each mural speaks volumes of the community ambiance, a facet the artist consciously prioritizes.
Finding Freedom in Creativity
Despite juggling a multitude of Texas Roadhouse projects, David also takes up personal commissions, large-scale ventures, and self-inspired art. From pet portraits to symbolic arrangements – he continues to experiment diverse art lanes. A commendable highlight is his mural at Hendersonville’s Police Department, which stands as a poignant memorial for a fallen officer.
While David cherishes the freedom he has in his creative choices, he affirms his desire to focus on personal projects whilst continuing his work with Texas Roadhouse, quietly infusing community spirit into the heart of every restaurant.
