Most of the time you’re in public, you’re on camera—whether you realize it or not.
In 2020, one study found that the average American was captured by security cameras around 238 times per week. Plus, as personal security cameras, like Ring cameras, become ubiquitous, it’s likely that that number has only increased.
Most of the time, it’s easy to see where security cameras are placed if you know where to look. Cast your eyes upwards at any retail location, and you’re sure to spot a handful of security cameras with ease.
However, some say that certain security cameras are a little harder to spot. For example, a few internet users claim that there are security cameras at Texas Roadhouse in a place you’d never suspect.
What’s Going On With This Lightbulb At Texas Roadhouse?
In a video with over 435,000 views, TikTok user Zander Marlow (@zandermarlow) debuts a new conspiracy about Texas Roadhouse. According to him, the lightbulbs over the table are not as they seem.
“Texas Roadhouse so good I bet y’all didn’t even know there’s a camera watching you eat,” he writes in the text overlaying the video.
The camera then pans upward to show the lightbulb in the lamp above the table. Instead of one consistent hue, there’s a dark spot on the bottom of the bulb. Marlow zooms in on this dark spot, seemingly implying that this is where the camera is located.
Are There Really Cameras In The Texas Roadhouse Lightbulbs?
No.
In an email, a Texas Roadhouse spokesperson confirmed that there are no cameras in their lightbulbs.
“There are absolutely no cameras in any of the light fixtures in our restaurant. The lightbulbs we use are called ‘silver dome’ and are used to reflect light back into the fixture, reducing glare and softening brightness. We use them for guest comfort and ambiance,” the spokesperson wrote.
To be clear, Texas Roadhouse, like most chain restaurants, has security cameras. Per the company’s privacy policy, the chain uses “CCTV cameras in our stores for security, fraud, incident reporting and loss-prevention.”
That does not mean that these cameras are located above every table. Though, many on the internet would like you to believe that. Marlow is far from the first to claim that there are hidden cameras in the lightbulbs at Texas Roadhouse. In fact, a simple search on TikTok for “Texas Roadhouse lightbulb” will pull up many other videos of people speculating whether the lightbulb has a camera in it.
So, What’s Going On With These Lightbulbs?
If there’s not a camera in these lightbulbs, why do they look like that?
The answer is simple: these are what are called “silver-tipped lightbulbs,” alternatively called “half-chrome lightbulbs” or “silver bowl lightbulbs.”
A typical bulb shoots light off in many directions. If one is seated directly under the bulb, this can be annoying, as it can be unpleasantly harsh while causing significant glare.
To resolve this issue, some choose to replace their standard bulbs with silver-tipped ones. The silver tip acts as a reflective coating, casting the light back toward the base and, in the process, diffusing it.
These bulbs are commonly used in settings similar to what was shown in Marlow’s video. By diffusing light, the bulbs prevent harsh shadows, creating a warmer, more inviting environment. This is why they are typically found over commercial dining tables or spaces that would benefit from diffused, indirect light, such as kitchen islands or workspaces.
Commenters Aren’t Buying It
In the comments section, many users said they didn’t believe Marlow’s claims that the bulb was anything more than a light source.
“That’s a light defuser so the light isn’t blinding you,” noted a commenter.
“As a former Texas Roadhouse server that’s just a light bulb,” echoed another. “its not that serious.”
“You have no idea how insanely expensive and impractical it would be for a modest restaurant to have even normal cameras over every table,” noted a third.
“I literally have the same bulb in the light over my dining table,” shared a further TikToker.
@zandermarlow Crazy follow for more #foryoupage #trending #viralvideo #blowthisuptiktok #FORYOUPAGE @Bralyn b 💗
BroBible reached out to Marlow via Instagram and X direct messag.