Chili's, a popular American casual dining restaurant chain, has been a staple in the food industry for over four decades. Founded in 1975 by Larry Lavine in Dallas, Texas, Chili's has grown to become one of the largest casual dining chains in the world, with over 1,600 locations in more than 30 countries. However, in recent years, the chain has faced significant challenges, including declining sales, increased competition, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, Chili's has been forced to close several locations, leaving many loyal customers wondering when their local Chili's will close its doors for good.
Chili’s Closure Timeline
While Chili’s has not announced a specific closure timeline, the chain has been gradually closing underperforming locations over the past few years. In 2020, Chili’s parent company, Brinker International, announced plans to close up to 40 underperforming locations in the United States. This move was part of a broader effort to streamline operations, reduce costs, and focus on more profitable locations. Since then, the chain has continued to close additional locations, with some reports suggesting that up to 100 Chili’s restaurants may close in the near future.
Reasons Behind Chili’s Closures
So, why is Chili’s closing locations? There are several factors contributing to the chain’s decline. One major reason is the rise of fast-casual dining chains, which have attracted price-conscious consumers away from traditional casual dining restaurants like Chili’s. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the restaurant industry as a whole, with many chains struggling to recover from prolonged closures, reduced capacity, and changing consumer behaviors. Furthermore, Chili’s has faced increased competition from other casual dining chains, such as Applebee’s and Olive Garden, which have invested heavily in marketing, menu innovation, and digital transformation.
| Year | Number of Closures |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 40 |
| 2021 | 20 |
| 2022 | 30 |
Alternatives to Chili’s
If your local Chili’s has closed or is closing soon, don’t worry – there are plenty of alternative dining options to explore. Here are a few suggestions:
- Applebee's: Known for their burgers, salads, and signature appetizers, Applebee's is a great alternative to Chili's.
- Olive Garden: This Italian-American chain offers a wide range of pasta dishes, seafood, and steaks, making it a great option for those seeking a more upscale casual dining experience.
- Red Lobster: Seafood lovers will enjoy Red Lobster's extensive menu, which features a variety of fish, shrimp, and crab dishes.
- Outback Steakhouse: This Australian-themed chain is famous for its steaks, but also offers a range of other menu options, including seafood, chicken, and pasta.
Online Ordering and Delivery Options
In addition to visiting alternative restaurants, you can also explore online ordering and delivery options. Many restaurants now offer delivery through third-party services like Uber Eats, Grubhub, and DoorDash, making it easier than ever to enjoy your favorite foods from the comfort of your own home. Some popular online ordering and delivery options include:
- Uber Eats: Offers delivery from a wide range of restaurants, including local eateries and national chains.
- Grubhub: Provides delivery and pickup options from thousands of restaurants across the United States.
- DoorDash: Offers delivery from a variety of restaurants, including fast food, casual dining, and fine dining establishments.
Will Chili’s close all of its locations?
+No, Chili’s has not announced plans to close all of its locations. While the chain has been closing underperforming locations, it will continue to operate its more profitable restaurants.
What are some alternative restaurants to Chili’s?
+Some alternative restaurants to Chili’s include Applebee’s, Olive Garden, Red Lobster, and Outback Steakhouse. You can also explore online ordering and delivery options through services like Uber Eats, Grubhub, and DoorDash.
How can I find out if my local Chili’s is closing?
+You can check the Chili’s website or social media pages for updates on location closures. You can also contact your local Chili’s directly to ask about their status.
