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Why Chili's Rival Is Closing Hundreds of Restaurants - TheStreet
The chain continues closing underperforming restaurants after years of weak differentiation and declining relevance.
Chili's CEO says the chain's comeback comes down to 2 simple principles
By Erin McDowell You're currently following this author! Want to unfollow? Unsubscribe via the link in your email. Chili's is defying a casual-dining slowdown with growth driven by viral menu hits, a focus on value, and a back-to-basics strategy. Chili's Grill & Bar; Robert V Schwemmer/Shutterstock 2026-05-08T16:17:54.109Z Chili's is outperforming casual-dining rivals like Applebee's and Red Lobster in sales and traffic growth. CEO Kevin Hochman credits a simple formula: "Marketing brings them in; ops brings them back." The chain's focus on fundamentals and value is driving its turnaround, he told Business Insider. Chili's has pulled off one of the biggest turnarounds in casual dining, and CEO Kevin Hochman says the strategy behind it isn't complicated. The chain has had steady sales growth over the past four years since Hochman took over as president of parent company Brinker International, which also owns the Italian casual-dining chain Maggiano's."It's two things," Hochman told Business Insider of the company's growth. "We have a saying here: marketing brings them in, and ops brings them back."In other words, flashy ads and viral menu items like the chain's cheese-pulling mozzarella sticks and Triple Dipper appetizer combo, which accounted for 14% of Chili's total sales in early 2025, are a good way to bring customers through the door. Chili's has leaned into marketing and operations to drive growth. Chili's Grill & Bar Hochman said these kinds of organic trends are a key part of the brand's marketing engine, noting that viral posts from microinfluencers and content creators can often drive new customers to try the items themselves. "The marketing has to be exciting," Hochman said. "And then the operators are in charge of creating that experience."Focusing on the fundamentalsHocham isn't focused on chasing gimmicks like drone delivery, which chains like Dave's Hot Chicken and Chipotle have been experimenting with in recent months, Restaurant Business reported. Instead, Hochman said his focus is on the fundamentals that make the in-restaurant experience attractive to new and returning customers.That includes food quality, speedy service, clean restaurants, and a seamless checkout experience.Hochman said some of those changes included a new seasoning shaker with larger holes to cut down on the time it takes to season fries, simplifying the menu to improve consistency, and using iPads to improve order accuracy and speed up service."These are th...
This Restaurant Chain Once Had 200+ Locations - Mashed
The restaurant made our list of popular '80s chains making a comeback, alongside Sizzler and Bennigan's. And according to a 2024 interview with Restaurant Business, new owners Joseph and Nachi Shea purchased the brand due to their love for the original concept.
The only item I've been wanting to make a comeback - Chili Chili
The only item I've been wanting to make a comeback
