The US Tex-Mex dining brand Chili's Grill & Bar is making a major comeback in the United Kingdom, with plans to open up to 100 restaurants nationwide. The chain, which first entered the UK market in the 1990s and operated nine locations before closing all of them in 2009, has confirmed it will partner with The Franchising Centre to re-enter the British market.
Flagship Site Within 12-18 Months
Chili's intends to open a flagship restaurant in the UK within the next 12 to 18 months. The brand is targeting cities such as London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Glasgow, Liverpool, Milton Keynes, Reading, and Solihull for its new locations. John Overdijking, franchise recruitment specialist at The Franchise Centre, told Propel Hospitality that the company sees 'significant' scale opportunities in the UK, estimating between 85 and 100 restaurants could be established.
Flexible Formats for Urban and Suburban Sites
Chili's is known for its full-service restaurants, but the brand also offers flexible formats. These include full-service restaurants (3,000-3,500 square feet), standard casual dining (2,500-3,500 square feet), and fast-casual options (1,500-2,500 square feet). This flexibility opens up potential for compact urban sites, travel hubs, and non-traditional locations. However, the initial focus will lean toward full-service dining.
History and Menu
Founded in Texas in 1975 by Larry Lavine, Chili's is now owned and operated by Brinker International. The chain gained fame for its appearance on the American version of The Office, where it hosted the Dundies awards. The menu features Tex-Mex cuisine, including crispy chicken, full racks of ribs, fajitas, burgers, salads, soups, and chili.
Customer Reception
In the US, reviews are mixed. On Reddit, customers have called Chili's a 'guilty pleasure' and 'the best' chain restaurant in America, while others describe the food as 'classic' and 'just ok.' On TripAdvisor, many branches rate between 3 and 4 stars. Some reviewers praise the value and huge portions, while others find the food average or even awful. The chain is known for its deals, such as a starter, main course, and drink for $10.99 (around £8.18).
The UK market has seen a wave of US food chains expanding recently, including Dave's Hot Chicken, Popeyes, Chick-fil-A, and Magnolia Bakery. Chili's return marks another major American brand betting on British appetite for international dining.
