Chili’s saw an uptick in total revenue of about $281 million for the second quarter, compared to last year, climbing from $927.2 million to $1.208 billion.
DALLAS — Chili’s is apparently having a moment.
The Dallas-founded restaurant’s parent company, Brinker International, reported in an earnings report on Wednesday that sales at Chili’s have “accelerated” 31%, compared to previous marks, an increase that was driven by a nearly 20% increase in traffic to the chain’s numerous locations.
The earnings report was for Brinker’s second quarter, which was October through December, based on the company’s fiscal year calendar.
Chili’s saw an uptick in total revenue of about $281 million for the second quarter, compared to last year, climbing from $927.2 million to $1.208 billion.
Brinker CEO and Chili’s president Kevin Hochman on the earnings call attributed Chili’s growth to “increased promotional activity” and marketing over the last three years.
“Marketing is doing a great job of bringing guests in and putting Chili’s back in culture again,” Hochman said. “In short, Chili’s is broadly relevant again and delivering a guest experience that has restored its leadership position in casual dining.”
On specifics, Hochman pointed out Chili’s recent upgrades on higher-quality foods, including better quality chicken breasts on each entree and fresh-made guacamole. Hochman said fajitas and ribs will be the next items to receive an upgrade.
Hochman also mentioned the Triple Dippers and Crispers as “high-growth items” on the menu.
The Triple Dippers, specifically, have been part of an overall social media campaign by Chili’s – as most people on TikTok can attest. Chili’s has also rolled out TV ads with a “better than fast food” angle, as Hochman also noted.
Hochman also teased a new option for Chili’s’ “3 For Me” menu item that will feature a “famous, very familiar taste profile.”
The booming revenues reported by Chili’s drew plenty of industry attention this week. A CNN Business article declared: “Chili’s is America’s hottest restaurant.”
Maggiano’s is also part of Brinker International and it saw a sales growth of $1.8% for the second quarter.
Brinker’s stock price (NYSE: EAT) has climbed from around $42 per share last January to around $180 per share this week.
Chili’s has long been owned by Brinker, a major restaurant group headquartered in North Texas. The restaurant was originally founded by Larry Lavine in 1975 in Dallas. Its first location was at an old post office building on Greenville Avenue. Now, Chili’s has over 1,600 locations across the world.
