Chili’s Bar and Grill was originally a single Dallas restaurant that has now expanded to 1400 restaurants in 49 states (all but Alaska) and 30 countries across the globe, including Bahrain, Egypt, El Salvador, Germany, India, Kuwait, Qatar, Singapore, Russia, and more. Today, Chili’s continues to expand not only its locations, but its concept as well, creating a health conscious menu, updating its look, and even launching into restaurant delivery in San Antonio and across the US.
Chili’s started off as a small local business on Greenville Avenue in Dallas. In 1975 Larry Lavine opened it as a casual burger joint, and it was so successful that by the early 80’s, there were 28 locations in the region. Its original menu was limited and featured burgers, tacos, and, of course, chili. In 1976, Lavine opened a second location in Houston. Both of these locations were decorated in much the same way as Chili’s is today. In 1983, Lavine sold the company to Norman E. Brinker, who continued to expand the menu and the locations. In 1984, under Brinker’s management, Chili’s introduced the fajitas, which has now become a signature menu item. At the same time, the chain began serving a wider variety of foods, including salads, wings, and chicken sandwiches. In 1986, Baby Back Ribs were added to the menu, and the famous jingle “I Want My Baby Back, Baby Back, Baby Back” was first heard on TV. A second version of this jingle was aired in 1996, making it even more ubiquitous in American culture. It then appeared in Austin Powers and was sung in a commercial by N’SYNC. Though margaritas had been on the menu since the original location opened, in 1994, Chili’s introduced the Presidente Margarita, a top-tier margarita shaken tableside. In 1996, Chili’s expanded their burger menu, introducing the Big Mouth Burger. In recent years, Chili’s has responded to the obesity crisis and introduced an extensive “Lighter Choices Menu,” including salmon, tilapia, steak, grilled chicken sandwiches, and margarita chicken.
Since its humble beginnings, Chili’s has expanded tremendously. In 1991, Chili’s went international, with its first location in Canada. In the following year, a Chili’s opened in Mexico. In 1994, the first Middle Eastern location opened in Egypt. 1997 found a location in South Korea, and by 2002, Chili’s could be found in 22 countries across the world.
Throughout all this growth, Chili’s has found ways to bring convenience and service to their loyal customer base. Carside service and to-go orders are common, but what many may not be aware of is the restaurant delivery in San Antonio and elsewhere in the country. Through third party companies, you can order from Chili’s, and the third party will deliver it straight to your doorstep. From its humble beginnings in Dallas, Chili’s has quickly risen to be a model of the American dream of business ownership. Whether you eat at the restaurant or choose to enjoy restaurant delivery in San Antonio, when you eat from Chili’s you know you are benefitting from the hard work and visionary business acumen of true American entrepreneurs.
