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Last Updated:
2024-09-22 08:20:01

Chili's

American casual dining restaurant chain
American casual dining restaurant chain

Chili's Grill & Bar, founded in 1975 in Texas by Larry Lavine, is owned and operated by Brinker International. It is a popular casual dining restaurant chain in the United States.

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1967
Larry Lavine Attends Inaugural Terlingua Chili Cook-off

In 1967, Larry Lavine attended the first Terlingua Chili Cook-off, which inspired him to create a new culinary experience. This led to the birth of Chili's Grill and Bar, a place known for burgers, friends, and Southwestern spirit.

1975
Foundation of Chili's

Chili's was founded in 1975, creating a culture of support and passion among its employees known as ChiliHeads.

1976
Opening of Second Chili's Location in Houston

In 1976, Chili's opened its second location in Houston, expanding its presence in the casual dining industry. This marked a significant milestone in the growth of the restaurant chain.

1981
Chili's Relocation

The original Chili's location on Greenville Avenue in Dallas, Texas, moved to a new building on the same site in 1981.

1983
Larry Lavine leaves Chili's in the hands of Norman Brinker

In 1983, Larry Lavine handed over the control of Chili's to Norman Brinker and his firm, Brinker International. Lavine, however, remained active in the restaurant business.

1984
Norman Brinker purchases Chili’s

In 1984, Norman Brinker acquired Chili's restaurant chain.

1986
Added Fajitas to Our Menu

In 1986, Chili's introduced fajitas to its menu, popularizing the dish in America.

1994
Introduced Our Legendary Ribs

In 1994, Chili's introduced their famous ribs along with a memorable jingle.

1996
Chili's Advertising Jingle

Chili's advertising jingle, 'I want my baby back, baby back, baby back...', was sung by a doo-wop quartet, Take 6, in 1996. The jingle was known for its catchy tune and was revived in 2017 for a new menu promotion.

1997
We’re #1 in margarita sales in the U.S.

By 1997, Chili's had become the top seller of margaritas in the United States.

1999
Brinker Family Fund Founded

The Brinker Family Fund was established in 1999 to provide support to Chili's team members in need.

2002
Mike Myers Sang Our Jingle in an Austin Powers movie

In 2002, actor Mike Myers sang Chili's jingle in an Austin Powers movie, giving the brand additional exposure.

2005
Chili’s Raises $14,000 for St.Jude in its first year with the Create-A-Pepper campaign

In 2005, Chili's raised $14,000 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital through their Create-A-Pepper campaign.

2007
Chili's Second Relocation

Chili's on Greenville Avenue in Dallas, Texas, relocated again to a new building in 2007.

2008-06-05
Chili's Healthier Offerings Controversy

In 2008, a class-action suit was filed against Brinker International for misleading nutritional values of items like the 'Guiltless Black Bean Burger'.

2009
Chili's Employee Termination and Re-employment

In 2009, a Chili's employee was fired for sexual harassment but later re-employed due to public outrage.

2012
Demolition of the original Chili's building

The original building of the first Chili's location, which was replaced in 1981, was torn down in 2012. The restaurant had been closed for five years by then.

2013
Create-A-Pepper Campaign Fundraiser

In 2013, Chili's launched the Create-A-Pepper Campaign which successfully raised $50,000 for St. Jude's charity.

2015
Larry Lavine's support for Emilia Flores and Taco Stop

Even after leaving Chili's, Larry Lavine continued to support Emilia Flores and Taco Stop. His mentorship and friendship with Flores showcased his dedication to the restaurant industry.

2017-09
Chili's Menu Reduction

In September 2017, Chili's dropped about 40 percent of its menu items to focus on burgers, ribs, and fajitas.

2018
Brinker's Women Taking the Lead Initiative

In 2018, Brinker started the Women Taking the Lead initiative to promote dialogue on the impact of female leadership within the company.

2020-02
Chili's 'Laugh so hard you pee a little' Marketing Campaign

In February 2020, Chili's announced a new marketing campaign encouraging people to 'laugh so hard you pee a little.' The campaign was focused on 'Out to 'Ita' and used elements of ASMR.

2021
Diversity and Inclusion at Chili's

Chili's promotes a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where individual strengths and stories are respected and valued. They celebrate differences in gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, age, cultural background, and life experience.

2022
Chili's Team Members Diversity

Chili's values diversity among its team members, recognizing that each individual is unique and contributes to the strength of the team. The inclusive environment fosters a sense of belonging and respect for all members.

End of the Timeline
Chili's
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