11 Weird Facts About Chili’s
Chili’s is home of sizzling fajitas and refreshing margaritas, and you won’t believe these surprising facts about this beloved restaurant.
Chili’s has become an American staple when it comes to casual dining. All across the country– and the world, for that matter– you can count on Chili’s to deliver consistently delicious Southwestern fare and creative, tasty cocktails. Founded in 1975 in Dallas, Texas, Chili’s now has over 1,200 locations in the United States, and has also had some of the most infectious commercial jingles in recent history.
Chili’s is also known for offering options for those with dietary restrictions, including people with allergies and vegetarians, making it a great choice for diners of all ages and all diets. Perhaps most importantly, Chili’s affordable prices ensure that the restaurant caters to everyone. Despite the popularity of the Chili’s franchise, there are still so many stories that occurred behind the scenes that may surprise even the most frequent Chili’s guests.
It all started with a chili cook-off.
In 1967, Larry Lavine attended a chili cook-off in Terlingua, Texas, which inspired him to create his own secret recipe. In 1975, Lavine brought his recipe to the people with the original Chili’s location.
Hamburgers were a menu mainstay from day one.
The original Chili’s menu was simple, and featured chili, six hamburger options, tacos, and only three drinks. The menu began to expand after 1978,
Chili’s grew rapidly during its first eight years.
By 1983, there were 18 Chili’s restaurants, marking wildly impressive growth in a very short amount of time.
Chili’s grew rapidly during its first eight years.
By 1983, there were 18 Chili’s restaurants, marking wildly impressive growth in a very short amount of time.
Chili's was the first sit-down franchise to open on an active Air Force base.
Kadena Air Base, located in Okinawa, Japan, is home to the first Chili’s to open on an active Air Force base. The restaurant opened in 2003.
Chili’s has donated millions to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
Their $60 million donation marks the largest donation by a corporation in the hospital’s history.
The original Chili’s location is now a 7-Eleven.
The first Chili’s was first a post office before it was a restaurant. Today, the same building is now a 7-Eleven convenience store.
In 2004, Chili's went international.
The first European location opened on Germany’s Ramstein Air Force Base.
Chili’s original chili recipe still exists today.
Guests who order a bowl of chili will enjoy the same taste as those who ordered the menu staple in the 1970s, barring a few minor adjustments over the years.
*NSYNC appeared in a Chili’s commercial
In 2002, the world-famous boy band starred in a Chili’s television commercial, drawing in a lot of new customers who adored the pop quintet.
Austin Powers gave Chili’s a shoutout.
In the film Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, Fat Bastard, played by Mike Myers, famously sang the Chili’s jingle.
Nina Derwin is a Brooklyn-based writer with a passion for the art of storytelling. In addition to writing articles for various clients and publications, Nina has written several episodes of scripted television for networks including Starz and Fox.
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