Chili’s Grill & Bar originally expanded to the UK in the 1990s, but by 2009 all of its sites had closed – now the American chain plans to make a comeback with up to 100 new restaurants
An American fast food chain that shut its last UK restaurant 17 years ago is gearing up to make a comeback on British shores.
US Tex-Mex giant Chili’s Grill & Bar has announced plans to open a flagship UK venue within the next 12 to 18 months, representing a fresh bid to crack the market once more.
This isn’t the brand’s first stint in Britain — Chili’s originally made its way to the UK during the 1990s, running nine restaurants in locations including Cambridge, Reading and London’s Canary Wharf. By 2009, however, every single one of those sites had closed and Chili’s vanished from the UK altogether. The forthcoming launch represents a determined effort to re-establish the brand after more than a decade’s absence.
READ MORE: EasyJet flight makes urgent landing as captain announces ‘there’s something in hold’READ MORE: UK weather maps show when -1C freeze will end heatwave – just 5 counties at 10C
Chili’s is plotting its big UK comeback by joining forces with The Franchising Centre, a partnership intended to help the chain rebuild its presence after years away from British high streets.
As part of this bold strategy, the company is considering opening as many as 100 restaurants across major cities and suburban locations alike, representing a far more ambitious expansion than anything it attempted during its previous UK venture, reports the Express.
John Overdijking, franchise recruitment specialist at The Franchise Centre, told Propel Hospitality that they see ‘significant’ scale opportunities for Chili’s here, estimating the firm could have ’85 to 100 restaurants nationwide’.
He said: “Chili’s is best known for its full-service restaurants, [but] the brand has flexible formats, including full-service restaurants (3,000-3,500 square feet), standard casual dining (2,500- 3,500 square feet) and fast-casual (1,500- 2,500 square feet).
“This opens up potential for compact urban sites, travel hubs, and even non-traditional locations over time. However, its initial focus will lean more toward full-service.”
Founded in Texas in 1975 by Larry Lavine, and now owned and operated by Brinker International, Chili’s is celebrated not only for its Tex-Mex cuisine but also as the backdrop for the Dundies awards ceremony in series two of the American version of The Office.
The menu stays true to its Tex-Mex heritage, serving up everything from crispy chicken and full racks of ribs to fajitas, burgers, salads, soups and, of course, lashings of chilli.
