Chili’s, a well-known restaurant chain recognized for its relaxed dining ambiance, has recently been at the center of speculations claiming that it’s shutting down all its locations. These claims have quickly disseminated across various social media platforms, stirring worry among numerous internet users.
Social Media Claims
Rumors about Chili’s closing down began circulating on various social media platforms. One notable post from a media page stated, “Chili’s Is Shutting Doors Across America in 2024,” and it garnered over a thousand shares.
Many users have expressed regret over these viral claims.
Fact-Check
Upon a detailed examination of these circulating claims, we have found that the rumors about Chili’s closing down are not based on any credible evidence. In response to these rumors, the official account of Chili’s restaurant has actively refuted them by directly responding to several posts on ‘X’ that allege its imminent closure.
https://twitter.com/Chilis/status/1790980511055356224
These responses clearly deny such rumors, further reinforcing the fact that these claims are unfounded and lack credibility.
Brinker International, Chili’s parent company, recently released updates for their entire fiscal year 2024 guidance. The updates project a net income per diluted share (excluding special items, non-GAAP) between $3.80 and $4.00. They also expect total revenues to fall within the range of $4.33 billion to $4.35 billion and anticipate capital expenditures to be around $185 million. This forward-looking financial guidance clearly demonstrates Brinker International’s active planning for the future and offers no indications of any impending shutdown of all Chili’s locations. (Source)
Fact Crescendo reached out to Chili’s about this matter. The spokesperson for Chili’s clarified in an email as follows:
“Recently, there have been several articles and social conversations that include misinformation and mischaracterizations about the state of our business. The fact is, Chili’s reported sales growth for its last quarter significantly better than restaurant industry averages, and Chili’s is growing in popularity throughout the country. Guests are excited about our new Big Smasher Burger, which is an unbeatable value at $10.99 for the burger, fries, bottomless chips and salsa and a bottomless non-alcoholic drink on our 3 for Me menu. We will continue to offer the best value in the restaurant industry.
Being an industry leader with 1,500 restaurants, we regularly review the performance of our restaurants. At times, like all leading national restaurant chains, we make a tough decision to close one, which is not a negative indicator of our overall brand health.”
Chili’s Grill & Bar, an American casual dining restaurant chain, was established by Larry Lavine in Texas in 1975. The first Chili’s restaurant, a converted postal station, was located on Greenville Avenue in the Vickery Meadows area of Dallas, Texas. Lavine aimed to provide a range of hamburgers at reasonable prices in an informal, full-service dining setting.
By 1983, the restaurant chain had grown to include 23 outlets across six states. That year, it was purchased by Norman Brinker. Brinker guided the transformation of Chili’s from “Hamburger Hippies” to its current status in the restaurant industry.
Chili’s, known for its American and Tex-Mex cuisine and Mexican-inspired dishes, now has over 1,600 locations across 27 countries and two territories.
Summary
In conclusion, the rumors spreading on social media about Chili’s closing all of its locations are unfounded. The restaurant chain has affirmed that it is not closing down. Additionally, its parent company, Brinker International, reports that Chili’s is performing well.
Additional Sources:
https://www.zippia.com/chili-s-careers-19027/history
