Chili’s Bounces Back Big with Affordable Menu Items

Chili’s Bar & Grill has turned its business fortunes around, thanks to some wallet-friendly menu additions. This Dallas-based chain, known for its signature baby back ribs and fajitas, recently reported a stunning 14% increase in same-store revenues and a 6. 5% boost in customer traffic. The key to their success? A $10. 99 Big Smasher burger, a $6 margarita, and the $17 Triple Dipper appetizer. These new items have attracted customers of all income levels, as people love a good deal. The Big Smasher burger, in particular, has been a hit since its April debut, offering “twice the beef of a Big Mac” along with chips, salsa, and a drink. The Triple Dipper, another customer favorite, makes up 11% of Chili’s sales. It includes a choice of three dipping items and their sauces. This calorie-busting meal saw a 70% increase in orders during the latest quarter. Fast-food giants like McDonald’s are feeling the heat. McDonald’s has faced slowing growth and an E. coli outbreak this month, contributing to Chili’s gains.Analysts are impressed. JPMorgan Chase’s John Ivankoe called Chili’s results “truly remarkable, ” praising their ability to stand out in a tough market. Smart business moves like these have helped Brinker International, Chili’s parent company, see a 7% stock jump and a 52-week high of $107. 15. The shares have surged 150% this year. Fast food chains are facing new competition, especially in states like California where minimum wages have risen. With almost all fast-food chains raising prices to cover labor costs, casual dining spots like Chili’s are attracting more customers. This shift shows that affordable, high-value meals are what's getting people through the doors.